5 Tips and Products for Traveling While Managing Incontinence

Did you know that about 1/3 of adults in the U.S. suffer from incontinence? That's millions of people!

When incontinence is prevalent, people tend to retreat from recreational activities and interests. They may choose not to exercise, leave the house or visit family and friends. As more and more restaurants, malls and tourist destinations welcome visitors back, individuals managing incontinence and their loved ones may find themselves struggling with 'cabin fever' and wanting to go out but worrying about urinary leaks or bowel incontinence. 

Whether you or someone you know has intermittent leaks or a total lack of bladder control, leaving the house is possible with the right absorbent products.

Let's look at top tips and recommendations.

Find Restrooms While Traveling and Managing Incontinence 

The first step in planning a trip should be thorough preparation. Where are you going? Are you planning to go by car or bus, or do you intend to book a flight?

If you travel by plane, you should locate restrooms at the airport and on the airplane. Consider reserving an aisle seat if you know you'll be getting up and down often to use the bathroom.

If traveling by car, you can prepare ahead by planning out the route and noting any rest stops along the way. Yes, it may take somewhat longer to reach a location if numerous pauses are required, but you can include that time in the overall travel schedule.

Additionally, it may be fun to see places of interest on your road trips. Schedule visits to tourist sites and create new memories, while getting restroom breaks along the way. 

Helpful supplies when traveling may include: MEGAMAX Tab-Style Briefs, GoSupreme Protective Underwear and EternaDry Booster Pads

Make Sure You Have Enough Incontinence Supplies

• Compile a list of everything needed for the trip. Write down the incontinence products used on a daily basis such as adult diapers, pull-on underwear and pads. Don't forget skin care items such as wipes to thoroughly clean and alleviate skin irritation caused by urine or bowel incontinence.

• Calculate how often you use an item and replace before it is needed to ensure adequate stock at all times. 

• Determine the number of incontinence products that will be needed during the trip. Try and address all possible scenarios, including airline delays, construction roadblocks or emergencies.

• Pack the appropriate type, style and amount of needed incontinence supplies. If urinary leaks are intermittent, thinner liners or pads may work versus more absorbent tab-style briefs for moderate and heavy to total incontinence.

The last thing anyone wants to do is run out of products or make a trip to a local store in an unknown city or country to purchase unknown incontinence items that may not fit.

DiscreetShield Disposal Bags

Pack Disposable Bags

Packing disposable bags is critical when traveling with incontinence to ensure sanitary disposal and reduce any odors. They can be used to discreetly discard used products or hide soiled supplies until a trash receptacle can be found.

Pack Hand Sanitizer

Keeping clean is critical for proper hygiene. Hand sanitizer eliminates dangerous bacteria that may cause viruses and is often available in convenient travel sizes. When traveling with incontinence, it's a good idea to always have hand sanitizer on hand.

Supreme Quilted Wipes

Pack Cleaning Wipes

Cleansing wipes like the NorthShore Supreme Wipes are a great multipurpose hygiene item that can be used for head-to-toe freshness. These wipes are heavy-duty, quilted and soft. Available in extra-long and travel-sizes.

Pack a Spare Set of Clothes

Packing extra clothes in case of an accident. Also, airlines sometimes misplace luggage and it could take days before getting a fresh set of clothing.

You'll want to be able to reach for these back-up clothes on your road trips or or plane rides in your carry-on luggage. Being unprepared for a sudden incontinence incident may make you embarrassed so plan ahead if you can.

Avoid Diuretic Drinks

While traveling, it's a good idea to avoid drinks that irritate the urinary system and serve as a diuretic. Caffeine, for example, is a frequent bladder stimulant that may cause an overactive bladder and bladder control issues.

It may be good to abstain from alcohol, chocolate, tea, coffee and caffeinated drinks.

Catheterization Is a Choice You Can Make

Before your trip, you may want to talk with your doctor about the many kinds of catheters available and which, if any, would be best for your situation. Catheters assist in managing incontinence and urinary leaks.

Certain catheters are placed to drain the bladder and removed immediately. Others may be used for a few days or even weeks.

Men may be offered a non-invasive alternative called a condom catheter. This kind of catheter is externally worn to treat male incontinence. It may be worn for many hours before the bag needs to be emptied. 

Consult a healthcare professional in advance of any trip regarding the possibility of catheterization if that seems like a helpful solution. That will give you time to get familiar and learn how to use the catheter.  

Don’t Let Incontinence Get the Best of You

If traveling with incontinence causes anxiety, planning will make all the difference!

Thinking ahead about appropriate incontinence solutions hopefully means you can relax and enjoy the trip later. There are so many benefits to getting away and breaking up daily routines.

Still not sure about traveling while managing incontinence? Live life wory-free and leak-free with the right absorbent products. Visit our Incontinence Products Page or call (800) 563-0161 for personalized suggestions and tips for your next trip.

Regardless of capacity, an absorbent product must be changed immediately following a bowel movement.

Thank you so much for reading our blogs!

Did you know NorthShore has helped millions of people manage incontinence with life-changing absorbent products? It's so amazing to hear their stories.

We also want you to know we have trained product advocates that provide a personal experience by working with each customer to find the best product for their situation.

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