Top 5 Tips to Help Manage Incontinence While Travelling
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Top 5 Tips to Help Manage Incontinence While Travelling

Travel is loved by many people of all ages around the world. Whether you’re a snowbird escaping to a warmer climate, an avid adventurer seeking traveler, or a family vacation enthusiast looking for some much needed relaxation we are here to help!

For those managing incontinence, travel can be intimidating. You may feel like you are limited to certain activities and fear that you may find yourself with embarrassing leaks while on an excursion. These are normal concerns and feelings, but if you’re well prepared there’s no reason you can’t travel and manage incontinence. Here are a few helpful tips and reminders for those who are managing incontinence while travelling.


Tip #1: Pack Necessary Supplies

It’s very important to ensure you have everything you need to ensure you stay leak-free and comfortable. Make sure you pack more than enough supplies; have more than what you think you’ll need. It’s also a good idea to bring a small bag or pouch with you to carry extra supplies for when you’re out exploring. 

Disposable Bags 

For moments when you may not be able to easily dispose of your used incontinence products, disposable bags offer a solution that is discreet and convenient.

 

NorthShore DiscreetShield Disposal Bags offer a hygienic, odor-blocking solution for disposing of used incontinence products with confidence and discretion. Compact and lightly scented, these easy-to-use bags seal in odors and fit discreetly in handbags, pockets, or care kits.

 

Wipes and Washcloths

To keep yourself clean and fresh on the go, Healthwick offers a variety of different wipes and washcloths in a variety of different sizes and scents.

TENA UltraFlush Washcloths are the only adult-sized disposable washcloths certified flushable by the NSF, offering a hygienic and eco-friendly solution for personal care. Made to support toileting programs and user independence, these washcloths are over 99% biodegradable, sewer and septic safe, and designed to maintain plumbing and wastewater system integrity when used as directed.

 

Cleansing Creams and Sprays

Travel can be unpredictable, which is why packing the right creams and sprays is essential for effective odour control on the go. These products will work to reduce skin damage and irritation due to humidity or chafing from consistent walking. 

 

Medline Remedy® Phytoplex Hydraguard is a silicone-rich, plant-based skin protectant that helps shield delicate skin from moisture, friction, and irritants. Enriched with botanicals, it creates a breathable barrier while nourishing and soothing dry, compromised skin.

Because No-Rinse Cleansing Spray gently cleans, deodorizes, and protects skin without the need for water. Enriched with Aloe Vera, chamomile, and Vitamin E, it soothes irritation from incontinence while being safe for daily use.

 

Swim Diapers

If you’re travelling to a warm destination and you know you’ll be spending time in the ocean or a pool, remember to pack a swim diaper or underwear. With both disposable and washable options available, a well-fitting swim product will ensure you can enjoy swimming worry-free.

 

Tranquility Swimmates are the first disposable swim underwear designed for discreet bowel containment that won't swell in water. Ideal for pool use, these garments are worn under a swimsuit and feature tear-away side seams for quick, hygienic disposal. Comfortable and form-fitting, they offer security and confidence for aquatic activities.

Introducing the SOSecure Containment Swim Brief. This unisex undergarment provides superior protection and is very discreet. Incontinence is a common condition…don’t let it keep you out of the pool. The SOSecure Containment Swim Brief (also known as a swim diaper or swim nappy) is an innovative design with a focus on practicality, durability and comfort. Considered the best design available, the brief is used by Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and caregivers all over the world.


Tip #2: Consider Your Travel Medium

This is something that many people often forget about. Different travel mediums have different restroom availability, which is something to be mindful of when planning a trip.

If you’re going on a road-trip and will be spending time in a car or on a bus; plan pitstops for washroom breaks. Check for enroute stops with public washroom facilities prior to leaving. 

If you’re going to be travelling on a plane or train for an extended period, consider wearing highly-absorbent and long-lasting incontinence products. Having to change a soiled incontinence product in a small bathroom can be a challenge, so wearing a product that will require fewer changes is a great idea. It’s also a good idea to bring a disposable plastic back with you into the washroom for your soiled product, as the restroom disposal systems may be limited. 


Tip #3: Research Your Destination and Activities

Doing research about your travel destination and activities is always a good idea. Knowing about where you are going and what to expect is a good way to put your mind at ease.

