In today’s culture, it’s no longer taboo for an adult to talk about their problems. Especially, health problems that don’t allow you to live a full life, including incontinence. For such cases, adult diapers can be necessary for adults with various conditions such as sickness, disability or dementia.
Maximum Absorbency Garments (MAG) owe much of their advancement to space exploration. In the 1960s, the challenges of space travel accelerated the development of these essential items, as there were no bathrooms in space. Today, astronauts rely on maximum absorbency garments for every launch and reentry, underscoring their importance in this final frontier.
However, despite their undeniable benefits, some concerns surround the use of adult diapers.
High Cost Of Adult Diapers
One of the major challenges associated with adult diapers is the financial burden they can place on users and their families. They are a recurring expense, especially for long-term use.
While insurance coverage or assistance programs may exist, their availability and effectiveness vary, leaving many individuals struggling to manage the cost. It costs an average of $150 per month for an adult using diapers.
Fighting the Stigma of Adults in Diapers
Diapering adults experience embarrassment, loss of independence, or a reminder of ageing or illness. The psychological impact should be considered alongside the physical benefits.
Younger individuals can be bullied or teased for wearing them leading to their mental health and social interactions being affected.
Environmental degradation
Disposed diapers generate considerable waste contributing to environmental concerns. They are typically disposable, meaning they end up in landfills after a single use. Made of non-biodegradable materials like plastics and absorbent polymers, can take hundreds of years to decompose.
Skin irritations
Despite being gentle on the skin, some individuals may experience allergies or sensitivities to certain materials or components present in the product or if worn for a long period beyond twelve hours.
This occurs when adult diapers become unclean as a result of absorbing sweat and other bodily fluids such as urine, trapping moisture, and creating a potential environment for diaper dermatitis and bacterial infections. In severe cases, it can even lead to the development of dysplasia an abnormal growth or development of an organ.
The Need for Adult Nappy Diapers
The incontinence market in Kenya is seeing a rise in demand for high-quality, affordable products to meet the needs of the ageing population. Most people will need assistive technology at some point in their lives, especially diapers if they suffer from incontinence, dementia, or diarrhoea as they age.
While some may require adult diapers temporarily, such as after an accident or illness that renders them unable to walk and use the washroom, others may require them for a longer period or throughout their lifespan.
Adult diapers can be life-changing for people with disabilities, as well as for older people, people with injuries and people with chronic conditions.
There is limited access to adult diapers in low- and middle-income countries but the already-high need for them will inevitably rise further because of demographic and epidemiological transitions.