Leaks happen for different reasons. Here are the four main types of incontinence:
Stress incontinence happens when pressure is exerted on your stomach and, in turn, on your bladder—due to anything from laughing too hard to coughing to jumping on a trampoline. It occurs when the urethral sphincter or pelvic floor muscles (or both) are weakened.
Urge incontinence is the byproduct of an overactive bladder muscle. You suddenly feel like you really need to pee but are often unable to hold it. It’s most common among post-menopausal women.
Mixed incontinence is when you experience symptoms of both stress and urge incontinence. Most women experience this form, making treatment more challenging.
Overflow incontinence happens when your bladder fills but you don’t have the urge to go or you can’t empty it entirely. Eventually, the overflow leaks out.
“I was worried the absorbent layer would be visible—but it’s not,” said our tester. She loved going commando with confidence at the gym.
Our tester found these briefs “cost-effective and absorbent,” but noted that they were bulkier than more expensive leak-proof pairs.
This 3 x 5 ft. mat is leak-proof and stays in place without velcro or straps. Our tester said that while the mat tends to retain body heat (which may be a no-no for women dealing with night sweats), it absorbs well and doesn’t slip around the mattress.
This article contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.