You check online to see restrooms available at destinations you plan to visit while away. There are also mobile apps, like “Flush”, which will provide a map of public washrooms based on your chosen location. You can also look at local retailers to see if they sell your brand or a comparable incontinence product in case you run out. If you’re staying in a hotel or Airbnb, you should be able to find out online if laundry services are available. 

While it’s important for you to enjoy your holiday fully, you should also be mindful of certain activities so you’re well prepared. For example, if you’re travelling to a warm destination and wearing absorbent products, the humidity combined with a lot of time on your feet may irritate your skin. To be prepared, it’s a good idea to pack an incontinence barrier or moisturizing cream. 

 

Tip #4: Wear the Right Incontinence Products for Your Needs

Every person living with incontinence has different needs. Whether it’s light or heavy leakage, or a preference for more discreet protection, personalized solutions matter. Whatever your situation, Healthwick offers a wide selection of diapers, pull-ups, and booster pads to help keep you dry and comfortable while traveling. Here our some of our favourite products to use while abroad:

For Maximum Absorbency: NorthShore has combined all the best features of premium adult diapers with a near limitless absorbency for up to 12 hours of protection. MEGAMAX features an extra-large absorbent core with tall leak guards, leg cuffs, and elastic waistbands for full front-to-back protection—even for restless sleepers.

For Discreetness: TENA NEW Plus Protective Underwear offers heavy to maximum protection with a secure, pull-on design that feels like regular underwear. Suitable for both men and women, it features a Body-Close Fit that moves with the body for added comfort and discretion. This is an ideal choice for those seeking full-coverage protection without compromising dignity.

For Overnight Leaks: Tranquility Premium OverNight Underwear offers maximum overnight protection with a Peach Mat core that absorbs between 2.5–4.75 cups of fluid, depending on size. Designed for uninterrupted sleep, it features a full-rise waist panel for a secure fit and tear-away side seams for easy removal. Blue leg elastics and inner leg cuffs provide added leakage protection for a dry and restful night.

Top Booster Pad: InControl Booster Pads – Unscented are designed to enhance the absorbency of your incontinence briefs or underwear without added bulk or fragrance. These flow-through pads allow moisture to pass into the core below, offering extended protection and odor-free comfort. Cut to fit between the standing leg guards on premium briefs.

 

If you are unsure what products best suit your needs, feel free to contact our Customer Service team here.


Tip #5: Monitor What You Eat and Drink

If you’re spending a lot of time doing physical activity while on your trip, make sure you stay properly hydrated. That said, it’s important to not over hydrate to help better manage your incontinence. 

You should also do your best to avoid foods and drinks that will irritate your bladder. Alcohol and caffeine are examples of beverages to avoid. You can also check out this list of 10 Foods and Drinks to Avoid if You’re Managing Incontinence for more insight. 


We hope these tips will help you plan your next trip with confidence! If you are planning to travel soon, we wish you a happy and safe journey. Always remember that Healthwick is here to help, if you have any questions or need some assistance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.


 

Take Care!

2 comments

Feb 15, 2023
Rick

I wore a Northshore Megamax brief both ways on the seven hour flight to England. The one I wore on the way over was sufficient enough to tide me over through customs at Heathrow and the Tube journey to my hotel – at least ten hours.

Seniors and those with health issues should check in advance to see whether they can be processed separately through security and also to check with the airline about bringing a change bag and supplies as a separate carry on as permitted with medically necessary supplies or equipment, such as a CPAP machine. It saves using valuable space in your carry on or luggage.

Rather than pack a bag of adult diapers I purchased a supply when I landed in England. Boots has their own StayDry brand of adult diapers (referred to as a slip rather than a brief) as well as underwear (referred to as pants), liners, and pads. The slips were absorbent enough for both day and night use – though I wore an absorbent cloth brief and plastic pant over top and had a bed pad as insurance against leaks, They reserve the term “nappies” for children’s and infant’s incontinence products, though the general public may refer to adult products by this term.

There are public washrooms with attendants in the inner city and some of them require a small fee to use. Whether it was because I was a tourist or a senior (or both) the attendant at the washroom near Westminster Abbey saw that I did not have the exact change and let me use the facility for free.

Sep 24, 2021
Paul

Good advice

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