5 Best Adult Diapers

At some point, many people will need a discreet solution to manage leakage for themselves or a family member.

Whether incontinence stems from pregnancy, aging, surgery, or another health issue, using an adult diaper or absorbent undergarment can provide confidence when leaving home and going about daily routines.

Individuals might choose an absorbent undergarment for urinary leaks, bowel leakage, or bleeding linked to postpartum recovery or menopause. Choosing a product that feels comfortable, fits unobtrusively beneath clothing, allows freedom of movement without leaking, and helps keep skin dry and healthy will greatly improve comfort and peace of mind.

There are numerous options available, ranging from ultra-absorbent overnight briefs to slimmer, more flexible choices for active days.

We know researching products can be overwhelming amid everything else you’re managing, so we’ve selected five top-rated options to help jump-start your search.

The best adult diapers

If you assume adult diapers are only for people over 65, you’re not alone. Often marketed for older adults, tab-style briefs and pull-ups are commonly seen in hospitals and assisted living facilities.

But disposable undergarments are useful for adults of any age who need absorbent protection for urinary or bowel incontinence or during recovery from childbirth or procedures that temporarily affect bladder or bowel control.

Types of adult diapers

Adult diapers generally come in two formats:

• Pull-on style. A good option if you prefer a less bulky undergarment that fits more like underwear.
• Tab-style briefs. Easier to put on for people who have trouble standing or are assisted by a caregiver. They also often provide a closer fit at the legs, which helps reduce leaks.

What to look for when choosing an adult diaper

Getting the size right matters

The first consideration when selecting an adult diaper, says Dr. Michael Ingber, a urologist certified in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at The Center for Specialized Women’s Health, is making sure you use the correct size.

“If it’s too small it can be uncomfortable, overflow, or even cut off circulation. If it’s too large it’s more likely to leak,” he notes.

Choose diapers that draw moisture away from skin

Because continued contact with urine or stool can cause rashes and infections, Ingber recommends selecting adult diapers with a soft, breathable lining that wicks moisture away from the skin.

Expect to experiment a bit

Patience is important when shopping for adult diapers. It may take trying a few styles to find one that fits and performs to your expectations.

If you’re unsure where to begin, consider one of the products below. Each of these adult diapers has strong ratings and customer feedback, and they’re widely available online.

How we chose

To help you narrow down options, we reviewed product feedback, consulted experts, and examined user experiences across multiple styles. Our evaluation also included input from medical professionals.

From that process, we identified five top choices for adult diapers, each representing a different use case. We assessed factors like price, ease of use, availability, comfort, and absorbency. We also added expert guidance on treating and preventing diaper rash at home.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $1 per diaper
• $$ = $1–$1.50 per diaper
• $$$ = over $1.50 per diaper

Our picks for best adult diapers

Best adult diaper for absorbency

Tranquility SmartCore Disposable Brief

Pros: suitable for urinary and fecal incontinence, highly absorbent for day or night use, great for extended wear such as travel

Cons: bulkier profile, pricier than some daytime-focused options

Price: $$

The Tranquility SmartCore is a high-capacity, premium absorbent brief that handles both urinary and fecal leakage.

As a brief with adjustable tabs, it provides a snug waist fit to reduce leaks and features cuffs at the leg openings to direct moisture to the core. Breathable side panels help maintain dry, healthy skin, which is important for preventing irritation.

This brief is ideal for bed-bound individuals or those receiving care, and includes wetness indicators that change from yellow to blue to signal when a change is needed.

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Best adult diaper for daytime activity

NorthShore GoSupreme Pull-on Underwear

Pros: snug and comfortable, wetness indicator, latex-free, sufficient absorbency for day or night

Cons: costly, tends to run small so consider sizing up, thicker than moderate-coverage options

Price: $$$

Made for both urinary and fecal incontinence, the GoSupreme Pull-On is a strong pick for active adults requiring maximum protection.

Unisex and available from small to XXL, its design creates a secure fit around the legs to reduce leaks. Maximum absorbency lets you be active for up to about eight hours.

Sizing can differ from other brands, but NorthShore offers free samples via customer service if you need to try before committing.

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Best adult diaper for postpartum and postmenopausal incontinence

Always Discreet Underwear

Pros: very absorbent, low leak rate, neutralizes odor, reported as comfortable

Cons: some users say the added fragrance to mask odor is too strong

Price: $

Hormonal and structural changes can lead to bladder leaks during menopause or after childbirth. While that can be frustrating, discreet options exist that avoid frequent pad changes.

Always Discreet Underwear provides enough absorption for moderate leaks day or night and is discreet under clothing. They also help manage postpartum bleeding.

