We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. What to Buy The 7 Best Incontinence Pads of 2024, Tested and Expert-Approved The best incontinence pads are incredibly absorbent, have max coverage, great odor control, and are HSA/FSA-eligible. By Rachael Schultz Updated on March 26, 2024 Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO Michael Menna, DO, is currently an attending emergency medicine physician at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York, with nearly 10 years of experience. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post. health's fact checking process In This Article Expand In This Article ReviewsOur Top Picks Our Testing Process The Experts More Incontinence Pads to Consider Who We Are Health / Jessica Juliao Regular leakage becomes more common as you get older—some four out of 10 women over 65 are affected by urinary incontinence, but it can also affect women who recently went through childbirth, pregnancy, menopause, as well sometimes when you feel stressed, says Monte Swarup, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN in Chandler, AZ, and founder of the Vaginal Health Hub. It’s mildly embarrassing, and it’s definitely physically uncomfortable, but it’s also very common—recent reports reveal over 60% of U.S. adult women experience some form of urinary incontinence. There are a variety of products and therapies to treat incontinence, and what’s right for you is dependent on your body and life, says Somi Javaid, MD, board-certified OB/GYN and founder and chief medical officer at HerMD. Whether you experience a little leakage or a lot, wearing an incontinence pad can help. The best incontinence pads absorb varying amounts of liquid and lock in the odor, so you don’t have to be stressed over what will come out during your workout class, on long drives, or while sleeping at night. To determine which incontinence pads are reliable and worth your money, we tested 10 of the top brands. An emergency medicine physician on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy regarding what to look for in incontinence pads, how often they should be changed, and who is most likely to need them. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Poise Long Maximum Absorbency Incontinence Pads for Women Best Overnight: Poise Overnight Incontinence Pads Best Absorbency: Poise Ultimate Absorbency Regular Incontinence Pads Best Eco-Friendly: Attn: Grace Ultimate Incontinence Pads for Women Best Postpartum: Amazon Basics Long Length Ultimate Absorbency Incontinence Pads for Women Best Drugstore: Walgreens Long Maximum Absorbency Incontinence Pads Best Fit: Elyte Extra Absorbency Incontinence Pads What to Know About Incontinence Pads There is a multitude of incontinence pad options on the market, each usually in different shapes and sizes and the ability to absorb different amounts of liquid, explains Dr. Javaid. Here are the most important factors when looking to buy incontinence pads: Absorbency Incontinence pads are designed to address the amount of leakage an individual may be experiencing, Dr. Javaid explains. Some are designed more like a menstrual pad for mild or moderate incontinence symptoms, and others are designed more like a diaper for heavier symptoms. Absorbency ratings can vary slightly from brand to brand but generally follow the ranking of: Light/Ultra Thin/Very Light: These pads are usually the lightest and smallest and are meant to handle small leaks (a few drops at a time), like when you exercise. Because they're thinner, they usually fit the best and are the least noticeable.Moderate: This size pad can handle light dribbles, like when you really need to go. These come in a variety of lengths and thicknesses.Maximum: These pads are made for heavier kinds of moderate leaking, like uncontrollable streams from a full bladder. They’re often longer in length and use more polymer for absorbency.Ultimate/Overnight: This is the most absorbent pad, made for the heaviest forms of leaks. It’s usually the longest and thickest with the most polymer. Dryness Incontinence products with moisture-wicking properties should be the preferred choice, as these are designed to pull urine away from the skin. Some products have chemicals that can effectively reduce moisture, too. The ideal incontinence pads should retain the designed fluid amount while keeping both layers dry. According to Dr. Swarup, holding moisture against the skin increases your risk of infection, skin irritation, or skin breakdown. Dr. Javaid says changing incontinence pads frequently, typically every three to four hours, is necessary to avoid potential health risks. When removing the pad, move from front to back to prevent the spread of bacteria. Odor Control Odor control is crucial for a discreet incontinence pad. The best incontinence pads should completely lock in the odor of whatever liquid is on it, including urine. Some incontinence pads are also scented to help further mask the odor. That’s something to keep in mind if you have very sensitive skin—look for unscented options. Best Overall Poise Long Maximum Absorbency Incontinence Pads for Women PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon $45 at Walmart Our Ratings Absorbency 5/5 Dryness 4.5/5 Odor Control 4.9/5 Why We Like It Thanks to their swift absorbing ability and affordability, we chose the Poise Maximum Absorbency Pads as the best overall incontinence pads you can buy. During our testing, we found that these thick incontinence pads were highly absorbent and prevented any liquid from seeping through. They have a centrally placed cotton channel to increase their absorbency and a thin border around the entire pad to offer