Choosing incontinence pads
Incontinence pads sit inside your own underwear and catch bladder leaks. They suit light to moderate leaks for women and men who are up and about. The right pad is the lightest one that stays dry for the time you need it.
Period pads are not the same thing. They are made for a slow flow, while a bladder leak comes fast, so a continence pad pulls it away from the skin much quicker.
Liners, pads and shaped pads
Liners are thin, for drips when you cough, laugh or lift. Pads such as Poise pads or the MoliCare Premium Lady Pad 5 Drop hold a moderate leak. Shaped pads like iD Form and Lille Suprem Form are large and hold a heavy leak. They are worn with stretch net pants, not normal underwear.
Men have their own shape. Guards and pouches, such as Tena Men Active Fit or Depend Men Guards, are cupped at the front where the leak lands.
Absorbency first
The drop rating or ml figure on the pack shows how much a pad holds. MoliCare rates out of 10, so its 5 drop pad suits a moderate leak. Our drop system guide explains how the brands compare.
If a pad is full or leaking before you change it, go up a level. If it's barely damp, try a lighter one. You'll spend less and it's more comfortable.
The main pads compared
| Pad | Absorbency | Pack | Price | Per piece |
| Poise Extra Plus Pads | Extra Plus | 20 | $13.99 | $0.70 |
| iD Expert Light Maxi | 668ml | 28 | $21.99 | $0.79 |
| Depend Men Guards | Light to moderate | 12 | $9.95 | $0.83 |
| MoliCare Lady Pad 4 Drop | 4 of 10 | 14 | $12.95 | $0.93 |
| MoliCare Lady Pad 5 Drop | 5 of 10 | 14 | $14.95 | $1.07 |
| Poise Overnight Pads | Overnight | 8 | $8.99 | $1.12 |
| Tena Pads Maxi Night Extra Long | Night | 14 | $15.95 | $1.14 |
| MoliCare Men Pad 4 Drop | 4 of 10 | 14 | $19.95 | $1.43 |
| Tena Men Active Fit Level 2 | Level 2 | 10 | $15.95 | $1.60 |
| Tena InstaDRY Long Length | Long | 8 | $12.95 | $1.62 |
| iD Form Super shaped pad (Size 2) | 2900ml | 21 | $34.99 | $1.67 |
| Lille Suprem Form Maxi shaped pad | 2920ml | 20 | $39.99 | $2.00 |
Prices are for the pack size shown and can vary by size. Per piece is the pack price divided by the count.
When a pad isn't enough
If you're using two pads at once or changing every hour, a pad is the wrong product. Move to adult nappy pants, or adult nappies with tabs if you're changed lying down. At night, a Kylie bed pad under the sheet is a good second line.
NDIS and repeat orders
Continence products come from the NDIS core budget with no quote or OT report, as long as continence relates to the plan. We're NDIS registered (4050144759). Choose NDIS funding at checkout and we invoice your plan manager or the NDIA, with no card needed. Self managed participants pay and claim.
Pads run out on a schedule, so set up monthly auto-delivery and they arrive before you need them.
Common questions
What's the difference between incontinence pads and liners?
Liners are thin and hold drips. Pads are thicker and hold a moderate leak. If a liner is soaked through, move to a pad.
Can I use period pads for bladder leaks?
It's better not to. Period pads are made for a slow flow and don't pull a fast bladder leak away from the skin, so they feel wet and can smell.
Are there incontinence pads for men?
Yes. Guards and pouches from Tena, Depend, iD and Lille are shaped for men and sit in close-fitting underwear.
Can I get incontinence pads through the NDIS?
Yes, from the core budget. Choose NDIS funding at checkout, or read our NDIS continence guide.
Not sure where to start?
Try the pharmacist incontinence recommender. It takes two minutes.
Two minutes with a pharmacist
Tell Nadim how much you leak and when. He'll name the pad and the absorbency.
Call 1300 216 888
