We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Medical Products & Services The 9 Best Incontinence Pads to Absorb Leakage, Tested and Approved These top products stood out in terms of absorbency, odor control, and dryness. By Danielle Zoellner Updated on May 06, 2024 Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO Fact checked by Rich Scherr Print Verywell / Jessica Juliao Urinary incontinence, or the inability to hold one’s bladder, is a more common problem than you might expect. Minor incontinence can cause small amounts of leakage when you laugh or sneeze, while more severe incontinence entails a loss of bladder control that results in larger leakage. No matter the severity, it can feel embarrassing when it happens. Incontinence pads are formulated with absorbent materials to help soak up any leakage and prevent odors from escaping. This helps when you’re on the go and unable to change the pad or your underwear after a leak. After researching dozens of incontinence pads on the market, we tested 12 in The Verywell Health Testing Lab and at home. We evaluated the pads based on their absorbency, dryness, odor protection, and value. We also ranked the pads based on design and comfort. Picking the Right Absorbency Rate for Your Incontinence Pad The most important characteristic of an incontinence pad is its ability to absorb leakages at the level the individual needs for their personal use. Incontinence pads are specifically designed to absorb and wick away moisture, says Unwanaobong Nseyo, MD, a urologist. This allows the pad to protect your skin from irritation while containing leakage. Although incontinence pads are all created with absorbency as a key feature, how much the pad can handle depends on its absorbency ratings. Brands tend to use similar verbiage to describe the absorbency rating: Thin/Ultra/Very Light: Designed for the smallest amounts of leakage and can only absorb a few droplets at a time. Moderate: Designed to absorb light dribbles of leakage. Ultimate: Created to absorb moderate amounts of leakage. Since they have a higher absorbency rate, Ultimate pads are often thicker and longer. Maximum: Hold the highest absorbency rate on the market and can hold a heavy dribble. They also tend to be the thickest and longest options on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Poise Ultimate Absorbency Regular Incontinence Pads at Amazon ($46) Jump to Review Best Overnight: TENA Incontinence Pads at Amazon ($38) Jump to Review Best Fit: TENA Intimates Extra Coverage Ultimate Incontinence Long Pads at Amazon ($62) Jump to Review Best Absorbency: Poise Long Maximum Absorbency Incontinence Pads for Women at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review Best Light Protection: Poise Ultra Thin Moderate Absorbency Incontinence Pads for Women at Amazon ($31) Jump to Review Best Postpartum: Always Discreet Regular Length Heavy Absorbency Incontinence Pads at Amazon ($42) Jump to Review Best for Men: Depends Incontinence Guards for Men at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review Best Drugstore: Walgreens Long Maximum Absorbency Incontinence Pads at Walgreens ($13) Jump to Review Best for Seniors: Elyte Extra Absorbency Incontinence Pads at Amazon ($17) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Picking the Right Absorbency Rate for Your Incontinence Pad Our Picks We Also Tested How We Tested the Incontinence Pads What to Look for in Incontinence Pads Our Experts FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall Poise Ultimate Absorbency Regular Incontinence Pads Walgreens View On Amazon $46 View On Walmart $23 View On Walgreens $23 Our Ratings Absorbency 4.9/5 Dryness 5/5 Odor Control 5/5 Pros Near-instant absorbency of liquid Masks odor within minutes Elevated side panels prevent leakage Cons Bulky to wear Side panels might irritate sensitive skin Why We Recommend It Poise Ultimate Absorbency Regular Incontinence Pads hit the mark for what you need most in an incontinence pad: high absorbency, odor control, and a leak-proof design. During our test, we found the pad instantly absorbed the liquid as soon as it touched the surface. This left the pad feeling completely dry to the touch, no matter how hard we pressed on the surface. We also found that after pouring apple cider on the pad and letting it sit for ten minutes, the acid’s smell was completely masked. We also liked the pad’s leak-proof