additional protection. We noticed that when a small amount of liquid spilled off the center of the pad onto the unpadded side, the pad immediately absorbed it. These pads also successfully prevented leaks to the underwear underneath. When we poured an apple cider vinegar mix onto the pad, we noted that there was absolutely no smell on the outside of the underwear. These Poise pads have a contoured fit with better front and back coverage. They don't have wings, making them easy to remove without residue. They are individually wrapped, making them perfect for discreet carrying. It’s Worth Noting Due to the wider fit and thicker material required for maximum absorbency, these pads may feel a little bulky when worn between your legs. Additionally, we noted that while the thin border provides additional protection, it might rub uncomfortably against the thighs for some. Product Details: Absorbency: MaximumOdor Control: YesQuantity: 84 Best Overnight Poise Overnight Incontinence Pads PHOTO: Amazon $68 at Amazon $36 at Walmart View on Poise.com Our Ratings Absorbency 4.5/5 Dryness 4/5 Odor Control 4.2/5 Why We Like It The Poise Overnight Incontinence Pads are designed to be highly absorbent and extra-long to ensure they stay in place, regardless of your sleeping position. During our tests, we found these incontinence pads to be highly absorbent, leak-proof, and great at neutralizing odor. Thanks to Poise's patented absorb-loc core and leak-block sides, even when the liquid reached the outer edges of the pad, it quickly got absorbed without any seepage to the underwear beneath. While the pads did a good job of absorbing moisture, they still felt slightly damp despite being large enough. However, the undergarments beneath the pad remained completely dry and didn't feel uncomfortably wet to the touch, which means they should keep you comfortable throughout the night. It’s Worth Noting Since these pads are designed to be used overnight, they are thicker and longer than regular pads, which makes them feel somewhat similar to a diaper. However, this is a common feature of any overnight pad, so it's not a significant disadvantage. Product Details: Absorbency: OvernightOdor Control: YesQuantity: 24 Best Absorbency Poise Ultimate Absorbency Regular Incontinence Pads PHOTO: Walgreens $46 at Amazon $15 at Target $23 at Walgreens Our Ratings Absorbency 4.9/5 Dryness 5/5 Odor Control 5/5 Why We Like It The Poise Regular Absorbency Pads are great for everyday wear. We found these incontinence pads to have incredible absorbency from the second the liquid hit the pad. Even when we twisted and moved the underwear around, not a single drop came out. We saw no leakage from the front, back, or sides and felt no wetness when we pushed on the soaked pad. This is partly thanks to this pad’s unique design with elevated side panels to keep the water flow off the underwear and the contour fit of Poise, wherein the back and front are wider to help better absorb liquid where it naturally hits. It’s Worth Noting Because these pads have such great absorbency, they are rather thick and might be uncomfortable for some to wear all day. But if preventing leakage is your highest priority, they’re the best bet. Product Details: Absorbency: UltimateOdor Control: YesQuantity: 56 Health / Jessica Juliao Health / Jessica Juliao Health / Jessica Juliao Health / Jessica Juliao Health / Jessica Juliao Best Eco-Friendly Attn: Grace Ultimate Incontinence Pads for Women PHOTO: Amazon $23 at Amazon $8 at Target $8 at Walmart Our Ratings Absorbency 4.7/5 Dryness 4.8/5 Odor Control 4.5/5 Why We Like It We found these Attn: Grace Ultimate Incontinence Pads reliably absorbent and have great odor control. They are made with renewable materials, feature a silky soft 100% bio-based top sheet, and are produced in carbon-neutral factories. Based on our tests, the ultimate absorbency is true to its name—the liquid instantly absorbed into this top sheet and was contained in the initial spot rather than spreading to the outside. The inner layer uses active botanicals to counteract odor, and we thought the odor control on these pads was very impressive. This pad is also free of chlorine, synthetic fragrances, lotions, and latex, so it’s great for sensitive skin. We found slight residual wetness on the pad, but it was highly effective and did not leak onto the underwear. These pads are longer than most, measuring 16 inches, which is great for protection but less ideal for inconspicuousness between your legs. It’s Worth Noting While the packaging describes these pads as “ultra discreet,” we found them quite bulky, considering the ultimate absorbency requires significant thickness. Product Details: Absorbency: MaximumOdor Control: YesQuantity: 28 Best Postpartum Amazon Basics Long Length Ultimate Absorbency Incontinence Pads for Women PHOTO: Amazon $25 at Amazon Our Ratings Absorbency 4.7/5 Dryness 4.7/5 Odor Control 4.8/5 Why We Like It We love these Amazon Basics Incontinence, Bladder Control & Postpartum Pads as they’re highly absorbent, stay dry with a large amount of liquid, mask odor well, and are very affordable. Urinary incontinence is incredibly common after giving birth vaginally, with some studies putting that number as high as one in three women experiencing urinary leakage postpartum. These pads use cotton to help wick away moisture, which our experts recommend, and they’re hypoallergenic, which is ideal when your skin is likely to be highly inflamed. These pads are highly effective in absorbing liquid without any leakage to the sides or outer layer, leaving no mess behind. The underwear beneath the pad remained dry, and there was no odor on the underwear or the outer layer of