This is the second information sheet we have put on line about Bed Protection. The first was about Bed Pads. This one is about mattress protection.

Mattress Protection

The majority of people will want to protect their mattresses. A mattress is an expensive item and is worth protecting. Most mattress protectors cover the top and sides of the mattress. They can also act as a barrier against the mites and microbes that live in everyone’s mattress.

Most mattress protectors are waterproof and have elasticated sides or corners to hold them in place. They are best cleaned by wiping with a damp disinfectant cloth. They can be machine washed but don’t put them into a hot tumble drier. There are wide variations in quality (and price) due mainly to the different materials used.

PVC

For:

• Cheap

Against:

• Feels cold at first.
• Possible overheating as sweat does not evaporate through the material
• Slippery so sheets can wrinkle
• Can split or crack

Look out for:

• The thickness of the PVC. Some are very thin and liable to tear.
• Envelope Designs that completely cover the mattress are available.

Cost:

• About £12 for a good quality single and £19 for a double. Envelope designs a few pounds more.

Arelle PVC mattress protectors feature:

• Strong, high quality PVC
• Easy to put on the mattress
• Made to measure service available.

BREATHABLE MATERIALS

Breathable waterproof fabrics are no longer used exclusively for outdoor clothing. No liquid can pass through the protection but water vapour can leave the mattress.

For:

• Comfort. Usually a softer feel than PVC
• Better sleep. Sweat evaporates so you don’t overheat.
• Should not rustle
• Should last longer than PVC

Against:

• Cost

Cost:

• Range between £25 for a single to £32 for a king size

Arelle breathable mattress protectors feature:

• High quality coated material
• British manufacture
• Easy to put on the mattress
• Protectors available for ANY size bed

For more information about Arelle mattress protection please visit http://arelle.com/products/mattress-and-bedding-protection/76.

Arelle has a full range of bed protection including Bed Pads, Duvet Covers and Waterproof Bedding

A bed pad is a square or rectangle of absorbent material place in the bed to absorb urine. It should be placed directly under The first thought of many customers choosing a bed pad might be that “the more it absorbs the better”. In fact its quality depends on a range of factors.

ABSORBENCY Figures for absorbency are derived from tests which bear little relevance to the way the bed pad is used.
An adult bladder holds about 550ml (a pint) although there can be a wide variation. You would normally feel the need to empty your bladder when it is about half full. So the normal amount of urine excreted at one time is about a cupful. Most bed pads are able to hold several times the volume of urine likely to be excreted.

So what is important?

SPEED The tests that produce absorbency figures take no account of the sudden rush of urine that is the feature of many types of incontinence. High quality bed pads absorb quickly.

LEAKAGE Having absorbed the urine, pads should retain it whilst the wearer moves or puts pressure on the pad.

MATERIALS A bed pad should be comfortable. High quality pads wick water away from your skin so you remain comfortable even after the pad has been used. We all move in our sleep so as well as being leakproof the lower layer of the pad has to grip the sheet so that the pad stays flat.

A well-designed bed pad manages to fulfil all these requirements, and at an affordable price.

Disposable or Washable?

Disposables:

The best are very good but there are many which are not. It’s worth getting some samples to try first.
Each pad is cheap (about 25p for a good one) but if you are likely to be using them for a long time the cost can mount up.

They are easy to use
As with any disposable product they fill up your bin and landfill sites.
Arelle supplies deep quilted Abena disposable bed pads. Abena is a Danish company well known for the technical expertise it applies in the design of its products. Click here to see Arelle disposable bed pads.

Washables:
They can absorb more than disposables. They perform better after a few washes.

It is best to buy at least 3 – one in use, one in the wash and one ready. The initial expense is more (about £55 for 3) but if you are likely to be using them for a long time they will save you a lot of money.
You have to be able to wash and dry them. A cool wash and tumble dry is sufficient.

You have nothing to throw away. They are better for the environment.