design. Not only does the pad cover and protect underwear, but elevated side panels on the product also prevent any side leakage. Although the pad is bulkier than others on the market, we found that its absorbent design and ability to mask odors made it a top choice. Keep in Mind Depending on the individual, the side panels might cause some chafing or irritation, but the design is otherwise fit for comfort and protects underwear from leakage. Key Specs: Material: Sodium polyacrylate, polyethylene | Absorbency: Maximum | Odor Control: Yes | Quantity: 96 Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao Best Overnight TENA Incontinence Pads Amazon View On Amazon $38 View On Walmart $14 View On Riteaid.com $15 Our Ratings Absorbency 4/5 Dryness 4.8/5 Odor Control 4.5/5 Pros Offers larger coverage compared to other pads Masks most odors Easy to put on and take off Cons Lacks wings to secure it Slower to absorb liquid Why We Recommend It Tena Intimates Overnight Pads provide peace of mind when used overnight because their ultra-large design helps soak up any liquid. At 12 inches long and 10 inches wide, this pad’s size should cover most of your underwear and leave it dry throughout the night. In fact, although it took longer than others to absorb the liquid, the pad left our underwear feeling dry and free of any leakage. The Tena Intimates Overnight Pad is successful in keeping underwear dry from top to bottom and masking most odors. When we poured apple cider liquid onto the pad, we noted that the pad masked most of the scent, leaving behind just the slightest scent of acid. Placing and removing the pad was easy and left no sticky residue behind. Keep in Mind It’s worth noting that the pad only incorporates a sticky undersurface to attach to the underwear compared to other pads that use wings to secure the pad around the underwear. Restless sleepers who move a lot in their sleep might find the pad does not stick as securely to the underwear. Key Specs: Material: Wood fiber, polyester, foam | Absorbency: Maximum | Odor Control: Yes | Quantity: 84 Best Fit TENA Intimates Extra Coverage Ultimate Incontinence Long Pads Amazon View On Amazon $62 View On Tena.us Our Ratings Absorbency 4.5/5 Dryness 5/5 Odor Control 4.5/5 Pros Soft fabric Extra-long design covers your underwear Dry to the touch after leakage Cons Material pills Sticky underside is not always reliable Why We Recommend It An incontinence pad should not only stop any leakage but also feel comfortable enough for long-term wear. Tena Intimates Extra Coverage Ultimate Incontinence Long Pads were designed with both fit and comfort in mind. We found that this pad’s material would be most beneficial for sensitive skin and individuals who are prone to chafing. Additionally, the extra-long length of the pad, measuring 15 inches long, helps secure the pad to the front and back of the underwear as it molds to your body. Besides the extra-long fit, we found that the pad’s ability to soak up leakages and stay dry was a key feature. When we poured liquid onto the pad, it absorbed the liquid right away and felt dry to the touch, no matter how much we pressed down. Keep in Mind Despite the pad’s soft exterior, the material does pill if you rub it enough. Nonetheless, we found that the pad’s softness against the skin and high absorbency far exceed any pilling concerns. Key Specs: Material: Not listed | Absorbency: Ultimate | Odor Control: Yes | Quantity: 156 Best Absorbency Poise Long Maximum Absorbency Incontinence Pads for Women Amazon View On Amazon $30 View On Walmart $45 Our Ratings Absorbency 5/5 Dryness 4.5/5 Odor Control 4.9/5 Pros Absorbs liquid instantly Dries quickly after contact with liquid Leaves no sticky residue behind when removing Cons Extra protective layer may rub against skin Thicker than others on the market Why We Recommend It When selecting the right incontinence pad, you want to look for one that will absorb all leakage, leave the pad's surface dry, and feel comfortable against the skin. Our testing found that the Poise Maximum Incontinence Pads did just that. We poured liquid on the pad, which almost instantly soaked up every drop. Not one drop of liquid rolled off the pad in our test, and when we pulled the pad off, we found the underwear remained dry. When we pressed a finger into the pad, it felt only slightly damp to the touch. Besides its high absorbency rate, Poise Maximum