For women entering their perimenopause and beyond, their body’s relationship with bladder control can shift in surprising ways. If you’ve noticed occasional leaks when you laugh, sneeze, or lift something heavy, you’re not alone.
Incontinence pads are a discreet and practical solution designed specifically for these moments—and this guide will walk you through what they are, how they work, and how to choose one with confidence and dignity.
What Are Incontinence Pads?
Incontinence pads are absorbent liners worn inside underwear to help manage bladder leaks. While they may look like menstrual pads at first glance, they’re uniquely engineered to handle thinner fluids like urine. These pads work quickly to pull moisture away from the skin, reduce odors, and prevent leaks from spreading.
They’re available in different sizes, shapes, and absorbency levels—giving you options for daily wear, nighttime protection, or on-the-go support.
Who Uses Them—and Why
Urinary incontinence affects 1 in 3 women over the age of 40 [1]. Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, chronic health conditions, or even genetics can all play a role. There’s nothing shameful about it—it’s simply a part of life for many women, and incontinence pads make it easier to live actively and comfortably.
Types of incontinence include:
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Stress incontinence: Leaks triggered by pressure from sneezing, coughing, laughing, or exercise
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Urge incontinence: A sudden, intense need to urinate, sometimes before reaching the bathroom
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Overflow incontinence: Small, frequent leaks due to incomplete bladder emptying
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Mixed incontinence: A combination of stress and urge incontinence
The good news? Today’s pads are discreet, effective, and designed with your comfort in mind.
Types of Incontinence Pads and What to Expect
Incontinence pads come in a range of absorbencies to match your daily needs:
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Light: For minimal drips or very mild stress incontinence
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Moderate: Great for everyday wear, workdays, or light activity
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Heavy or Ultimate: Designed for more noticeable leaks or longer wear times
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Overnight: Built for lying down and sleeping without worry
Each pad is designed with a specific use case in mind—whether that’s staying dry during a walk, protecting your clothes at work, or offering peace of mind during sleep. Starting with moderate absorbency is a great place to begin if you’re not sure which pad is right for you.
How to Use Incontinence Pads Properly
Using an incontinence pad is simple, but a few key tips can make your experience more comfortable:
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Placement: Peel off the adhesive strip and press the pad firmly into the center of your underwear. Make sure it feels secure and doesn't shift.
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Changing frequency: Change pads every 3 to 6 hours, or sooner if needed. Wearing a saturated pad for too long can irritate the skin.
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Skin care: Keeping the area clean and dry reduces the risk of irritation. Prolonged contact with moisture, like urine, can lead to moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) [2].
If you experience redness or irritation, consider switching to pads with breathable, fragrance-free materials to protect sensitive skin - like Attn: Grace!
What to Look For in a Beginner-Friendly Pad
When choosing your first pad, you want comfort, reliability, and skin safety. Look for these features:
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Breathable top layers to reduce sweat and heat
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Fragrance-free, dye-free materials for sensitive skin
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Secure adhesive backing that keeps the pad in place
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Reliable leak-locking absorbency without feeling bulky
That’s exactly why we created our Skin-Safe™ incontinence pads—to offer clean, effective protection that’s gentle on your skin and easy to wear every day.
Our Moderate Pads provide the perfect balance for everyday protection. For heavier days or longer wear, our Ultimate Pads deliver stronger absorbency while staying breathable and discreet.
And real women agree:
“I have been using this product for several months now, and they are the best I have found. I have tried many other brands. I don't have to look any further.”
– Stacy W.
“Best pads I have used. There is no skin irritation. No matter what I wear, they are almost invisible. They are very absorbent… Love them.”
– Pamela R.
“Dries quickly. Eco-friendly and comfortable. So happy I found this product. Will buy again.”
– Lee
You’ll also enjoy a smooth and supportive shopping experience:
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60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — try us risk-free
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Thousands of 5 star verified customer reviews
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Seamless checkout and reordering on attngrace.com
Final Thoughts: Getting Started with Confidence
Choosing your first incontinence pad is an empowering step toward comfort, confidence, and control. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are more thoughtful, skin-safe options than ever before. Trial and comfort are personal, but you deserve products that meet you where you are.
Whether you’re managing occasional stress leaks or more regular urge incontinence, there’s a pad that’s right for you. Attn: Grace is proud to support this journey with pads that care for your skin, your dignity, and your peace of mind.
References
[1] Markland AD, Richter HE, Fwu C‑W, et al. Prevalence and trends of urinary incontinence in adults in the United States, 2001 to 2008. J Urol. 2011;186(2):589–593.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21684555/
[2] Gray M, Giuliano KK. Incontinence‑Associated Dermatitis, Characteristics and Relationship to Pressure Injury: A Multisite Epidemiologic Analysis. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2018;45(1):63–67.