Adult diapers are worn by millions of people worldwide and can be necessary to help patients with a range of conditions, from incontinence to mobility issues or mental problems like dementia.

Knowing how to safely and correctly change adult diapers is a key skill for medical personnel and care providers, and in this guide, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions for changing adult diapers the right way.

Understanding the Different Types of Adult Diapers

There are several different types of adult diapers, and it’s important to be aware of the differences between each of the main varieties, as this could impact the way in which you change or dispose of each diaper. The two main varieties are:

• Pull-on – Pull-on adult diapers are very similar to regular underwear and simply pull up the legs, with a relatively thin, absorbable layer and comfortable fit. They need to be pulled down over the legs and feet to be removed. The advantage of these diapers is that they’re a lot like regular undergarments and easy to hide under clothing, but they can be less absorbable than others.
• Tabs – The other main option is adult diapers with tabs, which have little sticky tabs, similar to baby diapers, and can be more easily put on and taken off a patient without the need for them to stand up or move around. To remove, simply pull away the tabs. The main pros of these diapers are the fact that they’re easy to work with and highly absorbent, but they’re a bit bulkier than pull-ons.

There are also other varieties of adult diapers, such as swim diapers, plastic pants, and pad and pant systems, but pull-on and tab variants are the two main options. Patients and caregivers need to consider a patient’s general mobility levels in order to choose an appropriate variety.

Preparing for the Diaper Change

Before we look at steps to change an adult diaper, it’s first important to consider the preparatory stage before the changing process actually begins. You’ll need to gather certain items and prepare the patient for the change.

Gather the Necessary Supplies 

First, you’ll need to prepare all of the supplies and items you’ll need for the change. Getting everything ready before you begin will make the process cleaner, safer, and more convenient. You’ll need a fresh diaper, some clean gloves, some wipes, a trash bag to dispose of the old diaper, and possibly some other items like cleanser, skin cream, and bed protection pads, too.

Find a Safe and Comfortable Place to Change the Diaper 

Next, you’ll need to think about the location for the diaper change. In hospitals and clinics, many patients will simply be changed in their own beds, but it’s also possible that a patient may be taken to another room or space for the diaper change. In either case, the place you choose needs to be safe, clean, and comfortable for the patient, so that they feel relaxed and at ease during the process.

Help the Patient Feel Comfortable and Relaxed During the Change

Patients may be apprehensive about having a diaper changed or could feel various other emotions in the build-up to the process, especially if they have mental health conditions or haven’t had much experience of using diapers in the past. It’s crucial for the caregiver to make the patient feel at ease by talking to them, letting them know what is about to happen, and creating a comfortable, laid-back atmosphere.

Guide to Changing an Adult Diaper

Once you and your patient are prepared, it’s time to begin the process. Here are the key steps of changing an adult diaper.

Step 1: Remove the Soiled Diaper 

First, you’ll need to remove the current, soiled diaper. Your approach may vary, depending on the type of diaper being used and the patient’s needs and mobility levels. In either case, it’s helpful to put some protective pads down first to catch any spillages, and make sure to wear clean gloves.

If the patient has difficulty moving around, you’ll need to ease them onto their side, lifting their knees up towards the chest and then undoing the tabs before pulling the diaper away and rolling the ends of it inwards to keep any waste inside. If the patient is more mobile, they may be able to lift themselves and make it easier to remove the diaper. 

Step 2: Clean the Genital and Buttock Area 

Next, you’ll need to clean the patient. Using wet wipes, clean the genital and buttock area. Try not to rub or press against the skin too hard, but be thorough, wiping away any mess and using multiple wipes, as needed, to completely clean the area. 

You can then apply some barrier cream to the perineum to prevent rashes and inspect the patient for any signs of irritation which might be caused by the diaper. You may also use some dry wipes to dab away any excess moisture and help the patient dry off before putting on a fresh diaper in the next step.

Step 3: Apply a Fresh Diaper 

Once the patient’s genital and buttock regions are clean and dry, you can put on a new diaper. Move the patient into a safe and comfortable position and tuck the diaper between their legs, before pulling the front section up through the legs and over the genitals. 

Step 4: Fasten the Diaper Securely 

If you are using a diaper with tabs, straighten out any wrinkles in the diaper itself and then pull the tabs across and stick them down firmly to seal the diaper shut. If using a pull-on diaper, simply ensure that the diaper has been completely lifted all the way up the legs to cover the buttocks and genitals entirely.

Step 5: Dispose of the Soiled Diaper Properly

You’ll also need to make sure you dispose of the old, soiled diaper correctly. It should be rolled up after removal and placed into a trash bag. You can also use this bag to dispose of the wipes and pads you use during the diaper change, and then seal the bag shut once complete. The bag can then be disposed of in the appropriate area.

Special Considerations When Changing an Adult Diaper

We’ve looked at the basic process for changing an adult diaper, but this process can vary depending on the needs of the patient you’re helping. Patients who are bedridden or have certain issues may require special care.

How to Change an Adult with Mobility Issues 

If the adult patient in question has mobility issues, they may be unable to bend and move around into the usual positions that you would use when changing a diaper. In this instance, it’s important to take steps to keep the patient as comfortable as possible, and never try to move them into a position that could cause pain. 

A secondary caregiver may be needed to help support or move the patient while the first caregiver removes the old diaper and adds a new one. Otherwise, if only one caregiver is available, it’s important to make use of pads and find positions that the patient can be moved into without causing them harm.

How to Change an Adult Who Is Bedridden 

If you have a patient who is bedridden, it won’t be possible to get them to stand or move around to remove the old diaper. You’ll need to roll the patient onto their side in the bed to remove the old diaper and clean them, before placing a new diaper under them and rolling them back onto it to put it on.

How to Change an Adult Who Is Incontinent and Needs to Use a Bedpan

For patients with incontinence who need to use bedpans, the process of changing diapers is much the same as for a bedridden patient. It’s all about finding comfortable positions for the patient and ensuring that they are completely clean and dry before applying a fresh diaper. These patients may require more frequent changing than others.

How Often Should an Adult’s Diapers Be Changed?

The amount of times to change an adult diaper will simply depend on how often the patient urinates or excretes waste. In general, any soiled diaper should be changed as quickly as possible, and most adults will need around 4-6 changes per day, but this can be higher in some cases. Bedridden patients with incontinence, for instance, might need fresh diapers every two hours.

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