For care home managers and healthcare procurement teams, choosing the right adult incontinence products directly impacts resident comfort, staff efficiency, and operational costs. The wrong choice leads to skin irritation, frequent changes, increased laundry costs, and dissatisfied residents.
This guide helps you make informed decisions when selecting adult diapers and incontinence products for institutional care settings.
Understanding Absorption Levels
Absorption capacity is the single most important specification, but it's often misunderstood. Here's what the numbers actually mean:
ISO 11948-1 vs. Marketing Claims
Always ask for ISO 11948-1 tested absorption values — this is the standardized saline retention capacity test used across Europe. Marketing materials often cite "total capacity" which can be 40-60% higher than the actual usable absorption under real conditions.
For reference, KERA products test at:
- Day use: 2,500-2,850ml (KERA Pants Day / KERA Slip Day)
- Standard use: 2,800-3,600ml (KERA Pants Plus / KERA Slip Day L/XL)
- Night use: 3,400-4,300ml (KERA Pants Super Night / KERA Slip Night)
Day vs. Night Products
Using a single product for both day and night is a common cost-cutting mistake that actually increases costs. Day products should be changed every 3-4 hours and prioritize discretion and mobility. Night products need maximum absorption (3,400ml+) to last 8+ hours without change, reducing nighttime disruptions.
Pull-Up Pants vs. Tape-Style Diapers
When to Use Pull-Up Pants
- Residents with some mobility who can assist with changes
- Active residents who walk or use wheelchairs independently
- Day use when discretion is important for dignity
- Residents who resist traditional diaper changes
When to Use Tape-Style (Slip) Diapers
- Bed-bound residents requiring staff-assisted changes
- Night use for maximum absorption and security
- Residents with limited mobility
- Higher-acuity care settings where maximum protection is needed
Most care homes benefit from stocking both types: pull-ups for daytime use by mobile residents, and tape-style for nighttime and bed-bound care.
Skin Health Considerations
Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) affects up to 50% of incontinent care home residents. Product selection plays a critical role in prevention:
- Breathable outer layer: Reduces heat and moisture buildup. All KERA products feature breathable back sheets.
- SAP core technology: Super Absorbent Polymer locks moisture away from skin, keeping the surface dry
- Dermatological testing: Look for products tested by independent dermatological institutes
- Standing leak guards: Prevent lateral leakage without compressing the skin
Underpads: The Overlooked Essential
Disposable underpads protect bedding and furniture, reducing laundry costs significantly. Key selection criteria:
- Size matters: 60x90cm is standard for single beds, but 75x90cm provides extra coverage for hospital beds with adjustable sections. 90x180cm covers double beds completely.
- Waterproof backing: Essential — non-waterproof pads fail their primary purpose
- Diamond embossing: Distributes fluid evenly, preventing pooling
The 75x90cm size is particularly useful for care homes with hospital-style beds — KERA is one of very few European manufacturers offering this size, making it an easy way to differentiate your facility's care quality.
Cost Optimization Strategies
Total Cost of Care, Not Unit Price
The cheapest product per unit is rarely the most cost-effective. Calculate the total cost of care per resident per day:
- Product cost per change
- Number of changes per day (higher absorption = fewer changes)
- Staff time per change (easier products = less time)
- Laundry costs from leaks
- Skin treatment costs from IAD
Direct Manufacturer Partnerships
Working directly with brands rather than through multiple intermediaries can reduce costs by 10-20%. Brands like KERA offer direct partnerships with the brand owner, eliminating distributor markups while maintaining quality guarantees.
Compliance Requirements
When procuring for healthcare institutions in the EU:
- CE marking is mandatory for all incontinence products
- REACH compliance ensures no harmful chemicals
- Safety data sheets should be available for every product
- Lot traceability from manufacturer to point of use
Getting Started
Request product samples from multiple suppliers before committing to bulk orders. Test products with your care team for at least 2 weeks to evaluate real-world performance. KERA offers free sample requests for healthcare institutions evaluating products for their facilities.