The 2025 Incontinence Q&A Recap: Real Questions Answered by NorthShore

Every year, people living with incontinence and caregivers who support them turn to NorthShore with thoughtful, honest questions about incontinence care.

This 2025 Q&A recap brings together real questions pulled from Reddit comments and AMAs, social media conversations, and interactions with our Customer Service team over the past year. Each answer comes directly from NorthShore staff and Care Experts who work with these topics every day.

Let’s dive in!

How are NorthShore adult diapers different from store brands?
NorthShore adult diapers are designed for real Heavy Bladder Leakage* (HBL). Our MVP™ (Multi-Void Protection) allows NorthShore products to stay dry through multiple wettings — even for those with high output — up to 3X longer compared to store brands labeled “maximum” or “overnight,” which are typically designed for light leaks or dribbles.

*Including neurogenic bladder and diuretics (water pills)

u/WA81_Brenda: I’m looking for a product between a pull-up and a tabbed diaper. Something more absorbent and snug, but less bulky.
Check out our unisex XL or 2XL DynaDry Supreme Liners. They’re a sneaky-good option for high absorbency without added bulk and are very easy to change out.

u/MyDogisaWeeny: What have been NorthShore’s greatest hurdles or tribulations, from design to manufacturing or customer outreach?
Our biggest challenge has always been reaching the tens of millions of people with heavy bladder leakage who could benefit from NorthShore incontinence products. Only a small percentage know to go online and look for incontinence options better than what’s available in stores. That’s why we created our Referral Program, so our customers can help spread the word and connect others with better protection and support!

I’ve started to dribble frequently after using the restroom. Is there a cause, and do you have any recommendations?
There are many possible reasons this can happen, and we recommend bringing it up with your doctor so they can ask the right questions and identify the cause.

In the meantime, light dribbles can often be managed with a bladder control or incontinence pad. You may want to start with DynaDry Bladder Pads (for women) or DoubleStop Male Guards (for men). If you’re noticing more than a light dribble, our unisex DynaDry Supreme Liners may be a better fit.

u/ToAllAGoodnite: What does it look like to do actual innovation in the space of diaper production? Are you designing and testing new polymers? New plastics? What sort of engineering tasks have you encountered in the relatively new field of adult diaper design?
We work closely with our manufacturers to review and explore new diaper technology as it becomes available. We also have an in-house lab that allows us to run our own tests or re-create manufacturer tests. This allows us to verify what a new material or product can do before we decide to use it.

Diaper technology is evolving quickly and we're doing our best to stay ahead. 🙂

I just use period pads for my leaks. Isn't that the same as your pads?
No. Feminine pads or any style of menstrual pad should not be used for incontinence protection. Menstrual pads are not designed to absorb the volume or speed of urine output. Menstrual fluid and urine behave very differently, which is why incontinence pads such as DynaDry or DynaDry Supreme are specifically engineered for absorbency, odor control, and skin protection.

u/Nemona2: How do AirSupreme compare to MegaMax? Are they as good as MegaMax for fecal incontinence?
The main differences between AirSupreme and MegaMax come down to backing, absorbency, tabs, and fit. MegaMax features a plastic backsheet with tape-style tabs and provides up to 12 hours of wear time^**. AirSupreme has a cloth-like backsheet with hook-and-loop fasteners and offers up to 8 hours of capacity. The cut and sizing also differ. For example, a MegaMax Medium fits waist sizes 32–44 inches, while an AirSupreme Medium fits 28–44 inches.

For fecal incontinence (aka bowel incontinence), if you prefer something less bulky for daytime use we recommend GoSupreme Lite. However, you can also try MegaMax Airlock Lite. These are cloth-back tab-style diapers with up to 6 hours of wear time. So, they're going to be a bit thinner. We tend to recommend products on the lighter side for fecal incontinence, since the diaper must be changed as soon as possible after a bowel movement. Of course, it all depends on your own situation and what makes you feel most comfortable. We do have a Sample Program, so you can try out all these options to see what suits you best!

^{**An immediate change is always required after a bowel movement}

u/Embarassed-Jury-198: I’ve been using MegaMax for years and love the absorbency and construction. I love the pink — but could you do a purple version?
Yes! We just launched the MegaMax USA adult diaper in purple in December 2025 — our most requested color to date.

Derek, NorthShore.com User: Could there ever be a wetness indicator on the white megamax?

