February 2020

Welcome

Welcome to ActivStyle Insights newsletter. Whether you are a nurse educator, social worker, case manager, rehab staff, physician or other care professional, this monthly newsletter is designed for you. At ActivStyle, we want to keep you abreast of current industry news, product information, FAQs, and much more. We know your job and life keeps you busy, so thanks for your attention and for your continued support of ActivStyle.

 

Tips & Advice

Booster Pads Provide Added Protection

Do you ever hear of someone putting a bladder control pad inside of a pull-up or diaper? Unfortunately, we hear this too often at ActivStyle. Many people mistakenly believe that if they put a bladder control pad inside of a pull-up that they are adding an extra layer of protection. The truth is the opposite.  This practice reduces the effectiveness of the pull-up and will cause leaks because the plastic backing on the bladder control pad prevents the liquid from flowing through to the underlying absorbent garment and the result will be leads from the leg openings.

A booster pad is the correct option when increased absorbency is needed.

Booster pads can be used in conjunction with any disposable incontinence undergarment, brief, or adult diaper. Also called “diaper inserts” or “diaper doublers”, booster pads are worn inside another absorbent undergarment to increase the absorbency and minimize changes, providing an extra layer of protection. Booster Pads will improve comfort, confidence, and overall wearability.

Booster pads are an economical way to extend the use of any disposable undergarments or adult diapers. These incontinence pads fit easily inside an adult diaper and allow for quick and easy cleanup.

The flow-through design of booster pads allows the wetness to flow through the booster pad and into the underlying diaper which prevents leaks from the leg openings. When the booster pad fills to capacity, any additional liquid will pass through to the disposable undergarment below. Plus, the design of the booster pad provides better airflow than a traditional incontinence pad, helping to reduce urinary tract infections.

Booster Pads are placed over the core of any disposable undergarment or adult diaper. As an incontinence booster pad, they are designed to extend the wear of the original undergarment and may be used to reduce nighttime changes and improve sleep patterns as well as minimizing caregiver stress. The slim design also allows for comfort and mobility when a little extra protection might be needed away from home.

Special features included in adult booster pads is a soft texture for easy clean up and an hourglass shape designed to contain bowel incontinence. Some booster pads have adhesive backing to hold the pad securely in place. If one booster pad is not enough, you can “double up” or stack one on top of another to provide a double layer of extra prevention. Booster pads may be used by women or men.

If you need expert advice about selecting the right product to manage your client’s incontinence, please call our toll-free number 855-373-5141, Monday thru Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Central Time. ActivStyle representatives will be happy to help you with product selection and can even take your order over the phone.

 

FAQs

Q: Why is a prescription necessary to receive incontinence products?
A: In order for insurance to cover incontinence products, there must be a medical need for the products. A prescription will show the patient has seen their doctor and he agrees that there is a medical need for the product.

Q: Why do you need a second diagnosis for incontinence?
A: This is a standard ICD-10 requirement for any product being ordered by a doctor. This justifies and qualifies the medical need for the product, and will ensure that the insurance will pay for the products being requested.

We want to hear what FAQ topics you are interested in seeing! If you have questions or suggestions for future FAQs, please email us at .

If you have other questions for the ActivStyle staff, feel free to give us a call at 855-373-5141, Monday thru Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Central Time. We want to make your life easy, so you can provide the best service and information to those you serve.

 

Product News

When Properly Fit, Adult Diapers Will Not Leak

Because of the high absorbency and ease of wear, many people choose to use adult diapers to manage their incontinence. Staying dry and comfortable in an adult diaper is fairly easy; the key is to find a diaper that fits properly.  A diaper that is too large/loose or to small/tight will leak.  For best results, take the Goldilocks approach and find a diaper that fits just right.

Is it True That a Larger Diaper is Better?

No. Wearing a larger diaper size than needed can actually increase the risk of leakage. A large diaper does not absorb more liquid than a small diaper. Many people wrongly assume that a larger diaper contains more absorbent fabric than a smaller diaper, simply because of its size. The truth is, each adult diaper and adult pull up is designed to absorb a specific amount of liquid, regardless of its size. Both an extra small adult diaper and an extra large adult diaper can handle the same exact amount of fluid. A high-quality, maximum-absorbency adult diaper can easily absorb more than 16 ounces while keeping the wearer’s skin dry and comfortable.

Proper Fit is Key to a Leak-proof Diaper

The proper fit of an adult diaper is equally as important as selecting the correct diaper. Even the best product on the market can leak if it doesn’t fit properly. A diaper that is either too large or too small will be not only increase the risk of leakage but may also increase risk of skin irritation and breakdown. A properly fit diaper should have a snug, yet comfortable fit. If the diaper is too large for the wearer, gaps between the skin and the diaper can occur – and liquid can escape through the gaps. If there is a gap between the diaper and the legs, liquid can escape before being absorbed. The diaper’s leg elastic should be in smooth contact with the skin all the way around both legs. One simple way to ensure a smooth seal after each change is to lightly run your finger underneath the elastic around both legs.

How to Fit/Size an Adult Diaper

Proper fitting of an adult diaper depends on an accurate hip/waist measurement. If you have the right size, a good diaper will not leak.

A lot of people use sizing guides to find the proper size based on their height and weight. Sizing guides use weight and height to help determine the proper size for the wearer. They are provided by various manufacturers and it is important to note that sizing guides are not standard and will vary by manufacturer.

If you want to find your exact waist size, or the size of someone you care for, follow these few steps:

For someone standing: Use a measuring tape to measure the hips or waist, whichever is largest. Place the tape snugly, but not tightly, around the largest area.

For someone sitting or lying down: Place the tape measure from hip bone to hip bone, multiply by 2, and then add 2 inches to the measurement. For example, someone who measures 18 inches from hip bone to hip bone would have a 38-inch waist: 18″ x 2 = 36″ + 2″ = 38″

Take the “Would You Wear It” Test: If you are measuring as a caretaker, take a look at the product once it’s being worn and answer the following questions. Then decide whether the size is correct:

• How does the adult diaper fit at the legs?
• How much overlap is there on each side?
• Does it look like a pair of underwear?
• Is it too loose?
• Is it too tight?
• Does the adult diaper shift or bunch up?

It is important to note that bigger is not always better. When it comes to adult briefs and incontinence products, proper fit equals better containment and better comfort. And, in the end, proper adult diaper fit is KEY to comfort and performance.

 

Industry News

Watch for our booth if you are going to the Minnesota Social Service Association (MSSA) Conference & Expo, March 11-13 in Minneapolis, MN. We’ll be there with information on getting medical supplies from ActivStyle, how to refer clients to ActivStyle, and complete information on the supplies available from ActivStyle. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Working with ActivStyle

Wouldn’t it be great if you spent less time mired in case-related paperwork and details and more time helping those who need you? ActivStyle is a full-service provider of high-quality, high-value home medical supplies serving thousands of practitioners and case managers across the United States. Our product expertise and knowledge of constantly changing state and federal regulations allow us to give you — and the clients who depend on you — the level of service you need and deserve.

Founded in 1997 in Minneapolis, MN, ActivStyle has grown to over 200 employees compassionately serving patients in 47 states with their medical supply needs. Specializing in incontinence, urological, and ostomy supplies, our trained Product Experts are available to discuss product options, insurance benefits, free delivery, or product samples. Feel free to call one of our Provider Services representatives toll-free at 855-373-5141, they’ll be happy to talk with you and answer any questions you may have about our products, services, or take a referral over the phone. You may also conveniently make client or patient referrals online.

At ActivStyle, we’re dedicated to making your life easier.