Comparing incontinence pads vs pull-ups, and knowing when an all-in-one brief makes more sense, helps you choose a product that works for the person. The three types are worn differently and suit different levels of mobility, independence and leakage. A pad sits inside underwear, a pull-up is pulled on like underwear, and an all-in-one wraps around the body and fastens with tabs. This guide explains each type, who it tends to suit, and how to size it and check absorbency.
Allcare Warehouse is a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider with a showroom in Liverpool and a second location in Croydon Park. Its continence aids range includes incontinence pads and liners, incontinence pants and pull-ups and all-in-one briefs from brands including iD, Lille, MoliCare, TENA, Poise, Always Discreet and Depend. Each example below is drawn from its own product description.
Key Takeaways
- Pads and liners sit inside your own underwear, or inside fixation pants, and suit light to heavy leaks depending on size.
- Pull-ups are pulled on and off like ordinary underwear and suit people who are active and can stand.
- All-in-ones open flat and fasten with side tabs, so they can be put on while the person is lying down.
- Absorbency is usually shown in millilitres on the pack, and pull-ups and briefs are sized by waist or hip measurement.
- A nurse continence specialist or GP can help when leaks, skin soreness or changing needs make the choice harder.
Incontinence pads vs pull-ups: the main differences
The simplest way to compare incontinence pads vs pull-ups is to look at how each one is worn. Continence Health Australia notes that products vary in absorbency, fit and style, and that the right choice depends on the type of incontinence, physical ability, lifestyle and budget. That makes the person’s mobility as important as the amount of leakage.
Pads and liners
A pad sits inside underwear and is held in place by an adhesive strip or by close-fitting pants. Light pads are thin enough to wear under ordinary clothes: the Lille Suprem Light Normal is described as more absorbent than a period liner and unnoticeable under clothing. Larger shaped pads, such as iD Form and MoliCare Premium Form, cover more of the body and are designed to be worn with fixation pants: the iD Comfort Net Pants Super are described as reusable, figure-hugging and machine washable up to 50 times.
Pads are usually the most discreet and flexible option, because you can change the pad without changing everything else. Men often prefer a guard or shield shaped for the male body, and these are grouped in male continence products.
Pull-ups
A pull-up pant is a disposable or washable pant that is pulled on and off like ordinary underwear. The iD Pants Soft Feel range, for example, is described as a unisex pull-up for active, independent people with moderate urinary incontinence. Night versions add absorbency: TENA Pants Plus Night is described as suitable for overnight wear and moderate to heavy incontinence. Washable absorbent underwear, such as the TENA washable range, can be reused.
Pull-ups suit people who can stand, walk to the toilet and manage their own clothing. Because the whole pant comes off to change it, they can be harder to manage for someone who sits most of the day or needs help from a carer.
All-in-one briefs
An all-in-one brief, also called a slip, opens flat and fastens around the body with resealable side tabs. Continence Health Australia notes that all-in-ones can be helpful for people who find it hard to stand or walk. The MoliCare Premium Slip is described as able to be applied while standing or lying down, for moderate to severe urinary and faecal incontinence, and the iD Slip Plus has tabs on each side that make it easier for a carer to fit. Belted products, such as iD Belt, have a resealable belt that fastens around the waist with hook and loop, and are recommended for people with limited mobility or who need assistance.
The right continence product is the one that fits how the person moves, not just how much it holds.
Choosing incontinence products: what to check
Once you know which style suits the person, a few details decide whether it works day to day. You can compare all three types side by side in the adult continence range.
- Absorbency: most packs show capacity in millilitres. The Lille Suprem Light Normal is listed at 370 mL, while the iD Slip Plus in medium is listed at 2000 mL, so the range is wide. Night products usually hold more.
- Size: pull-ups and briefs are sized by waist or hip measurement, shown in centimetres on many products. Measure rather than guess, and check the size chart for each brand.
- Who changes it: if the person changes their own product, pads and pull-ups are usually easier. If a carer helps, especially in bed, all-in-ones and shaped pads with fixation pants are often simpler.
- Disposable or washable: Continence Health Australia notes that reusable pads and pants may be more cost-effective and should be replaced every 6 to 12 months.
- Boosters: a booster pad, such as Depend Booster Pads, sits inside another product for extra absorbency.
Skin care is part of the routine. Continence Health Australia suggests gently cleaning and drying the skin at each change and using barrier creams or moisturisers. Cleansing wipes and creams are in the skin care range, and absorbent pads and covers for the mattress and chairs are in bed and chair protection. For night-time toileting, urinals and bed pans are in the bedside aids range.
When to get professional advice
It is worth talking to a doctor about the cause, not only the product. Healthdirect notes that there are treatments and ways to help prevent incontinence, that a doctor may refer you to a continence health professional, and that governments may subsidise some continence products if you are eligible. The National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 is a free, confidential service with nurse continence specialists, who can advise on products, local services and funding schemes, including the NDIS.
If you are an NDIS participant, continence products may be included in your plan. Whether they are funded is decided by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) under your plan, not by Allcare, and the NDIS information page explains more. For children, the kids and youth continence range includes iD Comfy Junior pants sized by age.
Not sure which continence product suits? Ask the team before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a pad inside a pull-up for extra protection?
Booster pads are made for this. The Depend Booster Pads slip inlay is described as a small pad for use inside a waterproofed product such as an all-in-one, a larger shaped pad or padded pull-on pants, with a self-adhesive strip to hold it in place. Check the product description before combining products.
Which is better overnight, pull-ups or all-in-ones?
Both come in night versions. Pull-ups such as TENA Pants Plus Night suit someone who gets up to the toilet, while all-in-ones are easier to change in bed. Compare the millilitre capacity and fit, and ask a continence nurse if night-time leaks continue.
Should I try samples before buying a whole carton?
Continence Health Australia suggests trying samples before buying in bulk, because fit and comfort vary between brands. When choosing incontinence products for the first time, start with a smaller pack in your measured size, check the fit over a few days, then buy in larger quantities once you know what works.
How do I order continence products from Allcare?
Products are listed without prices. Call 1300 767 777, use the contact page or visit the Liverpool showroom at Shop 7 inside Northumberland Arcade, 230 Northumberland Street, Liverpool. The page on how ordering works explains the steps.
Finding the right continence product
Choosing between incontinence pads vs pull-ups, or an all-in-one, is mostly about how the person moves and who helps them. Measure for size, match the absorbency to day and night, and get advice when the product stops working.
Related services
Visit the Liverpool showroom at Shop 7 inside Northumberland Arcade, 230 Northumberland Street, Liverpool, or call 1300 767 777 to ask about incontinence pads, pull-ups and all-in-one briefs.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.