Diapers and Briefs

How To Change An Adult Diaper

For many caregivers, changing adult diapers is a tricky aspect of caring for an individual dealing with incontinence, and rightly so. Whether you are a certified caregiver or caring for a family member, understanding how to change an adult diaper is of utmost importance.

To help you understand the diaper-changing process and answer some of your questions about caring for an adult with incontinence, here is all that you must know about changing adult diapers. 

What you’ll need to change an adult diaper

For a safe adult diaper change, you will need - 

• Medical gloves (preferably disposable)
• Fresh adult diaper
• Diaper Pail
• Washcloth or adult wipes
• Perineal cream

How to Change an Adult Diaper

Step 1. Prepare yourself

Wash your hands with soap and put on a pair of medical gloves.

Step 2. Adjust the bed

Adjust the height and head position of the bed to a comfortable working level.

Step 3. Position the person

Have the person lie on their back on the bed. Place a disposable underpad beneath them to prevent bedsheets from soiling.

Step 4. Undo the diaper

Carefully undo the tapes or fasteners on the used diaper.

Step 5. Move to the side

Gently move the person to one side while supporting them properly to make removing the soiled diaper easier.

Step 6. Roll onto the side

Roll the person gently onto their side with the bed rail up for better comfort and safety.

Step 7. Clean the perineal area

Use a wet washcloth or adult wipes to clean the perineal area, wiping from front to back. Closely check for signs of diaper rash or sores.

Step 8. Apply skin barrier cream

If necessary, apply a thin layer of barrier cream to protect the skin from irritation. Allow the skin to air dry before proceeding.

Step 9. Place the new diaper

Position the fresh, clean diaper comfortably beneath the person. Roll them back onto their back.

Step 10. Fasten the diaper

Secure the diaper in place by fastening the tapes or using any provided fastening system. Smooth out any wrinkles to ensure a comfortable fit.

Step 11. Dispose of gloves and soiled diaper

Remove and dispose of the used gloves properly. Place the soiled diaper in a diaper pail.

Things to Remember When Changing Adult Diaper

• Adjusting the bed: Make sure to return the bed to its regular height, position the person comfortably, and check if their clothes are adjusted properly after the process.
• Clean your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly. If necessary, put on a new pair of gloves for any additional care tasks.

When changing an adult diaper, it's important to be sensitive to the other person’s dignity. Regularly communicate with the person to ensure they are comfortable and be mindful of their needs throughout the diaper change process.

How to find the right diaper size?

The right-sized adult diaper will snugly fit the wearer, neither too tight nor too loose. If the diaper is tight, it can lead to skin breakdown; if it is loose, the person can experience leaks. To find the right diaper size, measure the waist and hip in inches. The larger of the two numbers will be the reference while referring to the size charts.

How often should the diapers be changed?

Although the frequency of diaper changes varies from person to person, according to an article by the California Caregiver Resource Centers, to reduce the risk of infection, the average patient needs between 5 and 8 changes per day.

Where can you buy the best incontinence supplies?

HPFY has been online since 2002. We offer a wide range of medical supplies, including incontinence products such as adult diapers, briefs, wet wipes, underpads, perineal skin care products, and other essentials required to keep your loved ones safe and happy while dealing with incontinence.

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