Incontinence Pads also masked most of the odor when we poured apple cider vinegar on the surface. When placed directly on underwear, the pad’s sticky underside is made for seamless application and removal. Keep in Mind It is worth noting that although this product is highly absorbent, it’s also thicker than other incontinence pads on the market. The large size and extra layers may rub uncomfortably against the thighs for some people. Key Specs: Material: Sodium Polyacrylate, Polyethylene, Wood Pulp, Polypropylene, Polyester | Absorbency: Maximum | Odor Control: Yes | Quantity: 84 Best Light Protection Poise Ultra Thin Moderate Absorbency Incontinence Pads for Women Amazon View On Amazon $31 View On Walmart $15 View On Walgreens $19 Our Ratings Absorbency 4.9/5 Dryness 4.8/5 Odor Control 3.8/5 Pros Absorbs moderate amounts of liquid Keeps pad and underwear dry Discrete design Cons Pad wings might bunch up Only masks some of the odor Why We Recommend It The Poise Ultra-Thin Incontinence Pads are optimal for absorbing occasional light leaks and keeping underwear dry. Don’t let this ultra-thin design fool you. We found that this pad could easily absorb 2.5 tablespoons of liquid without any issues. Although more liquid sat on the surface when we added more; eventually, the pad absorbed that liquid as well. After the pad absorbed the liquid, we found it was dry to touch. The underwear also remained dry underneath. Additionally, the pad assisted with masking some of the liquid’s smell. We did detect the occasional whiff, but the pad masked most odors. Keep in Mind This pad differs from other incontinence pads on the market because it uses wings to attach the pad to the underwear. Although this helps secure the pad, we found the wings could bunch around the underwear in certain places. Key Specs: Material: Not listed | Absorbency: Moderate | Odor Control: Some control | Quantity: 90 Verywell Health /Jessica Juliao Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao Best Postpartum Always Discreet Regular Length Heavy Absorbency Incontinence Pads Amazon View On Amazon $42 View On Walmart $27 View On Target $13 Our Ratings Absorbency 5/5 Dryness 5/5 Odor Control 4.8/5 Pros High absorbency rate Completely dry to touch after leakage Thin design makes for discrete wear Cons Scented Might not be wide enough for some underwear Why We Recommend It Women commonly experience urine leakage temporarily after birth because the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, bowel, and uterus, are stretched to accommodate baby birthing. Our testing found that the Always Discreet Incontinence and Postpartum Pads are great for post-birth incontinence. After pouring 4 tablespoons of liquid on the pad, the pad soaked up every drop and left it completely dry to the touch. Based on our testing, we found that the pad's thinness did not work as a disadvantage. Instead, the pad has a high absorbency for its size, while the sleek design makes it possible to wear the pad without seeing it through clothing. We also love that it offers odor protection from leakage. Keep in Mind Remember that the pad’s more discrete design might not protect your underwear's full length and width. Key Specs: Material: Cotton | Absorbency: Maximum | Odor Control: Yes | Quantity: 48 Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao Best for Men Depends Incontinence Guards for Men Amazon View On Amazon $30 View On Walmart $15 View On Target $16 Our Ratings Absorbency 4.7/5 Dryness 4/5 Odor Control 4/5 Pros Absorbs leakage fast Includes helpful product placement instructions Underwear remains dry to touch Cons Sides may become damp Only masks some odor Why We Recommend It Depend Guards for Men is designed to absorb leakage and protect underwear. The pad includes a thicker section directly in its center to absorb most of the leakage as it comes. We found that the pad quickly absorbed all liquid, specifically in the center. Although the material was thinner towards the edges of the pad, it absorbed every drop of liquid without any issue. After testing the pad’s absorbency, we noticed that the edges remained damp. Nonetheless, the underwear was left well-protected and stayed completely dry throughout the test. Besides keeping the underwear protected, the pad also masks most odors—a necessary feature for incontinence pads. Keep in Mind For individuals who have never used incontinence pads before, the product