AN INSIDE LOOK AT SMART: Adult Incontinence · 2017-10-23 · Seeing incontinence through their eyes can help manufacturers make necessary changes to meet market demands. And with

AN INSIDE LOOK AT SMART:

Adult Incontinence

When most people hear the word “diaper,” the first thought that comes to mind is “baby.” But for more than 400 million adults around the world living with incontinence, the word “diaper” means so much more.

Incontinence, be it urinary or fecal, significantly impacts many different areas of the affected individual’s life. As a result, many disposable hygiene manufacturers are starting to look at their products from a holistic point of view. Really taking the time to understand the needs of product users—physically, emotionally and financially.

Seeing incontinence through their eyes can help manufacturers make necessary changes to meet market demands. And with the right systems, process and partners in place, these changes can lead to the introduction of innovative new products.

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Get an inside look at adult incontinence now > >

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WATCH OUT!On a global scale, the adult incontinence

market segment is expected to grow

faster than Baby Care and Feminine

Care in the very near future.

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Understanding Adult Incontinence

Incontinence can present itself in many different ways. Some people may have a little leak or the occasional “oops.” Others may experience a complete loss of bladder or bowel control. Because the degrees of severity vary from person to person, incontinence in adulthood is really a very complex thing. Let’s look at urinary incontinence…

Generally speaking, there are four common types of urinary

incontinence:

1. Overflow incontinence: Unexpected, light dribbles of

urine, which are frequent or constant, resulting from a full

bladder

2. Stress incontinence: Small urine leaks (2-50 ml per pad)

from pressure on the bladder due to physical movement

like coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising or heavy

lifting

3. Urge incontinence: A sudden, intense urge to urinate

caused by an overactive bladder; however, the person

cannot reach the toilet in time, resulting in a light to

moderate loss of urine

4. Functional incontinence: Leakage of large urine amounts

(130 to 460 mL per pad during the day and 150 to 750 mL

per pad at night) due to a physical or mental impairment

that prevents the person from reaching the toilet in time

Diving in even deeper, the circumstances that surround each

type of incontinence are unique to the individual.

INCONTINENCE noun [in·con·ti·nence]

Inability of the body to control the evacuative

functions of urination or defecation.

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CAUSES OF THE CONDITIONIncontinence can occur at virtually any age, regardless

of race, gender, education or income level. Often, it is a

symptom of an underlying medical condition. But it can

also be related to a physical or mental impairment, or can

be brought on by lifestyle choices. This includes, but is not

limited to:

• Natural aging of pelvic floor muscles

• Pregnancy and childbirth

• Post-operative mobility restrictions

• Obesity or being overweight

• Chronic coughing linked to smoking cigarettes

• Side effects of a prescription medication

Because many people who experience episodes of

incontinence are embarrassed by their condition, seeking

treatment is often delayed. In fact, it is commonly

acknowledged that it takes seven years on average for an

individual to actually decide that it is time to speak with their

doctor about their lack of bladder or bowel control. This

means there could be hundreds of thousands of undiagnosed

cases of adult incontinence throughout the world right now.

Whether incontinence has been confirmed by a healthcare

professional or has simply been self-diagnosed by the

affected individual, there are basic product needs that all

users have and manufacturers should consider.

STRUGGLING WITH SHAMEIncontinence often comes with feelings of shame

and embarrassment. Sufferers fear being judged,

being treated differently and others will not want

to be around them because of their condition.

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8 Incontinence Needs that Can’t be IgnoredGenerally speaking, the primary users of adult incontinence products are active adults, impaired individuals and caregivers (be it healthcare professionals or family members). While individual needs vary based on type of incontinence, there are eight fundamental product needs that all three groups have in common:

Designing products with these needs in mind can help manufacturers identify

and implement operational efficiencies and cost-effective solutions that not only

benefit their businesses but product users as well.

FIT TO BODY Prevent leakage

and red marking

through

appropriate sizes

designed for

body contours;

no twisting,

bunching or

sagging when

wet

LEAKAGE PROTECTIONSupport discretion

while reducing

the need for more

frequent changing

and laundering

of clothes or

bed linens

ADEQUATE ABSORPTION Using the right

product with the

capacity to hold

the right amount

of urine or feces

at the right time is

critical

NO WET SENSATION Avoid the

uncomfortable

sensation of

constantly wet

skin after insult;

what is a comfort

issue for active

adults becomes

a health issue

for impaired

individuals who

can’t change the

soiled article

or signal to a

caregiver they

need to be

changed

SKIN PROTECTIONPromote skin

wellness through

the use of softer

materials,

ointments and

creams that can

help reduce the

occurrence of

friction-related

irritation

ODOR CONTROLImportant before

and during use

to help maintain

user discretion

and avoid an

unpleasant

hedonic response

in both home

and healthcare

environments by

wearers, visitors

and workers

EASE OF USEEssential for

independent

users who

change products

themselves and

is particularly

important in

helping caregivers

do their jobs

effectively while

maintaining the

comfort and

dignity of

impaired

individuals

AFFORD- ABILITYBudgeting

for long-term

product use is

challenging,

especially for

those on a fixed

income and not

receiving any

supplemental

aid

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The Cost of Incontinence

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Direct costs: Medical expenses to diagnose incontinence,

treatments (i.e., surgical procedures or prescriptions), and

the ongoing purchase of products to help manage and

conceal the condition.

