Bed Pads & Underpads

An underpad - also called a bed pad, chux or incontinence sheet - is an absorbent sheet placed on a bed, chair or car seat to protect the surface underneath. It protects furniture rather than the person, so it works alongside worn protection rather than replacing it.

Disposable or reusable?

• Disposable bed protectors have a cloth-like top layer and a waterproof backing. They are thrown away after use, which suits travel, guest stays, short-term recovery and anywhere laundry is difficult.
• Washable reusable underpads are laundered and used again. Over a long period they cost less per night and generate less waste, but they need a washing routine that can keep up.

Many households use both: reusable at home as the everyday layer, disposable when travelling or when someone is unwell.

How to use one properly

Place the underpad with the absorbent cloth side up and the waterproof side against the mattress, centred where the hips will rest rather than in the middle of the bed. Fitting it under a mattress protector rather than over it defeats the purpose - the underpad has to be the layer closest to the skin side.

An underpad is a backup. It catches what escapes a worn product; it is not a substitute for one, because liquid that is not absorbed close to the body still reaches skin and clothing.

Common questions

Will an underpad stop the mattress from being ruined?

It will protect against the volume a worn product misses. For heavier overnight leaks, pair an underpad with a waterproof mattress protector so a single unusually heavy night does not reach the mattress.

How often should a reusable underpad be replaced?

Replace it when the waterproof backing starts to crack or delaminate, or when it no longer feels dry on top shortly after use. Hot washing and tumble drying shorten the life of the backing.

What if my skin gets irritated?

Irritation usually comes from moisture sitting against skin rather than from the product itself. Change at the first sign of saturation, clean with a no-rinse cleanser or wipe rather than soap and water alone, and apply a zinc-oxide barrier cream before redressing. Because products are made without parabens, fragrance, lotion, chlorine or latex to reduce that risk.