Why Pull-On Style for Independence and Dignity

Traditional tape-tab briefs visibly resemble diapers, creating psychological distress for active adults managing incontinence—many users delay changing or avoid social activities due to embarrassment about diaper-like appearance. Pull-on protective underwear mimics regular underwear in appearance and application, preserving dignity and supporting self-care independence. Users can pull them on while standing (like normal underwear) without assistance, maintaining privacy during bathroom routines. The underwear-style waistband sits naturally at the hip line rather than high on the abdomen, creating a less bulky silhouette under pants, skirts, or athletic wear. Tear-away side seams provide an exit strategy for heavily soiled changes without pulling waste material down the legs—caregivers or users simply tear the sides and remove the garment like tape-tab briefs when needed. This dual functionality—easy pull-on for dry changes, tear-away for soiled removal—makes protective underwear the most versatile option for moderate to heavy incontinence management. The Large size (40-56 inch waist/hip) accommodates the majority of adult users, with stretch waist and leg elastics providing fit adjustability across the 16-inch range.

Key Features

• Pull-on underwear design: looks and feels like regular underwear for psychological comfort
• Large size fit: 102-142 cm (40-56 inch) waist/hip circumference for average to larger adult frames
• Extra absorbency: moderate to heavy capacity for extended wear
• Tear-away side seams: easy removal option when heavily soiled without leg contamination
• 360° breathable waistband: elastic stretch panels provide secure fit without binding
• Fast-absorbing core: quickly pulls moisture away from skin
• Cloth-like outer layer: soft, quiet material reduces rustling and heat buildup
• Dual leak guards: inner elasticized barriers at legs prevent side leakage
• Odor-control technology: neutralizes ammonia and bacteria for freshness
• Latex-free construction: safe for sensitive skin and latex allergies
• 16 underwear per bag: convenient handling and floor stock unit
• 4 bags per case (64 total): bulk packaging reduces reorder frequency and per-unit cost

Benefits

• Maintains independence: users dress themselves without caregiver assistance
• Preserves dignity: underwear appearance reduces psychological impact of incontinence
• All-day dryness: fast-absorbing core protects skin from rashes and breakdown
• Discreet wear: low-profile fit invisible under regular clothing
• Flexible removal: pull down when dry, tear away when soiled—adapts to situation
• Cost-effective supply: 64-count case provides extended institutional or home supply

Clinical Applications

✓ Active incontinence management: mobile adults with urge, stress, or mixed incontinence
✓ Post-prostatectomy recovery: men managing temporary leakage after prostate surgery
✓ Neurogenic bladder: individuals with spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis
✓ Cognitive decline: early to mid-stage dementia patients who resist tape-tab briefs
✓ Workplace discretion: professionals needing reliable protection during work hours
✓ Assisted living facilities: ambulatory residents managing moderate incontinence independently
✓ Home care: family caregiving situations requiring easy-to-use products

Usage & Application

Size Selection:

1. Large fits waist/hip circumference of 102-142 cm (40-56 inches)
2. Measure at the fullest part of hips/buttocks for most accurate sizing
3. Large is one of the most common adult sizes
4. If measurements fall at size boundaries:
   • Choose larger size if between sizes (better coverage, less pressure)
   • Consider Medium for 95-110 cm range if Large feels too loose
   • Consider X-Large for 135-160 cm range if Large feels tight
5. Signs of proper fit:
   • Underwear sits comfortably at hip line without rolling or digging
   • Leg openings snug but don't leave deep red marks
   • No visible bunching or sagging at crotch

For Pull-On Application (Dry Change):

1. While standing or sitting on bed edge, step into the protective underwear one leg at a time
2. Pull the garment up to hip level, ensuring even positioning on both sides
3. Adjust the waistband to sit comfortably at natural hip line (similar to regular underwear)
4. Run fingers along inner leg openings to ensure leak guards are pulled outward (not tucked in)
5. Check that the absorbent core is centered over the perineal area
6. The fit should feel snug but not restrictive—fabric should lay smooth without gaps
7. For users with mobility challenges, sitting on bed edge makes stepping into underwear easier

