FAQs

1. How to choose the right incontinence management product?

Step 1

Determine the level of incontinence you are dealing with. Depending on the level of incontinence, frequency of urine loss and the degree of mobility of a given person we can choose appropriate pads or diapers.

Step 2

Choose the type of an absorbent you would like to use.

Step 3

Determine the size of a product to ensure optimal fit on the body. In order to make it easier to choose the right product we created a special questionnaire. Using this questionnaire you will be able to choose the right product for a particular incontinence case and find the proper size.

2. All-in-one diapers or anatomically shaped pads – what to choose?

Depending on one’s individual needs and preferences there are three diaper systems to choose from:

• open
• half-open
• closed.

Open system – anatomically shaped pads without the wings around the hip;

Half-open system – diapers with elastic hip bands;

Closed system – classic all-in-one diapers with wings or elastic disposable underwear.

Mobile people, partially able to control passing urine will surely feel much more comfortable in anatomically shaped pads which are fixed on the body with the special net briefs, or in diapers with the elastic hip bands, which can be taken down and pulled up. Such people are also likely to choose our absorbent disposable pants, which resemble ordinary underwear, and are really comfortable and easy to use.

For bedridden people, or those with limited mobility, we recommend the closed system which provides optimal protection in moderate and heavy incontinence. Diapers from each of the systems provide excellent protection in incontinence; however it is important to remember to choose the proper size and absorbency, and also to properly activate the product before using it.

3. Are there different incontinence management products for men and women?

Depending on the type of protection needed, we classify products for which are designed for men, women, and those, which are universal. In the case of light incontinence management products the division into pads for men and women is due to the anatomical differences. From the range of Seni products for ladies we offer Seni Lady, bladder control pads, which can also be used by men, and a range of Seni Man pads which are designed for men. All of the products for moderate and heavy incontinence management range – the all-in-one diapers, anatomically shaped pads, absorbent disposable underwear  – are designed both for men and women.

4. What is the difference between a bladder control pad and an ordinary sanitary napkin?

It is often the case, that an ordinary sanitary napkin is used to protect the underwear in light incontinence. This solution is ineffective. Bladder control pads and sanitary napkins look similar, however their design and construction is different due to different application. Click here for more information.

5. Why it is worth to choose breathable products?

Our skin needs constant air supply, because it has to “breathe” in order to stay in good condition. If an outer layer of a diaper is made only of insulating film, the film blocks air circulation, causing the skin to sweat. In cases of prolonged diaper wearing this makes the skin chafed. Chafed skin is more prone to suffer from bedsores.

Breathable products minimise the risk of chafes and bedsores thanks to the special structure of the outer layer. In PREMIUM Quality products, i.e. Super Seni, Seni Active, San Seni, Seni Optima, Seni Lady and Seni Man groups, the whole outer layer is made of vapour-permeable material. This material has the same barrier properties as film, but in its structure there are micropores small enough to keep the moisture in, yet big enough, to let the perspiration vapour out. Due to that feature the air circulation is not disturbed and the skin breathes.

Using a back sheet made of a different material than film doesn’t influence the absorbency of the diaper, nor its absorbing time, but improves the comfort of use – breathable diapers do not rustle – they are more discreet and nicer in touch.

The breathability in all-in-one diapers can also be obtained by application of a special non-woven side wings. The non-woven material enables free air circulation in the hip part of the product.

6. Does the diaper’s thickness determine its absorbency?

A belief, that a thicker diaper is more absorbent, is misleading. The absorbing core in thinner diapers is pressed improving the comfort of use (the product is more discreet), but what is even more important, that improves the distribution of urine in the diaper.

What determines the absorbency level?

• The amount of cellulose pulp which is the main component of the absorbent core.
• The presence of a special substance – the superabsorbent – it binds the liquid into gel form and neutralises the unpleasant smell of urine. If it wasn’t for the superabsorbent, the liquid would be instantly pushed out from the diapers core even under slight pressure.

To sum up – the combination of cellulose pulp and a right amount of superabsorbent determines the final absorbency of a diaper. Conclusion: a diaper’s absorbency doesn’t directly depend on the thickness of the absorbent core.