Arelle’s high specification washable bed pads are made in England. Click here to see Arelle washable bed pads.

Remember that it’s not just how much it absorbs but how much it keeps!
To avoid soreness all bed pads should be changed as soon as possible after they have been soiled.
For extra security bed pads can be used in conjunction with body-worn pads.

If you would like any more information please contact Arelle 0800 389 3597

Other Bed Protection
Other really useful items for bed protection are mattress protectors, waterproof bedding and duvet covers. All are available from Arelle

If you use Tena products now and would like the back up of Arelle’s advice and service please contact us.

Able2 supplies reputable mobility retailers and pharmacies and now their products are available from Arelle.

The Able2 catalogue is a treasure trove of innovative products for easier living. There is such a wide range that, no matter what your age, interests or mobility, you will find something that helps.

If you are one of Arelle’s regular customers you may already have received your free Able2 catalogue.

If you would like a free catalogue or advice about selecting a product just send us an email or phone us free on 0800389 3597.

If you have incontinence, don’t be embarrassed about getting medical help. The symptoms can be improved, and sometimes cured, with simple methods.

Here’s where you can go for expert help.

Your GP

Your GP can assess whether you have incontinence, either bowel or urinary, decide which type of incontinence you have, give general advice on controlling symptoms, provide information on pelvic floor exercises and bladder training, and give treatment with prescribed medicines.

Continence clinics

In the UK, there are over 360 NHS continence clinics, with specialist teams providing support and medical advice for people with bowel or bladder incontinence.

To find details of your local NHS continence clinic - Call the Bladder and Bowel Foundation  enquiries line on 01536 533255 or visit www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org.

Despite its apparently simple purpose a good incontinence pad is carefully designed and “engineered”. Like any technical product a pad’s performance can depend on several factors. Unfortunately the only factor you are likely to see mentioned on a pack of pads is the absorbency.

• ABSORBENCY Your first thought might be that “the more it absorbs the better” but figures for absorbency are derived from tests which bear little relevance to the way the pad is used.

An adult bladder holds about 550ml (a pint) although there can be a wide variation. You would normally feel the need to empty your bladder when it is about half full so the normal amount of urine excreted at one time is about 250-300ml or a cupful. Almost any pad is able to hold several times the volume of urine likely to be excreted.
If a pad were to absorb the amount claimed it would become very heavy and impossible to support (1000ml of water weighs the same as a bag of sugar!)

So what else is important?

• SPEED The tests that produce absorbency figures take no account of the sudden rush of urine that is the feature of many types of incontinence. High quality pads absorb quickly.




• LEAKAGE Having absorbed the urine pads should retain it whilst the wearer moves or puts pressure on the pad. High quality pads don’t leak.




• COMFORT Pads should be comfortable and feel secure. High quality pads are shaped to fit the body snugly and perform well without having excessive bulk.




• MATERIALS The materials used should prevent odour and soreness. The outside layer next to clothing should remain dry. These are key features of quality pads.




• CHOICE As well as the quality of the pads there should a range to suit variations in your condition. For example, you may a need more absorbent pad at night.




• Pads that fulfil these requirements work better. That is why ARELLE selects pads carefully and why we have hundreds of very satisfied customers. If you would like more information please contact ARELLE.

Most of the factors that affect the quality of disposable pads apply equally to bed pads.

• Remember that it’s not just how much it absorbs but how much it keeps! ARELLE supplies deep quilted Abena pads due to customer satisfaction with the way they perform.
• To avoid soreness all bed pads should be changed as soon as possible after they have been soiled. For extra security bed pads can be used in conjunction with body-worn pads.
• ARELLE Washable Bed Pads are a really effective alternative to disposable products.

Washable Bed Pads & Seat Pads

These can have distinct advantages over disposables – especially for long term conditions. Features of effective products are:

• Easy washing – Can be tumble dried
• Cost-effective as they may be reused many times
• Less to store and nothing to throw away
• High absorbency to keep skin drier
• Backing material to hold the pad in place

Arelle’s quality bed pads are made locally to a high specification.

