You’re wearing an incontinence product for protection—so why are you still experiencing leaks?

It doesn’t always mean you need a completely different product. Leaks can happen for several simple reasons, from wearing the wrong size to choosing an absorbency level that doesn’t match your needs.

Is Your Incontinence Protection Working for You?

Here are 6 common reasons incontinence products leak and what you can do about them.

1. You're Wearing the Wrong Size

Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean more absorbent.

If your protective underwear or brief is too large, gaps can form around the waist and legs, allowing fluid to escape before the absorbent core can do its job.

If it’s too small, the product may not sit correctly against the body, which can also contribute to leaks.

What to do: Always use your waist and hip measurements to find the right size rather than simply sizing up for more protection.

2. You Need More Absorbency

Sometimes the fit is right—the absorbency level isn’t.

A product designed for moderate protection may not be enough for heavier bladder output, extended wear, long trips, or overnight use.

What to do: Choose an incontinence product with an absorbency level that matches when and how you’ll be wearing it.

For times when you need additional capacity, a TotalDry Booster Pad can be added to a compatible brief or protective underwear for extra absorbency.

3. The Fit Around Your Legs Isn't Secure

The leg area is one of the most common places for leaks to occur.

If there are gaps around the legs, fluid can escape before it reaches the absorbent core.

What to do: Make sure the product sits comfortably and securely around both legs. If you're wearing a fitted brief, adjust the tabs so the fit is snug without being too tight.

Also check that the inner leg gathers are positioned correctly rather than folded inward.

4. You're Using the Wrong Product for the Situation

Your protection needs can change throughout the day.

The product you wear for a few hours at home may not provide enough protection for a long car ride, a full day away from home, or eight hours of sleep.

What to do: Think about when, where, and how long you'll be wearing the product.

You may need lighter protection during the day and a higher-absorbency brief, pad, or booster for longer periods and overnight.

TotalDry offers multiple absorbency levels so you can adjust your protection to your routine.

5. Movement Can Affect the Fit

Walking, exercising, changing positions, or tossing and turning in bed can cause an incontinence product to shift.

Once it moves out of position, small gaps may appear around the legs or waist.

What to do: Look for a product that fits closely to your body while still allowing comfortable movement.

If you notice your product frequently shifting, double-check the size and fit.

6. Your Nighttime Protection Isn't Enough

Nighttime creates its own challenges.

You may go much longer between changes, and sleeping on your back or side can change where fluid travels within the product.

A product that works well during the day may simply not offer enough capacity or coverage for the entire night.

What to do: Choose protection specifically suited for extended or overnight wear. For additional absorbency, consider pairing your compatible nighttime brief with a TotalDry Booster Pad.

A TotalDry Underpad can also provide an additional layer of protection for your mattress and bedding.

Better Fit. Better Protection.

Leaks aren't always a sign that your incontinence product doesn't work.

Often, a few simple changes can make a big difference:

• Choose the correct size
• Match absorbency to your needs
• Check the fit around your legs
• Use the right protection for day and night
• Add a booster when you need extra absorbency
• Keep an underpad on hand for additional surface protection

Finding the right combination can help you stay dry, comfortable, and confident throughout your day—and night.

Not Sure What Size You Need?

The right fit is one of the most important parts of reliable protection.

If you're unsure which size of incontinence product is right for you, read our Incontinence Product Sizing Guide to learn how to measure correctly and find your best fit.

READ THE SIZING GUIDE →