What's in a name when it comes to adult diapers?

9/18/08 4:14am

Here is my 2 cents worth. Call them what you want as long as I have my freedom without worry! I often wonder why labels, or keywords seem to upset people. It seems to me that if somebody refers to my "protection" as a diaper, or absorbant device I could care less..... just don't call me late for dinner!

jim p

9/18/08 5:23pm

It is what it is and it is a diaper. I have worn diapers or pads for six years and that's too bad but it doesn't change what it is to give it some politically correct name.

Brad

9/18/08 6:09pm

I have to wear cloth diapers and plastic pants at night for bedwetting. They are always referred to as 'diapers' at my house. The only thing that bugs me is that my brother always refers to my pants as 'baby pants'. Even my Mom does sometimes.

amanda

10/30/08 1:47am

hi brad.im a girl ,15 and i have to wear cloth diapers and plastic pants to bed at night also.my mom refers to the plastic pants as rubberpants and i dont like it.

Seattle Diaper wearer

9/21/08 7:44pm

I'm not the least bit offended by the word "diaper". I know that some people would be and they're more than entitled to be that way. I don't see anything offensive about it. It is what it is and that's all that it is. I'm 35 yrs old and I wear diapers 24/7. I make no protests against wearing them. I just change them when they're wet and go on with my life. I'd rather wear diapers than have to look for a toilet and wonder whether I'll make it, risking wet pants. So what's the problem, people? Just call it a "diaper" and wear it. Or whatever you prefer to call it. It's your decision, not mine or anyone elses. Have a nice day.

Pete, Health Guide

9/22/08 9:25pm

I really struggle sometimes with choosing the words I want to use in my posts. I don't really care that much about being "politically correct," but I do feel that all of us who participate in this forum have a responsibility to maintain a certain "level of decorum."

Unfortunately this can make it very difficult to get my point across without using words that some might consider "stimulating!"

In my particular case, I don't have to use heavy-duty absorbent products (more euphemisms here?) but I do have to undergo some pretty invasive procedures and therapies. I like to share these experiences on this forum for two reasons: It's an outlet for me (I have noted several times this is about the only place I feel have some support) and it's good to disseminate this information to people that might have to have similar procedures.

I believe we have a responsibility to protect potentially young readers, and, just as important, to protect ourselves from the "thrill seekers" that we have all seen post here. I don't mind tailoring my words for the "G" readers, but I sometimes resent the amount of time I have to spend "protecting" my writing. It's not easy!

What's that old saying? Something about a "rose?" I just hope my writing is clear enough that readers can identify the "flower" without me having to name it!

Jasmine Schmidt, Health Guide

9/22/08 9:58pm

I thought this topic might get everyone talking a bit, and sure enough it has. I think it's a touchy subject, no matter where you fall in your feeelings about it. Of course, we all know that the real matter at hand is finding a solution that works - whatever you want to call it!

Pete, Health Guide

9/25/08 5:31pm

Maybe now Chanel will develop designer odor control products...

Diaper Fashion Show Hits the Catwalk

Revlis

9/30/08 3:32pm

I'm one of the people who previously objected to your using the name "diaper" in an earlier "SharePost". While I fully understand and accept your reason for this nomenclature my sensitivity remains. A recent incident in the ER of a local hospital while fairly innocuous managed to greatly embarass me. I drove a neighbor who had severely sprained his ankle to the hospital. Leaving in a hurry and not expecting to be there for very long I foolishly didn't change nor bring any extra "Absorbent Products" with me. However the ER was quite busy and my neighbor while in pain was hardly in a life threatening situation. He was finally seen after almost 3 hours and I stayed in the waiting area. By now I badly needed to change my "pull-up" but I didn't want to leave without my neighbor. Since I was at a hospital I decided to see if they could help me. I briefly explained my situation to the woman at the ER admissions desk and she helpfully said she would call and get me something to use. A few minutes later a young woman appeared with two green fitted briefs (diapers) and rather than taking them to the admission desk she held up one in each hand and walked around the waiting area. Before I could react (and I certainly hesitated for awhile) she blurted out: "Who needs the diapers?". I sheepishly raised my hand and she then brought them to me and not real quietly said: "I hope these are your size, they seem very large". I quietly thanked her and headed quickly to the mens room with what seemed like a hundred eyes staring at me. Fortunately my neighbor was ready to leave soon after and I didn't have long to endure the imagined and real whispers around me.