Arelle recommends that you buy 3 pads, one in use, one in the wash and one in case!

Mattress Protection and Waterproof Bedding

A high quality Mattress Protector should be:

• Made of breathable material to avoid over-heating
• Soft so it does not rustle when you move
• Available for any bed size

Arelle De Luxe mattress protection is a high quality English made product.

Waterproof Bedding should have similar properties.

Arelle supplies duvets and pillows that are lightweight,
breathable and can be simply wiped over to keep them
clean.

Arelle also supplies economy ranges of these products

• ABSORBENCY Figures for absorbency are derived from tests which bear little relevance to the way the pad is used.
• An adult bladder holds about 550ml (a pint) although there can be a wide variation. You would normally feel the need to empty your bladder when it is about half full. So the normal amount of urine excreted at one time is about a cupful. Most pads are able to hold several times the volume of urine likely to be excreted.
• If a pad were to absorb the amount claimed it would become very heavy (1000ml of water weighs the same as a bag of sugar!)

So what is important?

• SPEED The tests that produce absorbency figures take no account of the sudden rush of urine that is the feature of many types of incontinence. High quality pads absorb quickly.
• LEAKAGE Having absorbed the urine pads should retain it whilst the wearer moves or puts pressure on the pad. High quality pads don’t leak.
• COMFORT Pads should be comfortable and feel secure. High quality pads are shaped to fit the body snugly and perform well without having excessive bulk.
• MATERIALS The materials used should prevent odour and soreness. The outside layer next to clothing should remain dry. These are key features of quality pads.
• CHOICE As well as the quality of the pads there should a range to suit variations in your condition. For example, you may a need more absorbent pad at night.

ARELLE supplies Abena pads simply because they fulfil all of the above

Abena pads are made in such a wide range of absorbencies and sizes that suitable pads are available for every situation. It is reassuring to know that if your condition changes you can stay with the same trusted brand.

Stretch Briefs

All disposable pads work better if they are held in place by stretch briefs. That means you use fewer pads. Some stretch briefs can be washed and used many times.

• Comfortable and dignified. You can use them as normal underwear
• Cost-effective as they may be reused many times
• You have less to store and to throw away
• They are better for the environment

Arelle Washable Briefs are available in a variety of designs and a wide range of sizes for both men and women. They are made in England.

Accessories

Arelle supplies all those extras that help you manage incontinence with comfort and dignity. Here are just a few:

• Skin care
• Gloves
• Wipes
• Urinals & commodes
• Odour control
• Disposal bags
• Toilet Seats and covers
• Shower stools
• Bath aids
• Specialist swimware

There are four different types of incontinence:

Stress Incontinence

People with stress incontinence lose urine when they exert pressure on their bladders. It may happen when they lift something heavy, laugh, cough or exercise.

Overflow Incontinence

This is when a person cannot completely empty their bladder. Often frequent urination may occur or sometimes there is a constant leak of urine.

Urge Incontinence

This is when a person just can’t seem to get to the bathroom in time or when someone losees urine when they feel the need to urinate.

Mixed Incontinence

This is when a person has some combination of the other three types of incontinence. Stress and urge incontinence are commonly seen together, especially in older women.

If you’re incontinent, there are certain foods or beverages that should be avoided which may irritate the bladder:

• Alcohol
• Carbonated drinks
• Milk products
• Coffee or tea (with or without caffeine)
• Citrus fruits and juices
• Tomatoes
• Highly spiced foods
• Sweeteners (sugar, honey, etc..)
• Chocolate
• Artificial sweetener

If you’re in need of Incontinence Disposal Pads then visit Arelle’s selection of products at the following URL http://arelle.com/products/Pads_for_Briefs/56. Arelle has a lot more products to other people who have Incontinence, so why not check the website out.