Living with Spinocerebellar Ataxia has brought many challenges, one of which is incontinence. This condition, resulting from cerebellar dysfunction, can cause urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence.
For the past 5 years, I’ve relied on incontinence underwear. Initially, I used “period” underwear, but the market for these has evolved and I’ve found a range of options that they can also handle incontinence (even if not always marketed that way). Reusable underwear was the obvious choice for me, as disposable diapers didn’t feel right. When I first started wearing incontinence underwear, I felt very limited by what was actually available. Now I find underwear that will take my HSA. (And a lot will!!)
I’ve tried a lot…
I’ve also explored various medical solutions, including medications like oxybutynin, pelvic floor physical therapy, bladder Botox, and even surgical interventions like the Medtronic Interstim and an upcoming sling procedure. Despite these treatments, I still depend on my “fancy” underwear.
Concerned about PFAS exposure, I sought underwear brands that were PFAS-free. My current favorite is Saalt (also a women-owned company!), which offers a variety of colors, frequent sales, and comfortable boy shorts with adequate padding. They even recently had an underwear 3-pack at Costco. They are a good product and have lasted for years.
Figuring out your needs
I think most websites do a really good job explaining the “amount of pee” that the underwear can handle. Most of the underwear I mention is for daytime/light incontinence, but when I fall or have a back spasm and my bladder just lets go then I reliably have to change my underwear.
On that note, Saalt and Tomboyx feel like they have the most absorbing underwear. For nighttime, I highly recommend Threaded Armor. I haven’t looked into many of the more diaper type underwear, but these are definitely absorbing and have the waterproof outer layer. They don’t seem as day-to-day worthy as the models on their website, but I could see them being practical on a very wobbly day where I stay home in my sweats and I don’t want to worry as much about making it to the bathroom in time.
Other brands I’ve tried include Modibodi (fun colors), Tomboyx (comfortable, period underwear for incontinence), Duluth Trading Company (reliable, but limited options), Threaded Armor (closer to diapers, good for nighttime), and Period.co (cheaper, but also lower quality – have only lasted about 2 years). I still try to find super cheap ones on Amazon, because sometimes I am having good days and I want to wear lighter but need the layer for a light sneeze. They definitely don’t last as long, and the absorbency is always minimal, but I have found some acceptable options.
VIDEO: Here is my video sharing the different types of underwear that I have used
While I hope to rely less on incontinence underwear after my next surgery, I’m grateful for the variety of choices available. I’ve shared discount codes where I have them, hoping to help others in their search for comfortable and effective incontinence underwear.
Check them out yourself!
Saalt: http://rwrd.io/e54mx06?c
My current favorite brand. I like all the colors, they usually have some kind of sale, the boy shorts are super comfortable, they feel like there is enough padding that they will do something, but not enough to be seen through pants.
Modibodi: https://us.modibodi.com/collections/period-underwear-swim
I would like to try Modibodi again (I haven’t bought since 2021). I started when my rear was a bit smaller, and they have all gotten holes within the last 5 years. I think I could use another round, and they really do have the best colors and patterns.
Tomboyx: https://tomboyx.com/collections/period-underwear
These are very comfortable, and fun colors. “Period Underwear That Actually Works for Every Body”. I often get period underwear for incontinence at this point.
Duluth Trading: https://www.duluthtrading.com/s/DTC/womens-buck-naked-sneezeguard-briefs-80153.html?color=FRF
These are the only type at Duluth, but as always, they have nice underwear that does what it says it will. And I always like getting some of their other clothes.
Threaded Armor: https://threadedarmor.com/pages/3-styles-adult-cloth-diapers
These are closer to “diapers”, they are larger on your body i.e. won’t fit with slim pants, but I have used at night and they actually work, keep things dry all night along.
Period.co: https://period.co/
A little cheaper than others, but also a little cheaper made, I did get a pair of the bikini bottoms as well, that I sometimes double up with “normal” swimsuit bottoms and they work. It sounds like they are starting “Pee”. Which would be nice to have pee specific underwear, but the colors are very limited.
Amazon brands: I’ve gotten a few from Amazon. They are cheaper made, but add a little protection at a much cheaper price.
Neione: https://amzn.to/4jQwmsM (Affiliate Link)
Innersy: https://amzn.to/43O2w3H (Affiliate Link)
Allbase: https://amzn.to/3ToF6f4 (Affiliate Link)
I don’t remember what criteria I used for looking for these on Amazon, but they all work at an acceptable level.
In conclusion, I am hopeful that after this next surgery I will start wearing my “fancy” underwear less, but there is a lot to choose from.
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