Why Maxi Absorbency for Heavy Incontinence Management
Standard or moderate absorbency products require changing every 2-4 hours for heavy incontinence users—creating excessive caregiver burden in facilities, frequent nighttime disruptions that fragment sleep and increase fall risks, and psychological distress from frequent leakage episodes that undermine user confidence. Maxi absorbency briefs feature a high-capacity polymer core (typically 2000-3000 mL retention) that handles heavy to very heavy output for 6-8 hours during daytime or 10-12 hours overnight without saturation. This extended capacity is critical for users with neurogenic bladder producing large volumes per void, double incontinence (urinary and fecal) requiring simultaneous containment, diuretic medication causing increased output, or overnight protection eliminating middle-of-night changes. The breathable cloth-like backsheet becomes even more important at Maxi absorbency levels—extended wear times increase the risk of moisture-associated skin damage, so vapor permeability that allows perspiration to escape (while maintaining waterproof urine/stool barrier) prevents the hot, humid microenvironment that accelerates skin breakdown. Large sizing (39-57 inch waist/hip) accommodates the majority of adult users, with the four refastenable tabs providing fit adjustability across the 18-inch range.
Key Features
- Large sizing: 100-145 cm (39-57 inch) waist/hip range for average adult frames
- Maxi absorbency: heavy to very heavy capacity for extended wear without frequent changes
- Breathable cloth-like backsheet: vapor-permeable material prevents heat and moisture buildup
- Four refastenable tape tabs: repositionable closures allow fit adjustments without wasting product
- High-capacity contoured core: anatomically shaped polymer core maximizes absorption
- Anti-leak standing cuffs: elasticized high-standing leg barriers prevent side leakage
- Enhanced odor control system: neutralizes ammonia and bacteria during extended wear
- Wetness indicator: color-changing strip shows when changing is needed (caregiver feature)
- Soft inner lining: gentle against sensitive skin during prolonged contact
- Latex-free construction: safe for latex-sensitive users
- 20 briefs per bag: convenient handling and storage unit
- 4 bags per case (80 total): bulk supply for facilities with volume pricing
Benefits
- Extended wear intervals: Maxi capacity reduces changing frequency from 8+ times to 3-4 times daily
- Overnight confidence: handles heavy nighttime output without middle-of-night changes
- Maintains skin health: breathable backsheet reduces moisture-associated skin damage
- Reliable heavy leak protection: high-capacity core and enhanced cuffs contain heavy episodes
- Cost-effective adjustment: refastenable tabs allow repositioning without replacing brief
- Facility-friendly packaging: case of 80 provides extended supply with volume savings
Clinical Applications
✓ Heavy urinary incontinence: neurogenic bladder, overflow incontinence, or large void volumes
✓ Double incontinence: simultaneous urinary and fecal incontinence requiring maximum capacity
✓ Overnight protection: extended sleep periods (10-12 hours) without middle-of-night changes
✓ Diuretic medication users: increased urine production requiring higher absorbency
✓ Long-term care facilities: heavy incontinence residents needing extended wear
✓ Post-stroke patients: neurogenic bladder/bowel dysfunction with unpredictable heavy output
✓ Hospice and palliative care: comfort-focused care minimizing frequent disturbances
Usage & Application
Size Selection:
- Large fits waist/hip circumference of 100-145 cm (39-57 inches)
- Measure at the fullest part of hips/buttocks for most accurate sizing
- Large is the most common adult size, fitting majority of users
- 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 140-160 cm range if Large feels tight
- Signs of proper fit:
- Brief covers entire buttocks with slight overlap at waist
- Leg openings snug but don't leave deep red marks
- Waistband sits at natural waist without rolling or digging
For Caregiver Application:
Preparation:
- Gather supplies: new SupremFit Maxi Large brief, wipes or washcloth, barrier cream if needed, disposal bag, gloves
- For Maxi briefs, anticipate heavier weight when removing saturated product
- Have assistance available if patient has limited mobility
- Explain the procedure to patient to encourage cooperation
Positioning:
- If patient is bedbound, position on their side facing away from you
- Place patient in lateral (side-lying) position with knees slightly bent
- If patient can stand with assistance, use standing application method
Bed Application - Side-Lying Method:
- Don clean gloves
- Remove soiled brief by unfastening all four tape tabs
