A Guide To The Best Bed Pads In 2024 (2024)

Bed pads “protect from any mishaps,” says Chris Westmeyer, president at Caring Advisor, a network of senior living and lifestyle websites that helps seniors find care facilities. The pads absorb urine that leaks overnight, thus protecting your mattress or other surfaces—some people use bed pads on wheelchair seats or car seats as well. They’re often used in addition to incontinence underwear.

Incontinence bed pads can be either washable or disposable, and they come in different sizes.

Why Use Bed Pads?

Anyone with urinary incontinence, or a leaky bladder, can benefit from using a bed pad. These pads provide peace of mind overnight, so you’re less worried about damaging your mattress or soiling your bed linens.

When you’re shopping for an incontinence bed pad, there are several key factors to keep in mind. The biggest choice is whether you want a disposable or washable bed pad. Other factors to consider include size, absorbency level and cost.

Type of Bed Pad

There are two main types of incontinence bed pads for seniors, says Westmeyer: washable and disposable. The one you choose depends on what’s most convenient to you. Do you have time for frequent loads of laundry, for example? If not, a disposable bed pad might work best. But if you’re most interested in saving money, you might want to go with washable bed pads, so you’re not buying new packs of pads often.

Washable

Washable bed pads—also known as reusable bed pads—typically provide better protection than disposable ones. These waterproof pads are “more reliable and don’t tear,” says Westmeyer. They also stay in place overnight and are less likely to slip around than some disposable pads.

Washable bed pads are usually made of cloth and generally regarded as quite comfortable. They typically have a few layers of protection built in, including a fast-drying top layer that ensures you stay dry while lying on it.

Washable bed pads “can be used over and over again, making them cost effective,” says Westmeyer. In addition to helping you save money, they’re good for the environment because they help you create less waste. Some pads can be washed more than 300 times.

Disposable

Disposable bed pads “are designed for one-time use,” says Westmeyer. They tend to be more expensive over time than washable bed pads, but if you only need an incontinence bed pad for a short period of time—like for a few weeks after surgery—this type might make the most sense.

Most disposable pads feature three or four levels of protection, which you can learn about on various products’ packaging. Most often, the top layer is made of a soft, quilted material that wicks fluid from the skin while the next layer traps urine via an absorbent gel. The bottom layer is made of plastic or vinyl and ensures liquid doesn’t escape and sink into the bed.

Many people find the bottom plastic layer annoying, says Westmeyer, because it can create noise when you’re sleeping on it.

Size

The size of a bed pad is important, as it determines how much coverage you have. For example, if you only need a small area covered, you might be able to buy a pad that’s 18 inches by 24 inches. If you have a larger bed, perhaps a pad that’s 34 inches by 36 inches would work best for you.

Bed pad prices tend to increase with size.

FEATURED PARTNER OFFER

We receive compensation from our partners for Featured Partner Offer placements. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable review of their products or services.

Egosan Super Incontinence Adult Pull Up Underwear

• Includes a wetness indicator and odor control
• Up to 8 hours of protection
• Form fitting and discreet with stretchable waistband
• Hypoallergenic to promote healthy skin
• Ultra fast absorption

Shop Now

On Amazon

Special Features

When you’re evaluating bed pads, pay attention to:

• Absorbency. Study the packaging to determine the absorbency level of the bed pad. These products note how much liquid they can hold —1,200 to 1,500 milliliters is common. If you’re a heavy leaker, opt for a bed pad with a higher absorbency level.
• Odor control. If you’re worried about scent, check whether a product provides built-in odor control. Many products tout it as a special feature.
• Comfort. Comfort is crucial, especially when you’re using a product night after night. Washable bed pads tend to be softer than disposables, says Westmeyer—many feature a quilted top that won’t bother your skin.

Cost

Bed pads are sold in packs, and you can order them online easily.

On Amazon, a pack of 50 heavy-absorbency, 36-inch-by-36-inch disposable pads costs $41.14. Meanwhile, a pack of 100 17-inch-by-24-inch disposable pads costs $21.79.

If you want to go the washable route, a pack of four 34-inch-by-36-inch reusable pads costs $26.99, and a pack of four 18-inch-by-24-inch reusable pads costs $21.25.

Buying bed pads month after month can add up quickly. If you have Original Medicare, incontinence bed pads are an out-of-pocket expense. But in some states like Indiana, Medicaid covers medical supplies like these pads, so check with your state for your particular coverage details.

Forbes Health contributing writer Jessica Booth contributed to this article.