includes helpful instructions on how to apply the pad to your underwear so it remains secure. Key Specs: Material: Cotton | Absorbency: Maximum | Odor Control: Some | Quantity: 104 Best Drugstore Walgreens Long Maximum Absorbency Incontinence Pads Walgreens View On Walgreens $13 Our Ratings Absorbency 5/5 Dryness 4.8/5 Odor Control 4/5 Pros Absorbs liquid quickly Protects underwear from any leakage Affordable price Cons May hang over underwear Thicker than other options Why We Recommend It Walgreens Certainty Maximum Absorbency Incontinence Pads provide high absorbency of any leakages. We poured 4 tablespoons of liquid onto the product to test how well it works. The pad absorbed every drop and did so quickly, leaving behind a mostly dry pad to the touch. The thicker pad was designed to absorb high amounts of leakage. This might feel uncomfortable to wear under clothes, depending on the individual. However, we found that it offered optimal protection. In addition to the pad's thicker design, it’s also longer than most, measuring at about 13 inches. This added length helps protect your underwear from leakage and keeps the pad in place. Keep in Mind It is important to note that the pad’s design is not discrete, so we recommend wearing it under thicker clothes if you’re going out in public. Key Specs: Material: Not listed | Absorbency: Maximum | Odor Control: Some | Quantity: 39 Best for Seniors Elyte Extra Absorbency Incontinence Pads Amazon View On Amazon $17 View On Walmart $23 Our Ratings Absorbency 5/5 Dryness 5/5 Odor Control 4/5 Pros Easy to attach to underwear Fast absorption rate Lightweight design Cons More expensive compared to other pads Bulkier than other options Why We Recommend It What makes the Elyte Light Cotton Incontinence Pad stand out as an optimal option for seniors is the pad’s fast absorbency rate. After pouring liquid onto the pad, we watched it absorb instantly, leaving behind a pad that was dry to the touch no matter how much we pressed down on the surface. Not only does the Elyte Light Cotton Incontinence Pad absorb liquid fast, but it also doesn’t move around as you go about your day. The pad is easy to stick onto underwear, and no matter how much we moved around, it remained in place with no leakage. This is especially helpful for people who shift around a lot in their sleep. Best of all, the pad also controls odors from leaks. We found that it largely masked any odor from liquids poured on the surface, and this odor protection extended to the surface of the underwear as well. Keep in Mind This option is bulkier and more expensive than other picks. Key Specs: Material: Cotton | Absorbency: Maximum | Odor Control: Yes | Quantity: 20 We Also Tested LivDry Incontinence Pad Insert for Men and Women: Although the LivDry Incontinence Pad had a high absorbency rate during our tests, the packaging instructions did not match the actual product, making it difficult to use.Nexwear Moderate Pads: When testing Nexwear Moderate Pads, we found that they could absorb a moderate amount of leakage and prevent wet spots on the underwear. However, they had poor odor protection. The Honey Pot Company Herbal Daytime Incontinence Pads: This pad quickly absorbed 4 tablespoons of liquid. Nonetheless, the pad remained damp, which left the product feeling heavy and soggy. How We Tested the Incontinence Pads To find the best incontinence pads, we tested them. First, we selected 12 different types of incontinence pads on the market based on expert guidance. Then, we evaluated each pad based on the following criteria: Absorbency: We followed the pad’s absorbency instructions and poured the designated amount of liquid on top of the incontinence pad. Once the liquid was poured, we noted how fast the pad absorbed the liquid and whether or not all liquid was absorbed.Dryness: After pouring liquid on the pad, we tested how dry the pad remained by pressing our fingers into the pad.Odor protection: We tested each product’s odor control by pouring apple cider liquid onto each pad and noting whether or not any scent came off the pad. We also noted how well each pad covered the underwear and whether the pad felt comfortable to wear. Value: After testing, we compared its performance to the price point to see if its value was worth the financial cost. Watch Our Testing In Action What to Look for in Incontinence Pads Odor control: When wearing an incontinence pad, especially