There are three types of incontinence products, either pads or underwear. Then there are what manufacturers call them to differentiate themselves in the market. We've selected names based on actual sizing.

Each product has its own manufacturer's description of its 'type', but none are particularly consistent between brands. We've listed this so you can spot the type in store or online.

The phrasing used on the product packaging to describe the product suitability.

This is the phrasing that the manufacturer has used to describe the size of the product.

Sometimes these relate to length, sometimes flow of leakage – again, all relative within brands and zero relation between brands.

Some define the gender they are recommended for – this seems to be marketing in many cases apart from the pouch characteristic which has a design to accommodate the male appendage.

We recommend products with a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 70% and at least 70% for absorbency.

Overall score is made of 80% absorption score and 20% re-wet (wet feeling) score.

Each product is tested according to the Rothwell method, an industry method that completely soaks the product for 5 minutes, drains for 30 secs, then the product is rolled to express water and weighed. The score is then developed based on the amount of water it can hold.

Once each product is weighed, layers of absorbent paper are placed on top, and the amount of water absorbed is recorded. This shows how wet someone feels from the product being used. A high score in this test indicates someone would feel more dry, whereas a low score indicates someone would feel more wet using the product.

Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.

Does the product claim to be PEFC, FSC or Sustainable Forest Initiative Certified?

Price paid for the pack size we tested.

Based on the pack size and the price paid for the pack size – this will change based on volume discounts and any changes in pack size and sales discounts.

The weight of five pads is recorded and the average weight is taken.

Based on availability from the website of the manufacturer.

Very few of the manufacturers put weight restrictions on their products.

Some manufacturers put waist restrictions on the products (generally the underwear design).

Any further claims or comments made on the product's packaging. 

Pack size purchased.

Does the product have any adhesive in its design?

Is there any elastic incorporated into the design of the product?

Are the products within the packaging individually wrapped for convenience?

Some manufacturers supply a free sample for you to check whether the sample is suitable for your needs. We highly encourage you to try this out.