Continence Pads vs Continence Pants: What's the Difference?

The bottom line

Continence pads suit light to moderate leaks and work best for daytime use. Continence pants offer higher absorbency and are better suited to moderate to heavy leaks, overnight use, and people with mobility challenges. Many Australians use both depending on the situation. If you're unsure which is right for you, a Continence Product Assessment with McQuel Healthcare Continence Solutions can help — at no cost.

You are not alone. Incontinence affects 1 in 3 people in Australia over the age of 15 — that's more than 7.2 million people. According to Continence Health Australia, almost 4 in 10 women and 2 in 10 men experience incontinence, yet most never seek help. Choosing the right product is one of the most practical steps toward living with Comfort, Confidence and Dignity.

Continence Pads: What They Are

Continence pads are absorbent liners designed to be worn inside your regular underwear. They are held in place by adhesive strips, making them easy to use.

Best for:

• Light to moderate incontinence

• Active individuals who want discretion

• Daytime use

• People who prefer wearing their own underwear

  
  

Pros:

✓ Discreet and slim

✓ Comfortable for active movement

✓ Cost-effective for light leaks

✓ Easy to carry spares

Cons:

✗ Can shift during activity

✗ Limited absorbency compared to pants

✗ Requires functional underwear

✗ May not suit heavy nighttime leaks

Continence Pants: What They Are

Continence pants, also known as pull-ups or protective underwear, are worn like regular underwear but come with built-in absorbent material.

Best for:

• Moderate to heavy incontinence

• Overnight protection

• People with mobility issues

• When carer assistance is needed

• Extra security during outings

  
  

Pros:

✓ Higher absorbency options

✓ More secure—won't shift

✓ All-in-one convenience

✓ Better for day and nighttime use

✓ Tear-away sides for easy removal

Cons:

✗ May be more visible under tight clothing

✗ Higher cost per unit

✗ Less eco-friendly (more material)

Which continence product is better for active lifestyles?

If you lead an active life — walking, exercise, social outings, travel — continence pants are generally the better choice. Their all-in-one design stays securely in place during movement, whereas adhesive pads can shift during activity. QueSoft Pull Up Pants feature a 360-degree elastic waist and 3D leak-proof inner leg cuffs, so you can move with Comfort, Confidence and Dignity. For lighter days or as backup protection, a Silda Pad worn alongside pants adds an extra layer of security.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Pads	Pants
Absorbency	Light-Moderate	Moderate-Extra Heavy
Discretion	Very discreet	Slightly bulkier
Security	Good (can shift)	Excellent (stays put)
Cost	Lower per unit	Higher per unit
Ease of change	Quick & simple	Requires removing clothes
Overnight use	Light only	Excellent
For carers	Requires positioning	Easier to manage

Understanding absorbency capacity

Not all continence products are equal in absorbency. QueSoft Pull Up Pants are available in four absorbency levels:

• Comfy — 1,000ml — light to moderate leaks

• Regular — 1,500ml — moderate to heavy leaks

• Plus — 1,700ml — heavy leaks and active use

• Super — 2,100ml — heavy urinary and bowel incontinence, overnight use

For context, the average adult void is 300–500ml, meaning even the Regular range can manage multiple voids before needing to be changed. If you are leaking or changing too often, you likely need a higher absorbency level — not necessarily a larger size. Explore the QueSoft range to find your fit.

Skin health and continence products

Wearing a saturated pad or pant for too long can cause skin irritation, rashes, and breakdown — particularly in older adults or people with sensitive skin. QueSoft continence pants use Top Dry Technology, which draws moisture away from the skin and keeps it dry and pH-balanced. This minimises the risk of skin issues during extended wear. For further guidance on skin health and continence care, Continence Health Australia provides trusted clinical resources.

How to Decide: Ask Yourself These Questions

1. How severe are my leaks?

If you have light or occasional leaks, pads might be the best choice. For moderate to heavy leaks, consider pants.

2. When do I need protection?

If you only need protection during the day, pads will work well. For nighttime or 24-hour protection, pants are a better fit.

3. How active am I?

If you are very active, either option can work, depending on absorbency. If you have limited mobility, pants are likely the best choice.

4. Do I need carer assistance?

If you don’t need help, pads are suitable. If you do need assistance, pants with tear-away sides can make things easier.

5. What's my priority?

If discretion is your main concern, pads are ideal. For maximum protection, pants are the way to go.

Can You Use Both?

Absolutely! Many people find that using both options works best. You can wear pads during the day for comfort and discretion, and switch to pants at night for extra security and absorbency.

Your needs may change over time. What works today might need adjustment later.

Example

Margaret, 68, from Adelaide, says, "I use pads during the day when I'm out shopping or visiting friends—they're comfortable and no one knows. At night, I switch to pants because they hold more, and I sleep better knowing there won't be leaks."

Quick FAQs

Are continence pads the same as period pads?

No, period pads are designed for menstrual blood, not urine. They will leak and smell.

Can men use continence pads?

Yes, but men’s pads are shaped differently for better positioning and absorption.

Do pants feel like adult diapers?

Modern continence pants are slim and comfortable—like normal underwear, not like old-style diapers.

Which is more environmentally friendly?

Pads use less material, but both options have disposable and washable varieties.

How do I know if I need to upgrade from pads to pants?

If you’re experiencing frequent leaks, changing pads more than every 3-4 hours, or feeling anxious about protection, it’s time to try pants.

Can incontinence pants hold a full wee?

Yes. High-absorbency continence pants are designed to hold a full void. The average adult void is 300–500ml, meaning QueSoft Pull Up Pants — which range from 1,000ml to 2,100ml absorbency — can manage multiple voids before needing to be changed. For heavy urinary or bowel incontinence, the Super range at 2,100ml offers maximum protection day and night.

Is it bad to wear incontinence pads all the time?

Wearing continence pads regularly is safe provided you change them frequently and maintain good skin hygiene. Problems arise when pads are left on too long — this can cause skin breakdown, rashes, and infection. If you need full-time protection, continence pants with Top Dry Technology may be more comfortable for extended wear, as they actively draw moisture away from the skin.

How long should you wear an incontinence pad?

As a general guide, change pads every 3–4 hours or sooner if they feel wet or heavy. Wearing a saturated pad for too long can cause skin irritation and odour. If you find yourself changing more than every 3–4 hours, it may be time to move to a higher absorbency product or consider continence pants. A Continence Product Assessment can help you find the right level.

Where can I buy continence pants and pads in Australia?

McQuel Healthcare Continence Solutions offers the full QueSoft range of continence pants, briefs, and pads with Australia-wide delivery. You can also request free samples before committing to a full order — so you can find the right fit without any risk or cost.

When should you speak to a professional?

If you are experiencing frequent leaks, changing products more than every 3–4 hours, or feeling anxious about leaving the house, it is worth speaking to a continence care specialist. Incontinence is not a normal part of ageing — in many cases it can be prevented, better managed, or even cured with the right support.

The National Continence Helpline — 1800 33 00 66 — offers free, confidential advice. McQuel Healthcare Continence Solutions also provides professional continence assessments — in-home, telehealth, and phone consultations — to help you find the right solution for your individual needs.

Conclusion: choose what works for your life

There’s no “better” option—only what’s better for you. Pads offer discretion and flexibility, while pants provide security and higher absorbency. Many people use both depending on the situation.

📅 Not sure which to try? Book a Continence Product Assessment with McQuel Healthcare for personalised recommendations.