NEW STUDY SHOWS WHY SENIORS AND CAREGIVERS NO LONGER TRUST DISPOSABLE DIAPERS

Nurse Linda Albright My Health Magazine · Published: July 4, 2025

I have been taking care of people with incontinence for over a decade, and one thing I have learned is that managing incontinence is about much more than keeping someone dry.

It is about helping people feel comfortable in their own bodies. It is about giving family caregivers a little breathing room. And, above all, it is about making sure that needing help with something so personal does not take away a person's dignity.

For years, disposable adult diapers have been the go-to solution for managing incontinence. Many people still rely on them, and they can be useful for different needs. But after years of use, some families find themselves dealing with recurring expenses, frequent changes, nighttime interruptions, and the constant need to keep extra supplies within reach.

That raises an important question: Is there another way to manage urine collection that could make everyday life easier for some seniors and their caregivers?

The recurring cost of disposable diapers

Let us start with something every family understands: the cost.

A 48-pack of disposable adult diapers priced at $102 at Walmart costs more than many people realize when you calculate how quickly the pack can run out.

If someone uses just two diapers a day, that is 60 diapers over 30 days. A 48-pack will last only 24 days.

At that price, the cost works out to approximately $127.50 per 30 days, assuming the same price per diaper. Someone who needs more frequent changes may spend considerably more.

And the cost does not stop at the purchase. Depending on the person's needs, families may also buy wipes, disposable bed pads, protective bedding, and other supplies.

For someone living on a fixed income—or a family already paying for care—these expenses can add up month after month.

The challenges go beyond money

The financial burden is only one part of the story.

Frequent changes can make caregiving physically demanding. For someone who is bedridden or has limited mobility, changing a diaper may require turning, lifting, repositioning, and cleaning. Caregivers may have to repeat the process several times throughout the day and night.

Nighttime routines can interrupt rest. Caregivers may wake repeatedly to check for wetness, change products, or replace bedding. The person receiving care may also have their sleep interrupted.

Discomfort and skin care require attention. Prolonged exposure to moisture, friction, or poorly fitting products can contribute to skin irritation. Regular changes, appropriate hygiene, and skin monitoring remain important.

Dignity matters, too. Many adults find it difficult to depend on someone else for intimate personal care. Being changed can feel uncomfortable or embarrassing, especially when a person already feels that illness or limited mobility has taken away some of their independence.

There is no shame in using disposable diapers. They remain a useful option for many people. But families deserve to know that incontinence care does not have to be approached in exactly the same way for every person or every situation.

Why this approach may be right for you or your loved ones

A reusable wearable urine-collection system offers a different way to manage urine. Instead of relying entirely on an absorbent disposable diaper to contain urine, the system collects it through a wearable component and tubing into a collection bag.

For people who are suitable candidates, this approach may offer several practical advantages:

• Fewer disposable products for urine collection: A reusable system can reduce reliance on disposable diapers in situations where it is appropriate to use the collection system instead. It does not eliminate the need for all disposable products.
• A different nighttime routine: Some users may find urine collection more convenient during rest, depending on their needs, fit, and setup.
• An option for limited mobility: A wearable system may be worth exploring for people who spend much of their time in bed or use a wheelchair.
• A possible alternative during travel: For suitable users, a portable urine-collection setup may help with planning for long drives or journeys where convenient restroom access is difficult.
• Reusable equipment: The collection system is designed for repeated use when cleaned and maintained according to its instructions.
• More choice in personal care: Rather than relying on one approach for every situation, families can discuss whether urine collection is appropriate for some parts of the day or night.

The right choice depends on the individual. A urine-collection system does not absorb urine like a diaper, does not suit everyone, and should not be assumed to prevent all leaks or eliminate nighttime care.

How does it work?

Urivie's reusable wearable urine-collection system is designed to collect urine and direct it through connecting tubing into a collection bag.

The wearable component is positioned against the body as directed by the manufacturer. The tubing connects it to the collection bag, which holds the collected urine until it is emptied.

The system is intended to offer an alternative method of urine collection for suitable users. Correct fit, positioning, cleaning, and maintenance are important.

How do I use it?

The general process involves these steps. Always follow the product's supplied instructions for the specific model and body fit.

1. Prepare the system. Check that the wearable component, tubing, connections, and collection bag are clean and ready for use.
2. Position the wearable component. Fit it according to the manufacturer's instructions. The correct fit is important for comfort and proper urine collection.
3. Connect the tubing and bag. Ensure the connections are secure and that the tubing is not kinked or obstructed. Position the collection bag as directed.
4. Check the setup. Confirm that the system is sitting comfortably and that urine can flow into the bag. Check the skin and fit regularly.
5. Empty and clean as instructed. Empty the bag when appropriate and clean reusable components according to the product instructions. Do not reuse components in ways the manufacturer does not permit.

A caregiver may assist when the user has limited mobility or cannot manage the system independently.

In which situations can it be useful?

For someone who uses a wheelchair

For a person who has difficulty transferring to a toilet or reaching a restroom quickly, a urine-collection system may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional. Suitability depends on the person's anatomy, mobility, and ability to position and manage the equipment.

For someone who is bedridden

Caregivers of people who spend extended periods in bed may explore urine collection as part of their care routine. Correct positioning, skin checks, hygiene, and monitoring remain essential.

During long drives or travel

People who find restroom stops difficult to arrange may consider a portable urine-collection system for suitable journeys. It is important to test the setup before travelling, follow its instructions, and plan for safe emptying and cleaning.

At night

Some users may find a collection bag useful during sleep or periods of rest. Whether it is appropriate overnight depends on the product's intended use, correct fit, bag capacity, and the user's needs. It should not be assumed to prevent every leak or replace all nighttime checks.

For family caregivers

For caregivers managing daily incontinence routines, learning about another collection method may help them decide whether it fits into the care plan. It is not a replacement for every diaper change, and it may be used alongside other products when appropriate.

A final thought

After years of helping people manage incontinence, I believe families should have access to information about the options available to them.

Disposable diapers remain useful for many people. But if recurring costs, frequent changes, mobility challenges, or nighttime routines have become difficult to manage, it may be worth learning about another approach.

The important thing is to choose a solution that fits the person's needs, protects their dignity, and can be used safely and comfortably.