With a contoured fit that hugs the hips for underwear-like comfort and sizes from small to XXL, they’re a practical choice for the postpartum period.

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Best overnight adult diaper

Tranquility Premium Overnight Disposable Absorbent Underwear

Pros: easy to remove, inner and outer leg cuffs for comfort and leak protection, effective odor control, fast absorption

Cons: smaller sizes hold less fluid than the larger sizes

Price: $$

Waking during the night because of leaks can be upsetting and interferes with sleep quality, which affects overall wellbeing. Ensuring dry nights is therefore crucial.

Tranquility Premium Overnight Underwear is our top overnight pick due to widespread positive reviews and features that prevent leaks. Affordable and highly absorbent, this pull-on can manage urinary and fecal incontinence and holds up to about 34 ounces of liquid.

The pull-on design also includes tear-away side seams for simple removal, helpful for those who have trouble standing.

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Best adult diaper for men

Depend Real Fit Incontinence Underwear for Men

Pros: generally affordable, comfortable, easy to wear with jeans or dress pants

Cons: sizing tops out at XL and a maximum suggested weight of 260 pounds

Price: $

Depend is a widely recognized brand in incontinence products. The Real Fit Incontinence Brief is a solid choice for men who want moderate protection with comfort and mobility for an active life.

This pull-up style feels like cotton and is soft yet durable. A stretch waistband helps keep a secure fit, and breathable fabric makes it suitable for daytime wear.

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Comparison table for adult diapers

NamePriceBest for

Tranquility SmartCore Disposable Brief $$ absorbency

NorthShore GoSupreme Pull-On Underwear $$$ daytime activity

Always Discreet Underwear $ postpartum & menopausal incontinence

Tranquility Premium Overnight Disposable Absorbent Underwear $$ overnight wear

Depend Real Fit Incontinence Underwear for Men $ men, active lifestyle

How to avoid diaper rash

Most people who use absorbent undergarments will experience diaper rash at some point, but there are effective prevention strategies.

The first step, says Ingber, is to change diapers every 4 to 6 hours, or whenever they become soiled.

“The biggest concerns in adults with incontinence are pressure sores, skin irritation, infections, and uncomfortable diaper rash,” Ingber explains. Reducing skin contact with wet diapers helps prevent discomfort and skin breakdown.

Maintaining skin health is also key. Ingber suggests using gentle, mild cleansers like Dove, or simply rinsing the area with warm water and patting dry.

“If skin remains damp, it becomes a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria,” he warns. Applying a barrier product such as a zinc oxide diaper cream can be very helpful to prevent irritation.

Most mild diaper rashes can be managed at home with over-the-counter remedies.

“Desitin and antifungal creams (for yeast) are effective for diaper rashes,” says Dr. Mehran Movassaghi, a urologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center. Products containing zinc oxide (like Desitin) can be effective.

Movassaghi advises frequent diaper changes, always replacing diapers after soiling with stool, and using an antifungal powder to help keep the area dry and reduce yeast risk.

“Mild itching is common with diaper rashes, but if it doesn’t improve we worry patients might scratch and either infect or further damage the skin,” Ingber adds.

When to see a doctor

Most diaper rashes respond to home care, but Movassaghi says medical attention is needed if there is skin breakdown. Signs of skin breakdown include persistent redness, raw areas, oozing, bleeding, or open sores.

Other reasons to seek medical care include:

• a rash that worsens or does not improve within three days
• a rash that is oozing or bleeding
• a rash that causes significant pain or burning
• a fever — in adults, generally a temperature above roughly 99 to 99.5°F (37.2–37.5°C)

Frequently asked questions

What is a bariatric diaper?

A bariatric diaper is tailored for larger adults and includes sizes like 4XL and 5XL.

Which adult diaper is the most absorbent?

Diapers labeled for overnight use usually provide the highest absorbency for longer wear. For everyday use with top absorption, we favored the Tranquility SmartCore Brief.

What sizes do adult diapers come in?

Common sizes span XS to 2XL for standard diapers, with bariatric options up to 5XL. Consult each brand’s size chart, which typically lists waist measurements in inches, to select the correct size.

Does insurance cover adult diapers?

While Medicaid might cover some costs for incontinence products, most health plans (including Medicare) generally do not. Contact your insurer to verify coverage, and consider using HSA or FSA funds to purchase supplies.

The takeaway

Finding the right adult diaper or absorbent undergarment may require some experimentation, but once you locate a suitable option, staying dry and comfortable both day and night becomes much easier.

If you’re unsure which product to choose or need guidance on using them effectively, consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.