We added wetness indicators with the MegaMax USA line on white, pink and purple.

u/Fun_Supermarket1235: Would you accept recommendations for future products? There’s something nobody really makes that would improve my life…
We love to hear customer recommendations! While we can't guarantee we'll make them all happen, we are always considering them for future products and improvements. 💙

What are good things to carry for on-the-go incontinence care?
Supreme Quilted Cleansing Wipes and DiscreetShield Disposal Bags are practical on-the-go essentials. The wipes are hypoallergenic, unscented, smooth on the skin, and work perfectly for both incontinence cleanups and even everyday messes. DiscreetShield bags are opaque, odor-blocking, and make disposing of soiled products a breeze when you’re away from home. Both products are available in travel-size 10-packs that fit easily into bags or purses, making quick cleanups on the go simpler and less stressful.

u/SnooPredictions6963: Are you all going to bring back the Supreme Lites or something similar?
Have you tried MegaMax Lite? That would be the closest product we offer. We also have MegaMax Airlock and Airlock Lite if you like cloth-back diapers.

Amy, Northshore.com User: Does GoSupreme work with booster pads?
If you need more absorbency than the 38 oz. that our NorthShore GoSupreme Overninght Underwear holds, you may add EternaDry booter pads inside for additional absorbency. You may also use more than one booster pad at a time and adjust them to where you need the most absorbency at.

Edward, Northshore.com User: Will EternaDry help stop leaking around the leg openings while sleeping on my side
booster pads will help add more absorbency to the diaper. If the diaper is too large around the leg area you may need a smaller fit.

How do I know what size of adult diaper I am?
Start with a flexible tape measure and follow these steps to find the right fit:

Measure your waist. Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your torso, at or just below your belly button. Write down that number. Measure your hips. Stand with your heels together and measure around the fullest part of your hips. Write this number down as well. Use the larger measurement. Compare the two numbers and use the larger measurement to determine your product size.

For best performance, avoid sizing too large as products that are too big are more likely to leak around the legs. If you’re between sizes, it’s often best to start with the smaller size and adjust as needed. If you’ve experienced significant weight gain or loss, be sure to remeasure, as sizing needs can change over time.

Can I try NorthShore stuff before buying full packs?
Yes! Through the NorthShore Sample Program, you can try up to six premium incontinence products — including adult diapers, pull-up underwear, booster pads, cleansing wipes, underpads (chux), and disposal bags — for free (just pay shipping). Sampling helps you find the right fit and feel before committing to a full order.

Do NorthShore orders ship discreetly? And how fast do orders get delivered?
Yes, all NorthShore orders ship discreetly. There are no logos or branding on the outside of the box that indicate what’s inside — only your address, our return address, and a tracking number are visible. You can also choose to ship your order to a local UPS Access Point if you prefer.

Orders shipped via standard ground delivery within the contiguous US typically arrive in 1–4 business days, depending on destination. Delivery times vary by location, and you’ll receive a tracking link as soon as your order ships.

Can I return any diapers that I’ve purchased?
We’re committed to ensuring our products meet the highest quality standards. If you receive incorrect or damaged items, please contact us within 5 days of delivery.

Unopened items can be returned or exchanged for a different size or refunded, as long as the product has not been discontinued. For sanitary reasons, opened items cannot be returned. If you purchase a case, unopened bags within that case can be returned for a prorated refund. For more information, click here.

Does NorthShore ever do discounts or coupons?
Yes. The best way to hear about upcoming promotions is by signing up for our free NorthShore Newsletter. Subscribers are the first to learn about discounts, product launches, and new programs. You can also visit the NorthShore Offers page to view current offers.

Are adult diapers covered by FSA and HSA accounts?
Yes. Adult diapers, pull-up underwear, and most incontinence supplies — including booster pads, incontinence pads (incontinence liners), and male guards — are eligible for both FSA and HSA when used for a medical need and properly documented.

Because FSA funds must be used within the plan year or forfeited, purchasing eligible incontinence products can help offset medical expenses and prevent unused funds from going to waste. Check with your employer’s HR department for details about your specific plan.

u/NapaPugget: Were you always aware of ABDL or is it something that you didn't know about until more recently?
We have been aware of the ABDL community since about our second year in business. Over 20 years in business now.

The team had done some ABDL training and we even attended CAPcon in 2018 with plans to do more. Then the pandemic hit and we needed to stick to our core medical business for a while. We decided last year that we were in a good place to start engaging again and build out our ABDL support. Everyone on the team goes through ABDL training now. We're always listening and trying to learn more.