the pad. Their shape is less contoured than Poise, which many people prefer. Although they’re at the top level of absorbancy, they aren’t as thick as other max incontinence pads, which makes them much more comfortable to wear. It’s Worth Noting They’re a little shorter than some other brands. Product Details: Absorbency: UltimateOdor Control: YesQuantity: 30 Best Drugstore Walgreens Long Maximum Absorbency Incontinence Pads PHOTO: Walgreens $13 at Walgreens Our Ratings Absorbency 5/5 Dryness 4.8/5 Odor Control 4/5 Why We Like It If you’re looking for the best incontinence pads you can buy at your local drugstore, these Walgreens Certainty Pads are absorbent, odor-controlling, and super affordable. During testing, we found they delivered on the claim of maximum absorbency; the liquid soaked into the pad quickly and didn’t seep out the sides. These pads passed the odor test, reliably trapping the smell of apple cider vinegar. Also, they’re individually wrapped for discreet transport in your purse or backpack. It’s Worth Noting Despite the packaging describing these as a “thin design for a discreet fit,” this pad is rather thick—but that’s also what made the product very effective. Product Details: Absorbency: MaximumOdor Control: YesQuantity: 39 Best Fit Elyte Extra Absorbency Incontinence Pads PHOTO: Amazon $17 at Amazon $23 at Walmart Our Ratings Absorbency 5/5 Dryness 5/5 Odor Control 4/5 Why We Like It If you want an incontinence pad that fits like it isn’t even there but is reliable in absorbing light leaks, Elyte Light Incontinence Pads are for you. These pads are designed to control light dribbles, and during testing, we found the absorption abilities were immediate and effective. When we poured the liquid, the pads quickly and seamlessly absorbed it. The liquid soaked deep into the pad, making it feel dry to the touch, with no dampness at all. We noticed a faint smell from the apple cider vinegar, but it did prevent any odor from escaping. The pad is on the longer side, but it’s very thin and lightweight, so you don’t notice it. We found it easy to put in underwear and that it stayed in place well, even when moving around. These cotton pads are hypoallergenic, so they won’t irritate sensitive skin. They’re also very soft to the touch—both of which can be hard to find in thinner pads and are worth spending a little more on for many people. It’s Worth Noting Some people do find that the adhesive strip could be stronger and that the pads sometimes bunch. Product Details: Absorbency: LightOdor Control: YesQuantity: 20 Our Testing Process We tested 10 leading brands to find the best incontinence pads on the market. We put each type of incontinence pad through a series of tests based on its designated absorption levels to rate them based on the following factors. Absorbency: We poured a set amount of liquid over each pad and noted how quickly it absorbed, whether any liquid came out once it was full, and whether any liquid leaked onto the cotton underwear underneath.Dryness: We lifted the pad to check the outer layer that sticks to the underwear. Is it dry? Or did it soak through to the underwear? Did the outer layer of the pad remain dry? We noted if the surface area that was in contact with the skin was dry and if the underwear had stayed dry, both in the gusset and in the seams. Odor Control: We checked the pad's smell, whether it is scented or unscented, and noted its ability to mask the odor of an apple cider vinegar and water mixture. The Experts In addition, we consulted with a pair of experts in the field. Those we spoke with included: Somi Javaid, MD, board-certified OB/GYN and founder and chief medical officer at HerMDMonte Swarup, MD, board-certified OB/GYN in Chandler, AZ, and founder of the Vaginal Health Hub More Incontinence Pads to Consider Cora Free-To-Move Bladder Liners: These pads are a great price at $0.22 per pad, and during testing, we found they absorbed small amounts of liquid well. However, larger amounts of liquid overflowed from the pad, and the pad felt moist to the touch—both deal breakers if you need anything beyond light control. Prevail Incontinence Bladder Control Pads: These incontinence pads are affordable, but they felt wet when full and didn’t mask odor well. Also, the pad is wide, so it hands off either side of the underwear, creating a bulky feeling and potential for chafing. Because Premium Pads: While these pads did a good job absorbing liquid and preventing leakage, they felt very wet to the touch even after 10 minutes of waiting for full absorption. We also found they didn’t contain odor very well—and considering they aren’t the cheapest on our list, we recommend spending your money on other brands. Who We Are Rachael Schultz had been a science-based health and wellness writer since 2012 and an e-commerce writer since 2017. She leans on medical expertise, peer-reviewed studies, and a decade's worth of knowledge in the health industry, in combination with years of experience testing, assessing, and comparing products head-to-head to determine what health products are worth your money and will actually improve your life. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 2 Sources Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Patel UJ, Godecker AL, Giles DL, Brown HW. Updated prevalence of urinary incontinence in women: 2015–2018 national population-based survey data. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2022;28(4):181-187. doi:10.1097/SPV.0000000000001127 Gao J, Liu X, Zuo Y, Li X. Risk factors of postpartum stress urinary incontinence in primiparas. Medicine (Baltimore). 2021;100(20):e25796. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000025796