Did you know that more than half of people over the age of 65 have to purchase incontinence products as a result of urinary incontinence? While incontinence is common, it can be easy to let yourself start to withdraw from your regular fun activities and hobbies. However, whether you have occasional leakage or a complete loss of bladder control, you can still travel and visit your loved ones. We have a few tips for how to make traveling with urinary incontinence products much easier!
Tips for How to Travel with Urinary Incontinence Products
1. Find Nearby Restrooms Along the Way & At Your Destination
Your first step toward making successful travel plans should begin with proper preparation. Where will you be traveling? Will you get there by road trip in your car or by bus, or do you plan to book a flight?
If you travel by plane, you should have access to a restroom aboard your flight. Consider booking an aisle seat if you know you’ll have to get up and down to use the restroom frequently.
If you plan to travel by car, you can stay ahead of the game by mapping out your route in advance and marking any rest stops along the way. Remember, stopping at new places along the way can be fun. Reframe your travel stops positively by visiting unique roadside tourist attractions, taking pictures, and making new memories.
In addition, you can download a few handy apps on your smartphone to help you locate the nearest accessible restrooms.
2. Pack Enough Incontinence Supplies for Your Trip
The second step is to start making a list of everything you need to pack. Be sure to write down any and all incontinence products you regularly use, such as adult diapers, disposable underwear, pads, and skin care products like wipes to reduce skin irritation from urine or bowel leakage. Calculate how many times a day you typically use or change out those products. We’d suggest erring on the side of a worst-case scenario so you’ll always have extras on hand rather than a situation where you underestimate your needs and run out.
Next, calculate the daily number of incontinence supplies by the days you plan to be away from home. Include all possibilities, including delayed flights, road traffic, or a change of plans. You don’t want to run out of supplies or make an embarrassing trip to a nearby store for unfamiliar incontinence products that might not work for you or be in the size you need.
We suggest packing extra underwear and clothes as a precaution. Sometimes, just knowing you have a backup on hand can alleviate some of the common anxieties that come with traveling with urinary incontinence.
3. Avoid Bladder Irritants and Diuretics While Traveling
While you’re traveling, you may want to avoid beverages that can irritate your bladder and act as diuretics. Caffeine is a common bladder irritant that can make your system flush out extra water. Alcohol, chocolate, coffee, tea, and caffeinated sodas are all potential culprits you may prefer to avoid.
However, you don’t want to limit your intake of liquids to avoid potential accidents. You don’t want to get dehydrated. Water is the most bladder-friendly way to stay hydrated and healthy. Talk to your doctor about how much water you should drink daily.
4. Get the Right Incontinence Products for Your Needs
Lastly, ensure you have the proper supplies for your specific needs when traveling with urinary incontinence. For instance, you may only need thin liners or absorbent incontinence pads if you have minimal urinary leakage. If you have moderate to severe urinary incontinence, disposable briefs or protective pull-on underwear might be a better option.
180 Medical’s Incontinence Specialists will respectfully and compassionately listen to your concerns and answer any questions. Together, we’ll create a customized order of incontinence supplies that’s just right for you! With the right products, you’ll be traveling with urinary incontinence in no time!
Contact us today.
