Best Postpartum Diapers for Adults (2023)

Best Postpartum Underwear

In this article, we shall talk about some of the finest postpartum diapers and disposable underwear to use after delivery.

The first few days after birth are just messy. Hospitals normally provide women with diapers, disposable mesh underwear, or pads to absorb lochia.

However, you may need to get more before being used at home or at the hospital.

Adult diapers and incontinence underwear can be worn even at home when your water breaks before you get to the hospital. You can also wear them when water keeps leaking during labor. They not only help to prevent a messy situation but also provide a soft and comfortable cushion to delicate areas after delivery.

Best postpartum diapers and disposable underwear review

Always discreet underwear is designed to be super absorbent so that it can be worn not only during the day but also at night.

It is made from a cotton-like fabric that is soft and breathable with a soft waistband that stretches.

It differs from other postpartum underwear in that it keeps you dry throughout the day thanks to the RapidDry Core that covers the front as well as the back. The core pulls, traps, and locks wetness and bad odor away.

In addition, an OdorLock technology has been incorporated into the diapers to neutralize odor. This coupled with the light and fresh scent allows you to remain confident throughout the day.

You do not have to worry about leaking through the legs because the Double Leak Guards are meant to contain leaks by keeping wetness away from the edges.

Always Discreet panties are contoured so that they fit you comfortably and smoothly without showing through clothes.

The underwear is delivered in discreet packaging containing 3 feminine designs. They are also designed in a range of sizes so you can choose your size.

Pros

• Highly absorbent
• Keeps you dry
• No leaking on the sides
• Locks odor away
• Very comfortable
• Discreet through clothing

Cons

• Some users find the light perfume meant to mask odor too strong.

If you are looking for super absorbent postpartum underwear, then go for incontinence diapers or underwear made by Tena.

These product has been designed targeting absorption zones where most liquid needs to be absorbed. These zones have three layers of soft material laminated together to ensure they are super absorbent.

Despite the layers of absorbent material, the underwear has a perfect fit that hugs the body comfortably and prevents it from showing through your clothes.

In addition, they are made from a soft material with a waistband that stretches so it does not fit too tightly on your waist especially if you have had CS.

The legs have elastic gathers that prevent leaks too.

Pros

• They cover are a large surface
• Super absorbent for after birth
• Very comfortable
• Perfect fit
• Not noticeable under clothing
• Do not leak at all

Cons

• Some users found that they tend to be a bit bulky when full. However, it is recommended that you choose lighter versions of this diaper if the bulkiness bothers you.

Best Depends for postpartum bleeding

Depends are among the most recommended postpartum diapers just like those we have reviewed above. However, there are different types of Depends for postpartum, which we shall review below. The type to choose from depends on the absorbency you want.

Depend Fit-Flex, for instance, have the fastest absorbency since they are made from a material that absorbs very fast leaving you dry and comfortable.

Night Defense Depends are designed to be worn overnight to provide you with maximum protection when lying down. Their absorbency is a little extra and they have a perfect fit to prevent leaks while you sleep.

Silhouette Active Fit Depends have a moderate absorbency and are perfect for moms who have an active lifestyle.

, on the other hand, have a high absorbency and a feminine design. Hence, they can be worn like regular underwear.

Depend Silhouette incontinence underwear

These incontinence briefs are great for postpartum care and hygiene.

As the name suggests, Depend Silhouettes are discreet in that they do show through clothes. They are thin with a feminine design that gives them a sleek fit so that they do not show even when worn under leggings or fitted pants.

Although they have a built-in pad, which does not bulge under clothing, they feel very comfortable like normal underwear or the mesh panties given at the hospital.

In addition, the waistband band is elastic for easy putting on and off and leg elastics to prevent leaking through the legs. So you can wear them and feel comfortable as you continue with your daily activities.

They hold a lot of fluid thanks to the ultra-absorbent pad that ensures maximum absorbency. Also, the elastic around the legs ensures that all fluid is contained to prevent leaks.

These disposable postpartum underwear are made of cotton-like soft fabric that is strong enough so the underwear does not tear easily. They come in a variety of colors such as purple, beige, and black and in different sizes like small, medium-large, or extra-large.

But most importantly, Silhouette incontinence briefs are fragrance-free, latex-free, and lotion-free.

Pros

• Super absorbent
• Do not show throw clothing
• Fits well
• Very comfortable
• Breathable material
• Do no leak
• Strong fabric
• Elastic waistband
• Available in different sizes
• Available in an exclusive range of colors (purple, beige, and black)

Cons

• The dye on the fabric tends to run off on clothing
• They leave you feeling a bit wet; hence, must be changed frequently

The majority of women prefer these over the mesh underwear due to several reasons. One is that despite being super soft, the fabric is strong enough so they do not tear easily.

In addition, the underwear is made of form-fitting elastic strands that stretch to give you a discreet fit without bulging or forming lines under your clothes.

The elastic strands also make fit-flex underwear flexible and lightweight compared to other adult diapers.

In addition, they are made of a material that absorbs very fast so that you remain dry throughout the day. The super absorbent padding that runs from the front to the back giving you extra protection against heavy leaks. The padding also absorbs liquid very quickly leaving you dry and protected all day.

The elastic on the legs also helps to prevent leaks through the legs.

They are much better than maxi maternity pads because they do not move around and fit perfectly, which prevents leaks.  For really heavy flow especially the first few hours after delivery, you can add maternity pads on the fit-flex underwear for maximum protection.

