The Top 5 Causes of Leaking Incontinence Pads and Pants and How to Prevent Them

Finding the right disposable product is essential for confidence, dignity, and comfort. However, even with high-quality products, leaks can still happen - and that doesn't mean the product is bad. It may simply not be the right product for you or your loved one. Whether you're caring for a child, teenager, adult, or the elderly, leaks can often be prevented by understanding what’s causing them.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top five causes of leaking incontinence nappies, pads and pants and how to avoid these issues. Plus practical tips and advice to help you choose the right product.

It may sound obvious, but the most common reason for leaks is an incorrect or poor fit. Disposable incontinence nappies—whether for children, youth, or adults—need to form a snug, secure seal around the waist and legs to contain fluid effectively.

• A nappy that’s too large can leave gaps, especially around the thighs.

• A nappy that’s too small may not cover the necessary area or even be really unconfortable.

Tip: Always check the sizing guide provided by the brand. Measure both waist and hip circumferences and use the larger of the two when selecting a size.

When transitioning from children’s to youth sizes, don’t rely on age alone—check both their measurements and their absorbency needs to ensure the best fit and protection. 

If you need assistance on how to measure, click here for a guide on How to Measure Your Incontinence Pant.

Not all incontinence pads and pants are designed to handle the same volume of fluid. One of the main causes of leaks is using a product that doesn’t match the level of incontinence. If the pad doesn’t have enough capacity to handle the output or volume of the accident, leaks will happen.

• Light absorbency nappies are ideal for dribbles and small leaks.

• Moderate to heavy absorbency nappies are required for full bladder voids or overnight use.

So how do you know what absorbency level to choose? Start by keeping track of how much the person usually wets. You can figure it out through trial and error or ask a healthcare professional for advice based on their condition.

Tip: If leaks are occurring despite a good fit, you likely need a product with higher absorbency. You also can use booster pads, which can be placed inside the nappy to increase capacity without switching to a larger size.

It’s not just how much fluid is lost—but how fast.

A sudden, full voids of the bladder or bowel, requires a product with high absorbency that can quickly absorb large amounts of fluid. 

If someone is experiencing slow, constant dribbling, they can often manage with a lighter product.

Tip: For individuals with urge incontinence or high flow voids, choose a disposable nappy with fast-acting core technology and leak guards. Products labeled “rapid absorbency” or “maximum protection” are ideal for this.

Even the most absorbent disposable nappies have a limit. If they aren’t changed regularly—especially after a full void—leaks are almost inevitable. Someone may have little or no incontinence during the day, when it's easier to notice and manage accidents. But things can be very different at night. Even if the pad can hold a full bladder, it may leak if there are multiple accidents without changing.

• During the day, lighter nappies can be changed more frequently.

• At night is best to use high-capacity overnight nappies designed to last longer and support multiple voids.

Tip: Establish a consistent changing schedule and consider setting reminders. For overnight, consider pairing the nappy with disposable bed pads for added protection and peace of mind.

For males, especially boys and teenagers, the direction of the penis inside the nappy plays a crucial role. If positioned upwards, urine may miss the core of the nappy and leak out at the waistband or sides.

Tip: Always ensure the penis is positioned downward and toward the centre of the nappy before securing it. This directs flow into the most absorbent part of the product.

Moving from kids’ sizes to youth incontinence products can feel overwhelming and confusing at first. It’s a big step, and using the wrong product during this time can lead to leaks, which may cause added stress for both the wearer and the carer.

When making the move from supermarket baby nappies to more specialised incontinence products, it’s good to know there are plenty of options designed to bridge the gap between nappies for young children and adult products.

Key Differences Between Baby and Youth Incontinence Products
One of the biggest differences is how sizing works. Baby nappies are usually sized by age or weight, while youth and teen incontinence products use waist measurements. This shift is important, as the right fit is key to preventing leaks and keeping the wearer comfortable.

At IncontinenceProducts.com.au, we offer a wide range of products to support this transition.
Discover more in our blog: Find the perfect products to transition from kids’ nappies to youth incontinence products.

At IncontinenceProducts.com.au, we also offer a full range of washable and reusable incontinence light underwear and heavy underwear, along with a complete selection of bed protection products to keep you comfortable and secure. Whether you’re looking for eco-friendly options or extra layers of protection, we have everything you need.

Check out our Night n Day range for high-quality, Australian-made incontinence products designed for all-day and night protection.

Discover more about our full range of products today!

Preventing leaks is all about getting the right combination of fit, absorbency, and timing. Using right disposable nappies that suit the user's needs makes all the difference.

At IncontinenceProducts.com.au, we stock a wide range of trusted disposable incontinence nappies, youth products, bed protectors, booster pads, and more from leading brands—all available for NDIS claims.

Need help selecting the right product? Contact us today, and one of our friendly customer care team will help you—we’re here for you!