For Tear-Away Removal (Soiled Change):

1. If heavily soiled, use tear-away sides to avoid pulling waste down legs
2. Locate the perforation lines along both sides of the garment (usually marked)
3. Grasp the side seam at hip level and pull firmly apart—seam will tear easily
4. Repeat on the opposite side
5. Remove the front and back panels separately, rolling inward to contain waste
6. Dispose in a sealed bag or lined waste receptacle
7. Cleanse skin thoroughly with wipes or washcloth before applying fresh underwear

For Pull-Down Removal (Lightly Soiled or Dry):

1. If garment is dry or only slightly damp, pull down like regular underwear
2. Step out one leg at a time
3. Roll the garment inward and dispose appropriately
4. This method works well for planned changes or when output is minimal

Changing Frequency Guidelines:

• Change every 3-4 hours during daytime for moderate incontinence
• Change immediately after bowel movements to prevent skin breakdown
• For overnight use, apply a fresh garment before bed—Extra absorbency typically handles 6-8 hours
• Check for dampness if odor develops or clothing feels wet
• Always change if skin feels wet to prevent irritation and rashes

Fit Check:

• Waistband should sit at hip line without rolling or digging into skin
• You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably under the elastic waistband
• Leg openings should be snug but not leave red marks on thighs
• No visible bunching or sagging at crotch when standing or sitting
• Absorbent core should not shift during normal movement
• For Large size (40-56"), ensure proper fit—if waistband is too loose, consider sizing down; if too tight, size up

Skin Care Tips:

• Cleanse skin with pH-balanced wipes after each change to remove residual urine
• Pat skin completely dry before applying fresh underwear
• Apply moisture barrier cream to vulnerable areas (groin, inner thighs) if redness develops
• Allow skin to air briefly between changes when possible to reduce moisture buildup
• Monitor for signs of incontinence-associated dermatitis (redness, irritation, breakdown)

Maximizing Extra Absorbency Performance:

1. Extra absorbency is designed for moderate to heavy incontinence
2. Handles multiple voids between changes (typically 3-4 hours wear)
3. For very heavy output, consider adding booster pads inside the underwear
4. Change before complete saturation to maintain skin protection
5. The fast-absorbing core pulls moisture away quickly, but extended wear still increases skin risk

Troubleshooting Tips:

• If leaks occur at legs, check that inner leak guards are fully extended (not folded inward)
• If waistband rolls down, consider sizing up or adjusting waist position
• For nighttime leaks, ensure underwear is applied just before bed when output is minimal
• If removal is difficult when dry, the tear-away sides work just as well as pulling down
• For users with limited mobility, sitting on bed edge makes stepping into underwear easier
• If finding the right size between Large and X-Large, measure at the fullest part of hips for most accurate fit

When to Use Tear-Away vs. Pull-Down Removal:

Use Tear-Away When:

• Garment is heavily soiled with stool
• User has limited mobility and cannot easily step out of garment
• Standing balance is poor and stepping motion creates fall risk
• Quick removal needed in emergency situations
• Soiling extends to waistband making pull-down messy

Use Pull-Down When:

• Garment is dry or lightly soiled with urine only
• User has good mobility and balance
• Planned routine change (morning, evening)
• Preserving the garment isn't necessary but method is more familiar
• User prefers the normal underwear experience

For Caregivers:

1. If assisting with application, have user hold onto stable support (bed rail, walker)
2. Guide each foot into leg openings one at a time
3. Pull underwear up to mid-thigh, then have user pull to final position if able
4. For removal, assess soiling level to determine tear-away vs. pull-down method
5. When using tear-away, support user's balance during the tearing process
6. Always maintain user dignity by exposing only necessary areas during changes

Overnight Use:

