Improving the performance of small incontinence pads: a study of "wet comfort"

The wet comfort of small, disposable incontinence pads has been found to correlate strongly with overall acceptability. This study examined the relationship between pad properties (absorption capacity, strike-through, and wetback) and wet comfort.

A group of women with light incontinence were asked to report on the wet comfort of a series of experimental pads made up to the same design geometry but in different combinations of materials.

Three different pad variants were selected, and two experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 used a single-blind design in which 20 testers were supplied with a random mix of the three unlabeled pad variants. All pads were saved for weighing and scored for overall performance, wet comfort, and absorbency. In experiment 2, subjects used each pad variant in turn for 1 week and at the end of each week compared that pad with the one used the previous week.

Absorption capacity, wetback, and strike-through properties for each pad variant were measured in the laboratory setting, and wet comfort was measured by a written tool completed by participants during clinical trials.

Data analysis from experiment 1 revealed statistically significant differences among pad variants, particularly when assessed for absorbency. Differences for wet comfort were less marked and only achieved significance when those with ratings of good or OK for wet comfort were compared with those with a score of poor. In experiment 2, no statistically significant differences were found for wet comfort.

Overall, the improvement in wet comfort achieved by a substantial increase in absorption capacity and reduction in wetback were disappointing. The relatively small sample and the design specifications of the pad may have masked differences. Cost considerations mean that more evidence is needed to justify the inclusion of more expensive materials and production stages in the manufacture of small pads.