on the go, an important characteristic is that the pad is discrete by masking any odors from leakage. While incontinence pads come both unscented and scented to assist with the masking of smells, Charles Ascher-Walsh, MD, a leading physician in women’s health at Mount Sinai, recommends avoiding incontinence pads that are scented because they are more likely to irritate skin and cause allergic reactions. Fit and style: Incontinence pads come in various thicknesses, lengths, and sizes, depending on their absorbency rate and ability to mask odors. They sometimes have wings or a sticky underside to attach to the underwear. Although wings tend to keep the pad in place better, pads without wings might feel more comfortable against the skin and fit better. Type: Dr. Nseyo recommends paying attention to whether the incontinence pad is described as daytime or nighttime. She notes that daytime pads are thinner and more discreet, whereas overnight pads are often longer, thicker, and designed to maximize absorption. This fit might feel uncomfortable depending on individual preferences. Comfort: One way to assess the pad’s comfort is to check which materials are used. Dr. Nseyo says that most incontinence pads contain absorbent polymers and a cotton top sheet. She advises individuals with sensitive skin to look for breathable fabrics or brands specifically designed for sensitive skin to reduce irritation and improve comfort. Also, if you have sensitive skin but higher absorbency pads are uncomfortable, you can use a limmer pad and change it more frequently. Our Experts In addition to our testing process, we also spoke with the following experts about what features to look for in incontinence pads: Jennifer Wu, MD, a practicing board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist in New York City Charles Ascher-Walsh, MD, Senior System Vice-Chair for Gynecology and Division Director for Urogynecology in the Raquel and Jaime Gilinski Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science at Mount Sinai Unwanaobong Nseyo, MD, a urologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between incontinence pads and menstrual pads? Dr. Nseyo says that the biggest difference between incontinence pads and menstrual pads is the ability to absorb moisture. Incontinence pads hold more fluid than menstrual pads and also have more moisture-wicking capabilities. Can an incontinence pad hold a full pee? This depends on the type of incontinence pad and its absorbency rate. Pads with higher absorbency rates should hold a full pee, Dr. Nseyo says. In comparison, pads with lower absorbency rates, such as thin liners or moderate incontinence pads, cannot. Dr. Ascher-Walsh recommends adult diapers for individuals who need a product to hold a full bladder since they were designed to hold more urine than pads. How many times a day should you change an incontinence pad? Dr. Nseyo says how often you should change your pad depends on what triggers leakage and how frequently it happens. You should change an incontinence pad as soon as it becomes damp or soaked with leakage. A damp or moist pad will likely irritate your skin if left unchanged, Dr. Ascher-Walsh says. How many incontinence pads should I buy? The number of incontinence pads you will need depends on how often you experience leakage. If you’re only dealing with the occasional dribble, a smaller pack of incontinence pads could last for a while. If you experience moderate, consistent amounts of leakage, consider buying a larger pack of pads. Why Trust Verywell Health Danielle Zoellner is a health and wellness reporter who has reported on various issues, including urinary incontinence. As a female, Danielle has experience using various menstruation pads. Although menstruation pads are used for different purposes than incontinence pads, she used this experience of wearing pads to better understand what individuals would want when it comes to fit, comfort, and reliability of incontinence pads. You can find her byline in Health.com, The Independent, DailyMail.com, Vox Magazine, and other publications. Danielle received her BA in Journalism and English from the University of Missouri, and she is currently pursuing her JD at Boston College Law School where she hopes to address healthcare inequities with her legal degree. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? 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