They come in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes. So you can choose your size or if you’re not sure, contact the company for sizing assistance.

If you are wondering how many of this will you need, get about 2 or 3 packs for the first six weeks. The good thing is that they have a pad-like lining so you can use them even when the bleeding lessens.

Pros

• Super soft, smooth, and comfortable
• Absorbs very fast and do not leak
• Breathable hence not sweating
• Unscented
• Flexible and perfect fitting
• Available in different sizes and designs
• Do not show through clothing
• They are delivered in discreet packaging

Cons

• Some users have found the small size still too big for them

The Silhouette active fit can be worn as you do your daily chores. They have a thin design so that they can be worn under clothing and remain discreet. They actually feel like normal panties and absorb moderately.

The smooth and sleek fit allows you to wear them even under yoga pants since they cannot be seen through.

They have a cotton-like fabric that is not only breathable but also stretches a bit so that it can fit you snuggly. The elastic around the legs helps to protect you against leaks.

Pros

• Discreet fit and less bulky
• Breathable cotton-like material
• Stretches a bit
• Moderate absorbency
• Free of latex, lotion, and fragrance
• Available in different colors
• Discreet packaging

Cons

• Available only in small and medium sizes

The good thing about Depends for postpartum bleeding is that they feel more like normal panties and not diapers.

In addition, they give you much coverage and absorb more than normal pads, hence you feel well protected.

Moreover, you have the freedom to choose the type you want. If you an active mom, the silhouette active fit will come in handy while the night defense is great for night use.

These are specifically designed for night time use. They have overnight absorbency with about 10% more surface area and padding than the maximum absorbency so as to absorb more as you lie down.

This overnight absorbency gives you up to 12 hours of protection; hence, you can sleep through the night.

In addition, they are made from a material that quickly absorbs and locks in odor and wetness leaving the surface dry. They are also unscented and breathable to prevent sweating.

Night Defense is extremely soft yet firm due to the form-fitting elastic strands. The strands give it a smooth finish, which makes the discreet under the pajamas.

Pros

• Very soft and flexible
• Overnight absorbency
• Have more padding
• 12 hours of protection
• Ships in discreet packaging
• Unscented
• Breathable

Cons

• Users absolutely love this for overnight use. No complaints.

FAQ about the postpartum diapers for adults

Q1. Diapers or pads after delivery?

Adult diapers or pads after delivery, which do you prefer?

While some moms say that pads work for them, others argue that they need something more absorbent and large like a diaper or incontinence underwear. This could be due to the fact that pads need frequent changes and tend to slip away compared to diapers.

So if you are afraid that pads may not stay in place after birth, diapers and disposable underwear are a good option.

Personally, I felt more comfortable in adult diapers as opposed to pads. What was your experience? Let us know in the comment section below.

Q2. How many maternity pads do I need to buy after birth?

How many maternity pads do I need after birth?

To be honest, no one can give you the exact number because the number of pads in a package differs depending on the size, absorbency, and brand.

But to answer your question, you need a whole lot of them; like 3 packs of 12 maternity pads or more.

There are several factors that you should consider in order to estimate the number of maternity pads that will be enough for you after delivery. Let’s look at some of these factors below.

• Day after delivery

The bleeding known as lochia starts immediately after birth. This bleeding is usually quite heavy in the first few hours because it comes from the area where the placenta was attached.

At this point, you need quite a number of pads that are very absorbent and give full coverage.

Some people prefer to use postpartum diapers as they absorb better and minimize leaks compared to pads. Disposable underwear also comes in handy at this point to hold the pads in place if you don’t want to do a lot of laundry.

You may not need as many pads in the second week since bleeding will have been minimized. However, your normal sanitary towels will not work because the bleeding is still heavy though not as heavy as the first week.

By the end of the first month, you might be having slight spotting; hence, you can start using sanitary towels.

• Absorbency of the pads

The number of maternity pads in a pack depends on their absorbency. The super absorbent ones tend to be less in a pack compared to the less absorbent ones.

Since you usually have very heavy bleeding during the first days, you will need to get the super absorbent ones, which are less in a pack.

So the fewer they are in a pack, the more packs you will need to buy. For instance, for a pack with 12 pads, you may need about 3 packs in the first couple of weeks.

Q3. Can you use normal pads after giving birth?

Normal pads are only designed to absorb the normal period, which is nothing close to after-birth bleeding.

So, normal sanitary towels may not be of much help during the first weeks after delivery. Once the bleeding reduces probably after the first month, you can switch to your normal pads.

Q4. What kind of pads to use after delivery?

Maternity pads are a better option to use after delivery compared to normal sanitary towels. This is because they give more coverage since they are longer.

Also, they are more absorbent than normal pads so they absorb more, which prevents messing on your clothes and frequent changes.

Maternity pads are also designed to be softer compared to normal pads in order to give you a soft and comfortable cushion especially if you have stitches.

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See also: What clothes to wear after the C section

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Conclusion

This is a review of some of the finest postpartum diapers and disposable underwear available in the market today. There are a lot of options out there, both disposable and reusable. What you choose depends on your preference, the amount of bleeding after birth, and the level of comfort you want.

Disposable choices like the ones we have discussed in this post are great if you do not like washing dirty underwear because you simply wear them and then throw them away. Fortunately, postpartum underwear and diapers are better than maternity pads, but they still need to be changed frequently because they cover greater surface area and absorb more fluid.

Resources:

• STA HealthCare Communications
• Postpartum Emergencies: Three Case Studies

Last update on 2023-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API