7. Does a catheterised person need to use diapers?

Use of different products depends on whether a catheterised person also experiences faecal incontinence.

If there is no faecal incontinence it is enough to use a bed underpad or a bladder control pad. In the case of faecal incontinence it is recommended to use Seni V type special anatomically shaped inserts without the outer barrier back sheet. Such inserts are a perfect underwear or bed protection in faecal incontinence, do not cause skin irritation or chafing, however they cannot be used as an independent diaper in urinary incontinence. It is recommended to use absorbent products in between the periods of catheterization.

8. How to diaper a person with faecal incontinence?

Sometimes urinary incontinence is accompanied by faecal incontinence and the diapers often get soiled. In such cases it is not possible to make the most of the absorbent capacity of a diaper, and frequent diaper changes increase daily cost of use.

In order to avoid excessive costs it is worth to use additional diaper inserts with the all-in-one diapers; after getting soiled the inserts can be easily out leaving the diaper suitable for further use.

Seni has such inserts included in the offer – these are the Seni V. These inserts size Normal can be used with all-in-one diapers of all sizes, and Maxi size ones are only suitable for Extra Large size diapers.

9. How to take care of the diapered person’s skin?

Skin of a diapered person requires special protection. Keeping up proper hygiene not only helps to avoid unwanted skin conditions, but also improves comfort and makes one simply feel better.

What should daily care include?

• using special cosmetics to wash and take care of parts exposed to irritation;
• preventive treatment.

There are complete lines of wash and care products dedicated for people with urinary incontinence which can be found in good pharmacies and medical stores. Best protection is achieved by using cosmetics from one product range, for example the Seni Care line – the cosmetics from this line complete one another’s effect on the skin. If one uses cosmetics made by different producers, the ingredients might interact causing irritation.

What is important to remember?

• A diapered person’s skin is especially sensitive, and constant exposure to irritant factors worsens its condition even more.
• In order to avoid negatively affecting the skin even more, it is important to use the care products in moderation.
• Personal hygiene should be carried out at least once a day, and the skin under the diaper should be protected after each diaper change.
• Each process should be carried out gently and carefully in order not to irritate the skin.
• Using delicate and soft towels and wash gloves is really worth considering.

Find out more about skin care in the Skin care section.

10. How often should one change the diaper?

A diaper should be change as often as necessary. When a diaper is so full that it cannot be used anymore it means it has to be changed.

In order not to expose the skin to unnecessary irritation it is advised to change the diaper each time the diapered person passes stool. In other cases the wetness indicator, which blurs after contact with moisture, will inform that the diaper is full.

NOTE: One should check the level of a diaper’s wetness, because prolonged presence of moisture inside the diaper may lead to forming clusters in the absorbent core, what may lead to skin irritation and greatly deteriorates the comfort of the user.

11. Is using diapers safe?

Using Seni absorbent products is safe.

What makes Seni products safe to use?

• Seni does not use latex to produce the diapers reducing the risk of allergic reactions;
• The materials used to produce Seni absorbent products come from reliable sources and are carefully tested in terms of safety;
• Our production facilities have implemented the ISO quality standards, what is confirmed by adequate certificates;
• All products comply with strict safety requirements set out by the European Union, what is confirmed by the presence of the CE sign on packs of our products.

12. What is meant by diaper activation?

It is really important to carefully activate a diaper before putting it on. Activation is preparing a diaper for use. Activation fluffs the absorbent core, which is originally pressed, and raises the standing gathers, which prevent side leakages.

13. How to avoid leakage from the diaper?

Leakage from the diaper is most commonly caused by choosing an improper product for the level of incontinence, or by wrong product size.

In order to avoid leakage and to provide user’s maximum comfort, follow these rules:

• the diaper should be well fitted – ensure you are using the right size;
• the absorbency of a diaper should be adequate to the level of urine loss;
• activate the diaper before use;
• ensure that the side standing gathers fit closely to the body and they are not twisted;
• one should change the diapers as frequent as necessary to avoid its overfilling.

If the above rules are followed the risk of leakage is minimised. A soft bed underpad can be used at night for extra protection.