Bed pads are absorbent, waterproof sheets placed over mattresses or furniture to protect surfaces from urine, fecal matter, and other bodily fluids during incontinence, bedwetting, or post-surgery recovery.
For the full breakdown, see our best Bed Pad guide.
If you’re caring for someone with bladder leaks or recovering from a procedure yourself, you’ve probably heard the term “bed pad” and wondered what makes it different from a regular mattress pad. The short answer: everything. Standard mattress pads are built for comfort and temperature control — they’re often not waterproof and will let moisture soak straight through to your mattress. Bed pads, on the other hand, are engineered specifically for moisture containment and hygiene, with a multi-layer design that traps liquid and keeps surfaces dry. This guide covers what they’re made of, the two main types, how to use them correctly, and the common mistakes that can defeat their purpose.
What Are Bed Pads Made Of?
A bed pad (also called an underpad, chux, or pee pad) uses a multi-layer construction: a soft, absorbent top layer — often cellulose, cotton, or absorbent polymers — paired with a waterproof backing to prevent leakage onto the mattress or chair. The top layer provides cushioning while pulling moisture away from the skin, and the bottom layer (typically polyurethane on reusable pads) creates a watertight seal.
There are two primary forms:
- Disposable bed pads — Made from nonwoven fabric, paper, cellulose fibers, and absorption gels. Designed for single- or short-term use. Common examples include Depend Underpads XL and Chux Pads.
- Reusable/washable bed pads — Made from cotton, fleece, or blended fabrics with a waterproof barrier. Built for long-term use and multiple wash cycles. Over time, these are generally cheaper than disposables.
Reusable variants sometimes include transfer handles, which help caregivers safely reposition a bedridden patient.
How To Use A Bed Pad Correctly
Placement matters more than most people realize. For maximum protection, lay the pad directly on top of the mattress, absorbent side up. You can also put it under a fitted sheet — between the sheet and the mattress — which reduces laundry frequency because the sheet stays clean. However, this approach lowers immediate absorbency: if the sheet gets soaked first, moisture can spread before reaching the pad underneath.
For severe incontinence or fecal matter, always layer a waterproof mattress cover beneath the bed pad. This second layer prevents any contact between waste and the mattress itself if the pad is overwhelmed. Many caregivers also combine bed pads with protective underwear or bladder control pads for moderate to severe incontinence — a strategy that provides two layers of containment.
How To Change A Bed Pad With A Bedridden Patient
The roll method is the standard technique caregivers use to change pads without lifting the patient. Turn the patient to one side of the bed, then roll the used pad or sheet halfway until it’s tucked under their back. Place the clean pad halfway on the now-exposed side of the bed, folding it so it meets the rolled portion under the patient. Help the patient roll over onto the clean pad, then finish pulling and smoothing the used pad out from underneath.
when the patient is settled on the clean pad, the soiled pad should be fully exposed on the other side with no wet fabric still touching the patient’s skin.
Common Mistakes That Leak Through
The biggest mistake people make is confusing a standard mattress pad with a bed pad. Most standard pads are designed for comfort and firmness — they are not waterproof. Using one for incontinence will result in urine stains and mattress damage within a single incident. Always check the label: if it doesn’t explicitly say “waterproof,” it’s not a bed pad.
Other errors to avoid:
- Placing the pad over the sheet without a waterproof layer underneath. This forces you to wash sheets after every leak because the sheet absorbs moisture before the pad can trap it.
- Using a bed pad alone for fecal incontinence without a waterproof mattress cover beneath it. Bed pads protect surfaces from liquid but can be overwhelmed by solid waste, allowing contact with the mattress.
- Relying only on a bed pad for skin protection. These pads protect furniture, not skin. Users with limited mobility should still use absorbent underwear to keep skin dry and prevent rashes or breakdown.
FAQs
Are bed pads the same as incontinence pads?
Not exactly. Bed pads (underpads) are placed on a surface to protect it from leaks. Incontinence pads or protective underwear are worn on the body to contain leakage. Many people use both for full protection.
Can you wash reusable bed pads like regular laundry?
Yes, but use cool or warm water and avoid fabric softeners and bleach, which can break down the waterproof backing over time. Most reusable pads maintain their waterproof layer for 100+ washes if cared for properly.
How often should bed pads be changed?
Change a disposable bed pad after each soiling or at least once daily for overnight use. Reusable pads should be changed when saturated and washed promptly. Leaving a wet pad against the skin increases the risk of rashes and infections.
References & Sources
- Wikipedia. “Incontinence pad.” Covers definitions, types, materials, and construction of disposable and reusable bed pads.
- Healthline. “Incontinence Bed Pads.” Provides usage guidance, placement tips, and common mistakes for bed pads.
- Sleep Academy (NAP Lab). “What Is a Mattress Pad?” Clarifies the distinction between standard mattress pads and waterproof bed pads.