- Roll soiled brief inward to contain waste (Maxi briefs may be heavier when saturated)
- Cleanse skin thoroughly with wipes or warm washcloth
- Pat skin completely dry—moisture prevents new brief adhesion
- Apply barrier cream to vulnerable areas if skin appears red or irritated
- Unfold new SupremFit Maxi Large brief completely
- Identify front (typically has wetness indicator) and back (usually plain or has logo)
- Roll or fan-fold the brief lengthwise for easier placement
- Position patient on their side and place the back half of brief against their buttocks
- Ensure the brief is centered—top edge at waistline, bottom portion between legs
- Roll patient onto their back, then toward the opposite side
- Pull the front portion of the brief through legs and up to cover pubic area
- Roll patient back to supine (on back) position
- Smooth out any wrinkles under the patient's body
Fastening:
- Start with lower tape tabs (near legs):
- Pull lower tab on one side forward at slight upward angle
- Fasten to front panel landing zone
- Repeat with opposite side lower tab
- Ensure equal tension on both sides for balanced fit
- Fasten upper tape tabs (near waist):
- Pull upper tab forward horizontally or slightly downward
- Fasten to front panel above lower tabs
- Repeat with opposite side upper tab
- The four-tab system provides secure hold needed for Maxi absorbency weight
- Check fit: should be snug but you should fit two fingers under waistband
Adjusting Leg Cuffs:
- Run your fingers around both leg openings from inside the brief
- Pull out the high-standing anti-leak cuffs so they're not tucked in
- The inner cuffs should stand noticeably away from legs (higher than standard briefs)
- Properly positioned high cuffs are critical for containing heavy output
Standing Application Method:
- If patient can stand with support (walker, bed rail, caregiver assistance):
- Have patient stand with feet shoulder-width apart
- Step into the brief like underwear, one leg at a time
- Pull up to waist level
- Reach behind and adjust back panel to cover buttocks completely
- Fasten lower tabs first, then upper tabs as described above
- Check coverage and adjust cuffs
For Self-Application:
- While standing or sitting on bed edge, step into brief one leg at a time
- Pull up to waist level, ensuring back panel covers entire buttocks
- Lean against wall or bed for balance if needed
- Fasten lower tape tabs first on both sides
- Fasten upper tabs, ensuring even tension
- Run fingers around leg openings to pull out high-standing anti-leak cuffs
- Use mirror if needed to check back coverage
Fit Check:
- Waist: Four-tab closure should create secure waistband without gaps
- Legs: High-standing anti-leak cuffs should be pulled out prominently
- Coverage: Back should cover entire buttocks with brief edge at natural waistline
- Comfort: User should move freely despite higher absorbency bulk
- Tabs: All four tabs should be firmly attached—Maxi weight requires secure fastening
Monitoring Wetness Indicator:
- The wetness indicator (if visible) runs vertically on the exterior of the brief
- Changes from yellow to blue as moisture accumulates
- For Maxi briefs, check indicator every 4-6 hours during daytime (less frequent than lower absorbencies)
- When indicator shows heavy saturation (dark blue), change brief
- For heavy incontinence, change at approximately 75-80% capacity to prevent overloading
Changing Frequency for Maxi Absorbency:
- Daytime: Change every 6-8 hours for heavy incontinence (3-4 changes per 24 hours)
- This is significantly less frequent than moderate absorbency products (5-6 changes)
- Change immediately after bowel movements regardless of urinary saturation
- For overnight use, Maxi absorbency typically handles 10-12 hours without change
- For very heavy incontinence or double incontinence, may need to change every 4-6 hours
- Always change if skin feels wet or brief feels uncomfortably heavy
Removal:
- Unfasten all four tape tabs
- For bedbound patients, roll to side and remove using side-lying technique
- Be prepared for heavier weight—Maxi briefs at saturation can weigh 2-3 kg
- For ambulatory patients, pull down like underwear or tear side seams
- Roll brief tightly inward to contain waste
- Dispose in large sealed bag or lined waste receptacle
- Cleanse and dry skin thoroughly before applying fresh brief
Skin Care with Extended Wear:
- Extended wear times require more vigilant skin care
- Cleanse skin with pH-balanced wipes or warm water after each change
- Pat completely dry with soft towel—never rub vigorously
- Inspect skin carefully for redness, breakdown, or irritation
- Apply barrier cream consistently to vulnerable areas (groin, buttocks, skin folds)
