2025 Feb 18th
Do I Really Need A Swim Diaper?
Maybe you’re thinking about packing that disposable diaper for your vacation by the poolside or on the beach. But a disposable diaper is not designed to be submerged in water – the diaper will absorb too much liquid and break apart, which will damage a pool or pollute the lake/ocean you’re swimming in.
That’s where swim diapers come in!
What Is a Swim Diaper?
A swim diaper can be comfortably worn in water without the product growing large and breaking apart.
Whether you’re on vacation or hanging out in a friend’s pool, swim diapers can offer more freedom to actually go in the water. They can be worn as a swimsuit on their own or – thanks to their sleek and discreet design – they can be concealed beneath swim trunks or swim pants.
Swim diapers also have a layer of absorbent material that isn’t meant for a large amount of absorption, but it means no one will notice if you wet a little on your way to the pool. This product is primarily meant for bowel incontinence. Swim diapers will act as a containment brief to prevent solid bowel movements from getting into the water.
Important note:
Swim diapers are meant for water, so they are not as absorbent as regular diapers and are mainly meant for bowel incontinence. (We will discuss different swim diaper options further down, based on your incontinence level.)
When Should You Wear Swim Diapers?
Have you ever felt uncomfortable swimming in a friend’s pool or wading through the ocean? You’re not alone! Many of us with incontinence feel uncomfortable and uncertain about participating in water activities.
Swim diapers offer an opportunity to enjoy the water without the anxiety of having an embarrassing accident. But that doesn’t mean you can do ALL water activities just because you have a swim diaper on. (Well, I suppose you can, but you increase the risk of leaking!)
Swim diapers are meant for gentle water activities, such as:
- Soaking in the hot tub
- Lounging in the pool
- Relaxing on the beach
- Treading water
They are NOT meant for strenuous water tasks, like:
- Swimming laps
- Diving
- Surfing
- Water polo
- General exercise
Want to relax on vacation, knowing your incontinence is covered?
Then test your swim diaper before you rely on it 100%. You can first try this at home in the bathtub or shower. When it works, your confidence in the product will outshine your concerns about leaks. So you can actually enjoy yourself!
But how do you know which swim diaper product is best for your incontinence?
Swim Diaper Options
What is the difference between a swim diaper and a diaper cover?
While there is a specific “swim diaper” option at Incontrol Diapers, we know that everyone has different levels of incontinence. That’s why we offer a few products that are meant for the water. The first option is used on its own, but the second option goes over a disposable diaper for those who deal with heavier incontinence.
You want to select the best product for your incontinence needs, so let’s dive in! (Just kidding – please don’t dive with these on.)
1. Swim Diaper
Incontrol’s swim diaper is reusable.
The blue colour and design is meant for discreetness, so you can wear the swim diaper on its own or hidden beneath swim trunks/pants. This swim diaper has a waterproof outer shell with an internal absorbent layer and sport mesh that’s meant for bowel incontinence.
It’s a one-size product with an adjustable waist that ranges from 24” - 42” (61cm - 107cm).
The hook and loop tabs and adjustable rise allow you to obtain the perfect fit. Also, the snaps on the outside of the brief can shorten or lengthen, depending on your size.
Fabric: TPU, microfibre, polyester
You can purchase this swim diaper here.
2. Latex Brief
Latex briefs are also reusable, but it can be paired with disposable diapers and reusable incontinence products. This is not a solution for everyone – but for those of us with heavy forms of incontinence who require extra protection, the latex brief might be the perfect fit.
The latex brief can be used for both urinary and bowel incontinence but it is recommended in pairing with a less bulky diaper like the BeDry Premium Underwear; however, any incontinence product can be used under the latex pants as long as it’s a snug fit.
Size options: Small, Medium, Large, XL, 2XL
Latex briefs are harder to size because they need to be snug enough that no water will leak into the latex briefs through the waist and leg openings. Similar to Incontrol’s swim diaper, it is recommended to keep water activity to a minimum while wearing the latex briefs to avoid water leaking into the diaper.
You can purchase the latex brief here.
How Will I Know If The Swim Diaper Fits?
Our swim diapers are only one size. However, the latex briefs come in sizes Small, Medium, Large, XL, and 2XL – and can be harder to size due to the snug-fit nature required for the latex briefs to work best.
Please speak with one of our customer service representatives before placing your order. They are available and can help you determine the best possible fit for your incontinence needs. They can also offer a sizing guarantee!
Speak to a customer service representative about finding the right size here.