5 Best Bed Pads for Incontinence

A bed pad (underpad or Chux) is a waterproof-backed absorbent pad placed on top of the bed sheet under the person. It absorbs urine from overnight accidents before the liquid reaches the sheet and mattress below, making clean-up much faster than a full sheet change. It is used alongside or instead of incontinence underwear depending on the situation.

Washable pads are reusable — machine-washed after each wet use and dried for reuse. They cost more upfront but are significantly cheaper per use over months. Disposable pads are single-use and thrown away after each accident — more convenient but with ongoing cost. Most households keep both: washable for nightly routine, disposable for travel and as backup.

Large enough to cover the area from mid-back to mid-thigh when the person is lying in their usual sleeping position. Standard sizes around 23×36 inches cover most adults. Err on the larger side: a pad too small leaves part of the bed unprotected. For restless sleepers, a larger pad, or one that stays put under movement, reduces migration risk.

Place the pad on a cotton fitted sheet rather than a satin or microfibre sheet — the texture provides grip. The RMS pad, with its four-layer quilted build and reinforced handles, is the one designed to stay put and to be repositioned deliberately. Some caregivers also use a second fitted sheet on top to hold the pad in place.

Yes — this is a common layered approach at night. The underwear handles lighter leakage, and the pad provides backup protection if breakthrough occurs. It allows a less bulky underwear choice while still protecting the sheet and mattress. Position the pad so it covers the likely accident area regardless of which direction the person turns.

Wash promptly after use — urine left to dry sets odour. Machine wash in warm (not hot) water without fabric softener (softener reduces absorbency over time). Air-dry or tumble-dry on low heat. Avoid high heat which degrades the waterproof backing faster. A mesh laundry bag protects the pad during washing.

A bed pad protects the sheet directly beneath the person. For very heavy accidents that soak through the pad, a waterproof mattress protector as a permanent layer under the fitted sheet provides the second line of defence. The combination of a mattress protector plus a bed pad on top is the complete overnight setup for heavy incontinence.

At least two or three to maintain a rotation: one on the bed, one in the wash, one drying. With two pads, a morning accident means scrambling to have a clean pad ready by bedtime. Three pads gives comfortable buffer. Four pads is ideal if laundry is done only a few times a week.

Standard incontinence bed pads are generally not covered by Original Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans include incontinence supplies as an added benefit. Medicaid covers incontinence products in many states. Confirm with the specific plan or a healthcare provider for coverage details.

For heavy overnight incontinence, choose a pad with heavy absorbency specifically labelled for overnight use — the Medline Heavy Absorbency Underpad in disposable or the Priva Ultra in washable. Supplement the pad with a waterproof mattress protector below the sheet as a second barrier. For the heaviest cases, a tab-style incontinence brief under the pad provides the first line of defence.