Do Incontinence Pads Smell?

8 November 2023 | Admin

How strong does a friendship have to be to ask a friend 'Do I smell?'

The reason this is front and centre in my mind is that I keep thinking I am stinky as a result of the perimenopause. I have gone from not needing to wear antiperspirant / deodorant to feeling like I smell of onions if I don't. It's yuck!

That's why this question which was recently asked on our Facebook page rang a chord with me and inspired this post. It's horrible to worry that you can smell yourself or your incontinence or period products.

Do incontinence pads smell?

If used correctly, incontinence pads won't smell. Most incontinence pads are designed with features to minimise odour from bladder leaks, whether that's disposable incontinence products or reusable incontinence pads.

Cheeky fearless incontinence pads, for instance, come with odour control charcoal impregnation, ensuring that smells stay in check. They're great for most types of incontinence aside from full bladder leakage.

However, if used for an extended period or if the pad becomes totally saturated with urine, there might be a slight smell due to the breakdown of urine by bacteria.

"I already had a few of the fearless superlight incontinence pads. I use these as panty liners and they are really great for that. I bought some more as I kept running out of them before they came back from the washing pile.

They are the best at staying in place. They don't slip and don't spin round your pants. As usual, the customer service from Cheeky Wipes is great."

How to Prevent Odours While Using Incontinence Pads

1. Stay Well Hydrated

Staying well-hydrated and consuming sufficient water can dilute urine, potentially reducing how strong it smells.

Drinking water not only benefits your overall health but can also contribute to minimizing the smell associated with incontinence.

2. Change Pads Frequently

Frequent pad changes are essential for odour control. Don't choose super absorbency pads and think you can simply wear it for longer!

Changing your pad regularly ensures that urine doesn't have the opportunity to break down and produce any smell.

It's also a good idea to change frequently to prevent leaks. Carry spare pads with you, especially when you're away from home, to maintain freshness and comfort.

You may find our blogpost on 'When to Change Your Incontinence Pads/Pants' helpful.

3. Opt for Pads with Odour Control

Choosing incontinence pads with built-in odor control features is a smart move when dealing with urinary incontinence.

Cheeky Pants Incontinence Pads, for example, are renowned for their odor control charcoal impregnation, which effectively keeps unpleasant smells at bay.

These pads are designed to provide reliable absorption and also exceptional odour prevention.

"Incontinence Medium Fearless pads. Took a short time to get used to. Wish I had known about these earlier! Wouldn’t change back now. Great product washes well. Highly recommend." Trustpilot Review

4. Maintain Good Hygiene

As I stated in my intro, good personal hygiene can't be overrated when it comes to odour management.

Ensure that you clean and dry your vulva thoroughly before replacing your new incontinence pad.

Use our reusable intimate wipes with a small amount of plain water for gentle cleansing and skin care to this delicate area.

5. Consider Diet Choices

Certain foods and beverages can influence the odor of your urine. Foods like asparagus, onions, and garlic, as well as caffeine and alcohol, may lead to stinky wee. Consider moderating your consumption of these items if you find that they affect the smell of your urine.

6. Keep Active

Maintaining a regular exercise routine can help improve overall bladder health.

Exercise may also help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (uti's) , which can sometimes lead to strong smelling pee.

Staying active and healthy is a key aspect of managing incontinence and minimising odour.

Best Odour Control Incontinence Pads

When it comes to odour control incontinence pads, Cheeky Pants incontinence pads for women are great for mild to moderate incontinence.

These pads are not only highly absorbent but also feature innovative charcoal impregnation for effective odour prevention.

With Cheeky Fearless Pads, you'll have peace of mind, comfort and security throughout the day, knowing that if something smells bad, it's not likely to be you!

"I’ve just experimented with the incontinence pads and am very glad I did! I found them very comfortable and effective for everyday use with moderate incontinence.

I used them with my normal pants at home, 3 to 5 a day (I am plagued with hay fever!) and have invested in the pretty Feel Fearless pants for ‘going out’, which I find very comfortable and flattering.

Both I find easy to wash and the pads don’t take long to dry naturally, the pants do take longer to dry. I’m switching to the make up pads now." Trustpilot Review

In summary, wearing incontinence pads can be used without smell if you follow the right practices.

Maintaining good hygiene, changing pads regularly, and choosing the right absorbent products like Cheeky Pants Incontinence Pads can make a significant difference in odor control. Remember that incontinence should never limit your confidence or quality of life.

"Using this during the day makes my life much easier. I have a very mild incontinence due to cancer treatment of the bladder. This light pad is fine for the moment but I have bought the pads for heavier flow. Things change with age, so better safe than sorry. I hope more people find these products as life needs to be less stressed and these pads and panties make that possible." Trustpilot Product Review

We hope this was useful to you. As always, if you have ANY questions, please do get in touch. The team all use the products themselves and LOVE to chat pee, poo and periods.

And if you enjoyed this blogpost, you may also find these posts interesting:

About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. 4 kids later, internal period protection such as tampons or menstrual cups were no longer an option for her and she went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period pants and reusable incontinence pads.

The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021.