Jasmine Schmidt, Health Guide

10/ 1/08 11:02am

Thank you for sharing this story. I think it demonstrates that the language is a reflection of an entire culture that is generally insensitive about this issue. And it's amazing to think that it was a medical "professional" who handled this situation so poorly!

pilok123

6/ 5/09 4:08am

health care workers work around diapers all the time. if they absorb urine it may absorb blood as well.

health care workers dont recognise descreat.

they know what is what and thats it.

prolong life and talk to tou like you are dumb and rush for the next person to kill the que.

you should have gone to the hospital pharmacy for descresion.

Anonymous

10/ 2/08 6:11pm

I've been in diapers day and night for the past 20+ years. I wear cloth diapers and plastic or rubber pants at night and disposable diapers and waterproof pants during the day. The terminalogy doesn't matter to me, they keep me from embarassing situations (wetting accidents). A diaper by any other name is still a diaper.

susan j

10/ 3/08 4:43pm

OMG where would I be without them. IM a professional woman 58 years old. I have had to depend on diapers for almost 6 years now. I am in them 24/7. I have gotten used to them, and my lifestyle hasnt suffered to much due to having to always be in them. I dont panic about where the bathroom is, or worry constantly. Most of the time I will just use my diaper, even if a bathroom is available, but that is within seconds of the need. Changing in bathrooms is a genuine pain anyway. I find that with Molicares or similar super absorbant ones, I can make it quite a while before having to change, and preferably making it home to change. Stealth is not difficult with the right clothes. Noise can be mostly eliminated with control top pantyhose. Nollo takes care of most of the smell from a messy diaper, as do good plastic pantys.

All in all, I just accept my need, but I wish to heck I could find a partner that was OK with me.

Jasmine Schmidt, Health Guide

10/ 3/08 6:12pm

Thanks for sharing these great tips on sound and odor control!

Acceptance

10/ 8/08 6:58pm

I appreciate this post...as one who was ridiculed for wearing 'diapers', I can understand one not wanting them to be called 'diapers' and instead absorbent products. I do call them diapers because I feel that is what they are. Babies wear diapers so that they don't mess all over themselves and frankly, that's why I wear them, and why the people on this site wear them....I think it's accepting that fact that keeps the word diaper in play.

SusanG.

10/21/08 10:04am

I DO wear the item mentionned in the 'subject' -- but I rarely have a need to

comment on what i'm wearing underneath my shorts, jeans... When I DO have to

bring it up (eg., during physical therapy, doctor's visit), I just say "I wear a diaper". The other day I had a 2 hr. 5. min. MRI - I asked before the test if I could wear a diaper; I assured them there was no metal in it -- also warned them if it wasn't allowed they would have some cleaning up to do when the test was over.

The only time I say the exact product name(s) is when I'm ordering them.

Ron

10/30/08 2:34pm

Hi all have been using diapers for a few yrs at frist was shy then began to not have a problem whatever they were called they are just another type of underware.

Ron

10/30/08 2:34pm

Hi all have been using diapers for a few yrs at frist was shy then began to not have a problem whatever they were called they are just another type of underware.

Deen

11/29/08 2:02am

I call them diapers, my wife calls them diapers and even the grandkids (who we are raising since my step daughter died a few months ago) call them diapers.

Have MS, symptoms started when I was 25 and going through a divorce, Dr's first said it was stress. In 1983 they finally diagnosed the MS. I'll be 62 in a few months and I've worn diapers since I was 25.

People wear glasses because they can't see well, people use canes to walk, others use wheelchairs because their legs don;t work well. I use diapers and plastic pants because my bladder and bowels don't work right.

Tim

2/ 4/09 11:23am

I posted this on the Depend forumn because someone asked about the bulk of a product.

This is why I write about what is in a name, i need to know that it is okay to wear a DIAPER when I need to, and that it is expected if you void regularly or a large amount.

