Incontinent Briefs

The answer is simple: $$$$$$$$$$$$

They are terrible. I almost never put them on my patients, I think those cheap ones to more harm than good.

Amanda

The brand we use are more cloth-y and they are the cheap brand.

Mandana....how do you get away from not using the briefs? you are not in LTC huh?

I just put chux pads down. I think the briefs really hasten skin breakdown. I'm not in LTC, this is just on med/surg floors.

Amanda

we use tena and they are absolute crap. end of story actually did ya know that they are "supposed" to hold 3 liters of fluid sooooooooo if they are only just a little wet ya can just slap that puppy right back on

Most LTC's don't believe this but the truth is that it is cheaper to buy the higher quality, more expensive briefs. The better quality the more they will wick the urine away from the skin, control the pH balance, and the tabs reseal like an infants brief. Combine the better brief with a good quality skin cleanser and protective barrier and now these facilities have few to no acquired pressure ulcers. Much cheaper than paying for expensive treatments and nursing care to heal a pressre ulcer.

Not to mention it cuts down on dirty laundry, which costs money.

I don't think this is true. I think the real problem is some tech's (not any of the one's on here of course) will leave diapers on too long and skip rounds and not change residents or patients that really need it. The diapers stay on too long and the urine and feces are in contact with the skin. They think because it is contained in the diaper, that they can leave them on. I personally think it is ridiculous to leave a person lying on a wet pad. To me that's like lying in a wet bed. The diaper will absorb if you change it often enough--this may not be two hours for everyone either. Also, especially in LTC, the entire bed get's wet and the sheets, the gown, the pillowcase sometimes with men. Oh and don't get me started on men who somehow miss the diaper entirely. Bottom line is, change, dry and wash often and there will be no problem.

I personally haven't known any techs that do this. I know a few nurses that think diaper=less changing.

However, i've seen resident go DAYs wearing briefs, and never having them off. It wouldn't hurt to at least put the thing on a little loose at night to allow some air to circulate.

I have known plenty unfortunatly. I agree that sometimes it is good to let the bottom air out if there is a pressure sore or a rash.