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I have a really strange question. My husband who has dementia wears Depend 24/7. The type that he uses can handle “maximum” wetness, but he always overflows it despite going to the bathroom every 3 hrs as recommended by the neurologist. I decided to insert pads inside the Depend for additional protection. Here is the weird part: when the pad gets fully wet, it spills out on to his clothes when it cannot absorb anymore. The cotton lining inside the Depend itself is always dry. It does not absorb the overflow. I feel I am wasting my money buying both the Depend and the extra pads when only one does the absorption - and neither can do the job fully by itself. I don’t know what I am doing wrong.

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I suspect the pads you are using are working as they are supposed to, incontinence pads are designed to work inside normal underwear and have a fluid proof backing that prevents urine from escaping until completely saturated, and then they will only overflow out the sides - this is why the common advice to add a regular pad or guard inside any brief or pullup is nonsensical. There are "booster pads" that are made without the fluid proof backing, but you may need to order those online as they are not commonly available in many stores, or you could (tediously) slash the backing in regular pads/guards to allow fluid to flow through. It might prove to be more economical to buy one of the more absorbent, higher end products rather than doubling up (prevail, abena , molicare, tranquility), some suppliers will send free samples.
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I took cwilllie’s advice and slashed the back of the pad to allow fluid to flow to the lining of the Depend. It worked! Thank you for the great suggested.

Now, I will look into other brands you suggested.
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A chat I had once with a continence nurse was very enlightening! She said the main leaking problem for men was when they wore their briefs loose - hanging loose like boxers. She said a close neat fit was required for good containment. I have no idea is this is your problem...

I'm thinking the liners are conductors, it's going straight through but I have seen these used well. Is there another brand to try?

You are doing a hard job indeed & deserve recognition.
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First, very good question. I have always wondered how putting a regular pad in a Depends would help primarily because they have a leak proof liner. So the urine never soaks thru to the depends. Same with using two Depends, they have plastic covers. No way for the urine to het to the second Depend. Willie's suggestion is right on. Maybe cutting back on fluid intake would help.
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Most pads are designed to not leak out the back of the pad. If the pad you are using has a waterproof lining on the back it will not allow the Depend under it to absorb anything.
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I started putting two pair of Depends on my husband at night time. He has not had any leakage since then. The inside pair may get soaked but usually the outer pair was dry and he could keep that one on for most of the day. Sometimes only the sides around the inner thigh area on the outer pair may get wet. Make sure the size is correct. That might be more important than the brand. It is very important to make sure they fit snuggly but are also comfortable.
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