1. Change immediately before bedtime when bladder is as empty as possible
2. Apply fresh Extra absorbency underwear using proper positioning technique
3. The Extra absorbency is designed to handle typical nighttime output (6-8 hours)
4. For heavy overnight wetters, consider:
   • Limiting fluids 1-2 hours before bed (consult healthcare provider)
   • Adding a booster pad inside the underwear for extra capacity
   • Placing a disposable underpad beneath the user for added protection
5. Most users can sleep through the night without changes using Extra absorbency

Disposal:

1. Roll used underwear tightly with waste contained inside
2. If using tear-away method, roll each panel separately
3. Place in a sealed disposal bag or lined waste container
4. Never flush protective underwear down toilets (will cause plumbing clogs)
5. For odor control, use scented disposal bags or diaper pails with odor-blocking features
6. In facilities, follow biohazard waste protocols for disposal

Storage (for facilities and home use):

1. Store bags in cool, dry location away from moisture and direct sunlight
2. The 16-count bag size is convenient for floor stock or home storage
3. Open only one bag at a time to maintain product freshness
4. Case of 64 provides approximately 2-3 weeks supply for daily users (2-3 changes per day)
5. Rotate stock using first-in, first-out (FIFO) method
6. Check expiration dates before use (typically 2-3 years from manufacture)

Inventory Management (for facilities using case quantity):

1. Case of 64 (4 bags of 16) usage calculation:
   • Light use (1-2 per day): 32-64 patient-days supply
   • Moderate use (3-4 per day): 16-21 patient-days supply
   • Heavy use (5-6 per day): 11-13 patient-days supply
2. The 16-count bag balances convenience with freshness
3. Track usage patterns to optimize ordering and prevent stockouts
4. Pull-on style typically reduces usage vs. tape-tab briefs (users change themselves, reducing over-changing by staff)

Comparing Pull-On vs. Tape-Tab Briefs:

Pull-On Advantages:

• Preserves user independence and dignity
• Looks like regular underwear
• Users can change themselves (reduces caregiver burden)
• Better psychological acceptance
• Less visible bulk under clothing

Tape-Tab Advantages:

• Easier for caregivers to apply on bedbound patients
• Can be adjusted for better fit using tabs
• Slightly easier to apply on patients with very limited mobility
• Generally higher absorbency options available

Most ambulatory users strongly prefer pull-on style for dignity and independence.

Cost Considerations:

1. Pull-on underwear typically costs slightly more per unit than tape-tab briefs
2. However, total costs may be lower because:
   • Users change themselves (reduced caregiver labor)
   • Better compliance (users wear them willingly)
   • Fewer changes needed (users monitor their own needs)
   • Reduced skin breakdown (better fit, timely changes)
3. Case of 64 provides volume pricing advantages

Technical Specifications

• Product Name: TENA Extra Protective Underwear (Pull-On Style)
• Brand: TENA (Essity)
• Product Line: TENA Extra
• Size: Large (L)
• Fit Range: 102-142 cm (40-56 inches) waist/hip circumference
• Absorbency Level: Extra (moderate to heavy capacity)
• Core Technology: Fast-absorbing polymer core with moisture-wicking top layer
• Leak Protection: Dual elasticized inner leak guards at leg openings
• Waistband: 360° breathable elastic stretch panels
• Outer Layer: Cloth-like, breathable, waterproof backing
• Inner Lining: Soft, quick-drying material for skin comfort
• Removal Options: Pull-down (like regular underwear) or tear-away side seams
• Tear-Away Feature: Perforated side seams for easy removal when soiled
• Odor Control: Integrated odor-neutralizing technology
• Latex Content: Latex-free
• Bag Quantity: 16 protective underwear per bag
• Case Quantity: 4 bags per case (64 protective underwear total)
• Color: Typically white or beige (check specific product)
• Gender: Unisex design (anatomically contoured for all bodies)
• Intended Use: Day and overnight moderate to heavy incontinence management
• Wear Time: Typically 3-4 hours daytime, 6-8 hours overnight
• Care Setting: Home care, assisted living, active adult use
• Patient Population: Ambulatory adults with moderate to heavy incontinence
• Storage: Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Shelf Life: Typically 2-3 years from manufacture date (check package)