Incontinence Product Absorbency: A Guide to the Drop System

Understanding the Drop System for Incontinence Products

What is the Drop System? The ‘drop’ system is a common method used on incontinence product packaging to indicate absorbency levels. It features a series of water droplets, with each drop representing a specific level of absorbency. However, this system can vary widely between brands, leading to confusion about how much liquid a product can actually hold.

Anyone who has ever shopped for incontinence supplies, particularly absorbency products, is likely very familiar with the “drop” system – that confounding series of water droplets on the front of a package meant to communicate each product’s liquid capacity and absorbency power.

And no matter if a shopper is seasoned or relatively new to the incontinence protection category, the shocking inconsistencies those droplets have created throughout the industry are hard to miss. One brand’s heaviest absorbency is less than another brand’s lightest. 12 hours of leak-free protection does not mean 12 hours for everyone. And what in the world is a single drop supposed to equal anyway? A single leak? An hour's worth of leaks? One full void? What if my version of moderate incontinence is another person’s idea of light? And a third person’s heavy?

These are valid questions without good answers. It's an undisputably confusing system without any trace of standardization in sight. And while that can't be changed, understanding what different brand claims actually mean is a good place to start.

The reality is that most (if not all) standard in-store absorbent products do not serve individuals with Heavy Bladder Leaks (HBL). Even products labeled with "heavy" in bold text and promising 8+ hours of protection are still speaking about a scale that caters to Light Bladder Leakage (LBL). For those experiencing HBL, these products likely won't work — and that is not a personal failure. It is a product gap. The good news is that NorthShore provides high-performance incontinence products that stop leaks!

What to Look For: Capacities in Incontinence Products

When shopping for the right absorbency product, the first step is identifying the level of need. Does the leakage fall into the LBL or HBL category? Occasional dribbles fall into the LBL category, whereas significant and frequent leakage or full urinary or bowel voids are categorized as HBL. (For more on this topic, check out our recent article.)

Next, it helps to understand what leakage and voiding mean in terms of numbers. Typically, the bladder can store up to approximately 17 oz. of urine in women and 24 oz. in men, and most people start to feel the need to urinate when their bladder has between 5 and 8.5 oz. of urine in it. In total, the average person produces 27 to 67 oz. of urine in a day. While this is a wide range, it helps put different product absorbencies into context.

For those experiencing HBL and frequently leaking the entirety of the bladder, each full void should be thought of as approximately 8 oz. of urine. Additionally, assuming steady urine output throughout the day, the average person produces approximately 14 to 34 oz. in a 12-hour span. Both numbers are helpful when selecting the right product.

When comparing capacities, it's important to understand the difference between total capacity (also referred to as ISO) and absorbency before leakage. Some brands advertise their total capacity — a theoretical maximum — but that number rarely holds up in real-world use. Absorption before Leakage (ABL) test results, sometimes referred to as Mannequin testing, more closely simulate actual use and are the more reliable metric to look for.

What to Look For: Absorbency Speeds + Core Placement

The next consideration that’s important to think about when choosing an absorbency product is how quickly the product can absorb fluid into its core. For anyone with HBL who experiences full bladder releases, it’s important to prioritize fast-wicking capabilities to avoid leaks. For those with milder incontinence symptoms and only occasional leakage, wicking speeds are less important.

As with capacity, high-performance incontinence products built for HBL have much faster-wicking abilities than standard drugstore brands.

Additionally, the placement of the product’s absorbent core is integral to how it will perform in a variety of settings. Diapers intended for overnight use should have a core that extends longer in the front and the back, providing more universal coverage while sleeping. For daytime use, a more consolidated central core placement should be adequate while sitting and standing. However, depending on your or your loved one’s comfort level and preferences, any overnight diaper can be worn during the day for a little extra protection. It can be particularly useful for long stretches of wear and various physical activities.

NorthShore Adult Diapers: Built for HBL (Heavy Bladder Leaks)

It can be frustrating to see seemingly endless options available in-store for light to moderate incontinence and almost nothing on the shelf that’s suitable for HBL. And even worse, it can be incredibly disappointing to find a product labeled with “maximum,” “ultimate,” or “extreme” absorption and have that not be enough.

That's why NorthShore has made it a mission to improve the quality of life for those managing HBL.

NorthShore products are specifically designed for HBL, prioritizing the unique needs of those who experience frequent and complete voids. Every product is top of the line when it comes to capacity, wicking speed, odor elimination, fit, and comfort — everything needed to live without worry of leaks or constant changes.

Every NorthShore product is easily comparable so customers can see which is better suited for different use cases. For example, MegaMax Overnight HBL Adult Diapers have a 12-hour capacity which is a great for sleeping or long stretches without changing, while MegaMax AirLock's cloth-backed design is breathable and ideal for warmer temperatures.

Finding the right mix of capacity and comfort can take some trial and error. NorthShore's Sample Program makes it easy to try premium products before committing to a full pack. For a personalized recommendation, NorthShore Customer Care Experts are available to help by call, text, or chat. Whether the question is about absorbency levels, sizing, or finding the right product for a specific lifestyle or care situation, Care Experts provide thoughtful, 100% judgment-free guidance every step of the way.

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279384/