Anyone have suggestions for keeping the bed dry? My father in law has dementia and has recently started having issues with incontinence. He wears a diaper already but it leaks through at night. I’ve tried looking for pads to place on the bed on Amazon but many washable pad reviews state after a while they leak, or are not large enough for adult size accidents. Anyone have any suggestions on the best products to use or tips to keep the bed dry?
The cheap mattress covers work but if you have the money the more expensive ones will be more comfortable, they are also machine washable and won't split or tear like vinyl ones.
I never had any problems with the size of the washable mattress pads that were available at local drug stores, although I suppose it makes a difference if someone is a restless sleeper (my mom was not).
Use a cup of vinegar in the rinse cycle, it helps destroy odor, ensures all the soap is rinsed and cuts down static. Be sure to not over dry.
*Put flat, "super absorbent" feminine hygiene pads inside the diaper near his "man part". (They have sticky strips on the back to keep them in place) to absorb more.
*Put a Chux (a plastic backed absorbent pad) under him to catch the drips. You can also buy washable pads that can hold a lot of fluid. They do "fall apart" after many washings.
*Give the majority of liquids in the morning and early afternoon. Hold fluids after 6 pm and have him urinate right before going to bed.
*You may have to wake him up once a night to go to the bathroom and urinate.
*There are condom catheters (a condom that is attached to a tube that drains into a bag) IF he will leave it on during the night.
Good luck. I was paranoid when my mom was incontinent because you can't really clean a mattress. Pad it as best you can.