Here it is:

Please allow me a bit of a soap box moment. This topic has been discussed before, here is my take, stated in my words, it won't be the last. I have worn a x-plus (bulky in relation to other products) under khaki dress shorts to a large sporting event (extended wear, tough changing situations). I have been urinary incontinent almost half my life (I'm 31 years old). When I first became incontinent I was very self conscious. It took me a few 'almost embarrassing moments' to concede the need for a diaper as a high school teen. They did not have guards for men or even the disp. underwear then.
After almost 14 years of experience, I have come to accept that absorbent products (read DIAPERS) are a way get on with life. Wear what is best for your given situation, to HECK with what other people may think. That is why I say the word diaper, instead of tip toeing around. I've looked on all the forums. For me the reason to say diapers is to keep it real. When I first started out I wanted (needed) confirmation that it was okay to wear a DIAPER if it was necessary, even expected. I tried the undergarments, and have since tried the male guards, and the underwear. I have tried medications and even had a couple of surgeries. I wear Attends breathable (diapers) during the day most of the time, Assurance maximum underwear when I can get away with it, and when I want to be risky, I’ll wear a guard. X-plus at night, when I travel and extended wear situations. I do try these other products occasionally, but most of the time I wear a diaper, because that is what I need for the amount that I void, balanced with my ability to change the product. I hope that these words will in some way enable you to wear what you need and allow you to deal with your problem with the best available solutions. Thank God they exist.
Wrapping up, I give you one more anecdote. Have you ever noticed anyone wearing a diaper? A casual glance at someone’s posterior is not going to give you any indication, you would have to stare. If someone stares at your butt (in modest clothing), they have issues of their own, or they are dealing with the same thing. Even if someone notices and in their mind say, “oh that person looks like they have a diaper on” the next thought is “they may have a medical condition.” I have never been in or witnessed a situation where someone made embarrassing or rude comments about this condition. Maybe I am the exception. Regardless you would have to want to show off (at great lengths) what is under your clothes in order for anybody to even care. Do wear modest clothing, there are still many fashions (good looking ones) available even in jeans, that will give you the ability to wear the protection you need when you need it and still have fun and enjoy life like everyone else on the planet. I assure you there are people out there in our situation, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

William

2/ 5/09 11:50am

I have been wearing diapers for almost two years now on and off when I need to wear them. I find that disposable diapers are great and protect you from being wet. I wear them to bed because at night I have had problems getting up to go. So I wear diapers as protection. I have had incidents where people have laughed at me. I told them I only have one kidney and if you were in the same situation you would have decency and respect for the person wearing them by not laughing at everything they write. I don't listen to what others think. I believe it's a private situation which is none of anyone's business. Not even your family.

Jack Reid

3/12/09 3:35pm

I run an incontinence supply company called http://www.ionmeds.com/ . We general tend to say "diposable products."We notice terms such as adult diapers can make some individuals uncomfortable.

Jack Reid

3/27/09 5:15pm

Incontinence is a serious issue when it comes to seniors. It is a difficult issue to talk about once your loved ones reach that age. The only things you can do is talk about it and find the operation, drug or incontinent product that will best help solve your particular issue.

Jake Reid

Sue

3/27/09 5:20pm

You would not believe how many people wear adult diapers . In some asian countrys it is normal for business people to waer adult diapers

Sue

reittocs

5/ 8/09 2:32am

When I was wetting the bed as a kid and teen my family always called them diapers, I wasn't given much sympathy from my parents so the term kinda hit me as negative. I don't think it is a "PC" issue and it doesn't bother me to calle them anything. Despite that my sons wear diapers at nights and sometimes in the car, since they are potty trained we don't call them diapers but rather pullups (even though they aren't pullups). This was more to cast them as a "just in case" thing and not a replacement to a toilet.

Diapers!!!!

8/ 5/09 8:56am

I am a 47 year old man, who has been using, ummm, Diapers for about 3 years now, at first with some trepidation and embarrassment, but came to realise that they are what they are. Must i now also be politically correct just to stay healthy. Yes i wet myself, and this mainly because i travel internationally regularly, and never really bothered to maintain good toilet practices, now i am paying the price, however, i accept this, have moved on, have a wonderful loving wife and understanding children and we have a wonderfull lifestyle. I think half the problem is we make too much of a uproar about something that is, quite honestly trivial. Nobody ever realises i wear diapers, the airlines have been very helpful, so if someone who is not in this situation has a lot to say, i guess, it is their perogative.

Joey Simmons

10/ 2/09 5:12pm

I agree, living with these problems can be difficult. I found this site with cheap adult diapers:

http://www.vitalitymedical.com/Catalog/Briefs-77-.html

Hope this helps,

Joey

Incontinence Products: What's in a Name?

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