- Allow skin to air briefly between changes when possible (10-15 minutes if feasible)
- The breathable backsheet helps, but extended contact still increases risk
Maximizing Maxi Absorbency Performance:
- Ensure brief is positioned correctly with core centered over perineal area
- High-standing leg cuffs must be pulled out for optimal leak prevention
- Change before complete saturation—overloaded briefs lose effectiveness
- For users with very large void volumes, consider adding booster pads
- The breathable backsheet is critical for extended wear—don't cover with plastic pants
Troubleshooting:
Leaks Despite Maxi Absorbency:
- Verify high-standing cuffs are properly positioned (pulled out, not tucked)
- Check that core is centered—repositioning may be needed
- Assess if output exceeds even Maxi capacity—may need more frequent changes
- Consider adding disposable booster pads for extra capacity during peak output times
- Verify Large is correct size—leaks often occur at size boundaries
Brief Feels Too Bulky:
- Maxi absorbency naturally has more bulk than lower absorbencies
- The contoured core design minimizes bulk compared to non-anatomical products
- Wear looser-fitting clothing if bulk is visible or restrictive
- The breathable backsheet helps reduce heat perception of bulk
- Trade-off: bulk vs. extended wear intervals—most users prefer less frequent changes
Wetness Indicator Not Showing Change:
- With Maxi capacity, it takes longer to show saturation
- Core may be absorbing efficiently without visible indicator change
- Check by gently pressing on core—if feels very heavy or squishy, change despite indicator
- Rely on time intervals (6-8 hours) as backup to indicator
Skin Irritation Despite Breathable Material:
- Extended wear increases risk even with breathable backsheet
- May need to shorten changing intervals to 4-6 hours
- Ensure thorough drying after cleansing
- Apply thicker barrier creams or ointments for enhanced protection
- Check for fungal infection in skin folds (requires medical treatment)
Tape Tabs Failing Under Weight:
- Maxi briefs when saturated are heavy—tabs must support significant weight
- Ensure tabs are fastened at proper angles for optimal hold
- If tabs regularly fail, product may be oversaturated—change more frequently
- The four-tab system is specifically designed for heavy absorbency weight
Odor Control Issues:
- Maxi capacity extended wear increases odor risk
- Enhanced odor control system should neutralize most odors
- If odors persist, may need more frequent changes
- Ensure adequate fluid intake to dilute urine (reduces ammonia concentration)
- Check for urinary tract infection if sudden odor increase occurs
Inventory Management (for facilities using case quantity):
- Case of 80 (4 bags of 20) provides approximately 3-4 weeks supply per heavy incontinence patient
- Maxi absorbency reduces per-patient usage compared to lower absorbencies
- Cost per unit higher than moderate absorbency, but fewer changes per day reduces total cost
- Store cases in cool, dry location away from moisture
- Rotate stock using first-in, first-out (FIFO) method
- Open only one bag at a time to maintain product freshness
- Track usage rates—heavy incontinence patients using Maxi typically need 3-4 briefs per 24 hours
- The 20-count bag size balances convenience with freshness
Technical Specifications
- Product Name: Lille Healthcare SupremFit Maxi Adult Briefs
- Brand: Lille Healthcare
- Product Line: SupremFit Maxi
- Size: Large (L)
- Fit Range: 100-145 cm (39-57 inches) waist/hip circumference
- Absorbency Level: Maxi (heavy to very heavy capacity)
- Absorbency Capacity: Typically 2000-3000 mL retention
- Core Technology: High-capacity contoured absorbent polymer core
- Backsheet: Breathable cloth-like material (vapor-permeable, waterproof)
- Closure System: Four refastenable tape tabs (repositionable)
- Leak Protection: High-standing anti-leak cuffs at leg openings
- Wetness Indicator: Color-changing strip (yellow to blue)
- Odor Control: Enhanced odor-neutralizing system for extended wear
- Inner Lining: Soft, quick-wicking material for prolonged skin contact
- Latex Content: Latex-free
- Bag Quantity: 20 briefs per bag
- Case Quantity: 4 bags per case (80 briefs total)
- Case Weight: Approximately 12-15 kg (heavier than lower absorbencies)
- Intended Use: Heavy to very heavy urinary and fecal incontinence management
- Wear Time: Typically 6-8 hours daytime, up to 10-12 hours overnight
- Care Setting: Home care, long-term care facilities, hospitals, assisted living, hospice
- Patient Population: Adults with heavy incontinence, double incontinence, or requiring extended wear
- Storage: Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Shelf Life: Typically 2-3 years from manufacture date (check package)