Indirect costs: Lost wages by affected individuals and/or

caregivers due to absenteeism, lost productivity during

work hours to manage the condition (i.e., change soiled

products), additional laundry costs for soiled clothing and

bed linens, and medical expenses to care for other health

issues that may result (i.e., skin irritation).

These costs are of great concern for older adults living on

a fixed income. In countries where little to no government

assistance is available, many individuals are struggling

to stretch their limited dollars even further to pay for

products. Finding affordable, high-quality incontinence

products is also important as it relates to the disposable

income of:

• Younger and middle-aged adults who wish to maintain

their active, social lifestyles

• Family members who serve as caregivers and are

responsible for purchasing products

Research also indicates that the income threshold at which

the purchase of adult incontinence products is triggered

is three times higher than that of baby diapers. For

populations in many emerging countries, disposable income

is below that threshold. It will likely grow over time, but for

the near future, it could remain very limited. What’s more, an

important fraction of people from mature countries in need

of adult incontinence products is probably also below that

threshold.

There is also concern for individuals who are under

disposable income restraints. In an effort to help cut costs,

they may personally decide not to change soiled products

as often as recommended. This management approach

puts the incontinent adult at risk for other high-cost health

concerns, such as skin infections.

Working with knowledgeable partners, manufacturers can

explore new product designs, applications and other options

that can contribute to overall affordability. For example,

switching to smart adhesives may result in the producer’s

ability to use less-costly substrates or remove the need for

some substrates altogether. This can help with managing

production costs, reduce waste, increase line speed and

ultimately decrease the cost at the point of sale to the

product user.

Without a doubt, living with incontinence is taxing on an individual’s physical and emotional wellbeing. But it can also cause a heavy financial burden. There are a variety of costs associate with the condition, and some are difficult to budget for. For example:

*According to Euromonitor and other international consultants.

The disposable income threshold at which the purchase

of adult incontinence products is triggered is three

times higher than that of baby diapers.*

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Market Demands and Emerging Trends

MULTI-PRODUCT USERSSome active adults prefer to wear more discreet,

less absorbent products during the day and switch

to larger, more absorbent products at night to

safeguard against leaks while sleeping.

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Consumer demands today are on the rise for products that offer better absorption, a more satisfying fit, added comfort and greater discretion through the use of thinner materials. Even more so, manufacturers are finding that some individuals are using multiple product types throughout the day to help manage their conditions.

This makes having the right product for the right person at the right time an essential area of focus. Appealing to the needs of multi-product users can help build customer loyalty and increase market share.

And as global trends using thinner materials emerge,

producers and suppliers are starting to adopt a holistic

approach to address consumer demands. Key to that

is focusing on the vital role adhesives play in ensuring

high performance and core integrity. This is especially

important as manufacturers make shifts toward using:

• Thinner nonwoven topsheets and backsheets

• Thicker ADL layers

• Wetness indicators

• Reduced fluff/no fluff

These trends are pushing the core system top of mind.

While some producers are focused on creating their own

designs, building a smarter core that successfully meets

user performance standards is no small feat.

For adequate leak protection, the core must acquire the

liquid quickly. Distribute it throughout the core. And

keep it contained without rewetting the user.

With regards to acquisition, distribution and rewet, the

core performs best when it stays intact and withstands the

forces that can create cracking. In fact, preventing

core cracks is a key function of the adhesives used.

The core must also be supported by a well-matched system

of stretch and elastics to maintain its shape, even when wet.

As a result, stretch and elastic attachment adhesives can

help support a great core design.

TESTING THE LIMITSWatch the core cracking test in action when

you visit: https://vimeo.com/233684064

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SMART ADHESIVES FOR A GOOD FIT Stretch adhesives should keep performing, gently ease

back into place and maintain their shape even when they

are stretched again and again and again. When it comes to

stretch, Bostik’s adhesives are as soft as they are smart.

They are also remarkably robust, enabling your product to

discreetly maintain its shape and keep your customers dry

and comfortable.

Elastic attachment adhesives help your products meet

the demands of the user’s active life. The adhesives

should flex with every move and remain locked in place to

prevent leakage. Smart adhesives from Bostik are uniquely

formulated to give you strong shear and stress performance

with whatever substrates and processes you choose to use.

STRETCH ADHESIVES

ELASTIC ATTACHMENT ADHESIVES

Smarter TogetherAs the disposable hygiene industry spreads globally, Bostik is prepared to help manufacturers like you enhance operations, explore opportunities and introduce new product offerings. Let’s talk.

Bostik an Arkema company

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