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Getting diapers

From ADISC Answers Wiki

How to find diapers is a question often faced by new members of the community. The answer differs based on various factors.


Contents

Location

The biggest determining factor is arguably location. In some countries diapers are scarce and available at few locations. In countries that don't have government health care, such as the United States, diapers tend to be available at many stores.

United Kingdom and Ireland

Adult diapers or nappies are very hard to find in stores. The best chances are to either buy online or if you are lucky enough, from a shop.

Adults nappies are available from the high street shop Boots. You can check this this page to find your nearest store. They sell their own brand of diapers, and in some larger shops they may sell depends and/or Tena, in the incontinence section.

Local chemists seem to be more likely to stock nappies than big chain shops, so they are your best bet. You pay a premium though. They also will be more willing to order in specific brands, so don't be afraid to ask. You are doing them a favor by offering custom - they don't care why you want the stuff, its all money in the till for them. Don't be shy!


The primary outlets for disposable nappies (youth and adult) are disability shops/suppliers, specialist chemists, specialist wholesalers and local manufacturers (particularly in old mill towns). While Asda and Tesco will sell Tena Discreet/pants, they aren't likely to have in stock the most absorbent grade nor the full range of sizes. On a subject of tactility, function and procedure, the Tena pants don't qualify as nappies and aren't likely to satisfy ab/dl requirements. A decent variety of disposables (brands, sizes and grades) will only be available from those sources i mentioned previously or on the net.


Readily available in stores: In the UK, there are two options: bed wetter nappies or adult/incontinence nappies:

Drynites -- These are pretty much larger versions of the old style Pull-Ups. Available in the US under the 'Goodnites' brand. The girls version is better for any boy who has gone through puberty, because of where the landing area is. They are apparently also slightly stretchier.

Cost: 9 for £5.34

Available at: ASDA, Sainsburys, Tesco, Boots, etc.

Freebies: Free sample and £1 off coupon


Adult Nappies: Here the market is dominated by Tena, Poise and Boots' "StayDry".


Tena:

'Pants' -- The Discreet version of these are available in most Supermarkets, Chemists and Boots. They're not particularly absorbent, one wetting, two at a push... and they're not particularly discreet either. Not really that good. Eats up odor quite well though!

Cost: 12 for £7.50

Available at: ASDA, Sainsburys, Tesco, Boots, etc.

Freebies: Free sample and £1 off coupon


'Slips' -- These are found in the pharmacy at ASDA, a large branch mind you... and they're quite expensive.

Cost: 28 for Approx £25 Available at: Larger ASDA's, with large Pharmacy


Poise:

Underwear -- Similar to Tena Pants except not as absorbent (one wetting max) and no odor prevention. Go for the Tena's.

Cost: 12 for £7.50

Available at: Sainsburys, Boots


Boots StayDry:

Super Pull Up -- Very similar to the above, accept in smaller packets. Might, in fact, just be repacked!

Cost: 8 for £6

Available at: Boots


Extra Absorbent Briefs -- The only nappy styled adult nappy with tapes available readily on the UK's highstreet! It's pretty poor though... cant be doing with more than a couple of wettings and leaks very easily! The 'tape landing area' is rubbish too!

Cost: 8 for £8

Available at: Boots


Molicare

The Molicare range is supplied by Paul Hartmann Ltd and be ordered via a free phone number for home delivery or from www.blushingbuyer.co.uk. Also see: www.hartmanndirect.co.uk

The traditional Molicare (all-in-one, nappy type) is now constrained to the Molicare Super Plus and possibly, the Molicare Classic, which is not advertised.

The newer Molicares are of the slim-fit style aka Molicare Premium, being simply an all-in-one pad which is held to the body by breathable wings.

An addition to the nappy line-up, is the moliflex, which is held up by a waistband (attached at the rear of the pad and then wrapped around your front) and to which the front of the pad secures with velcro tabs. the outer cover is of a 'breathable, cotton-like' design and despite what would seem to be an unseemliness from first glance, they are very pleasant, bulky and absorbent. as a personal preference, and in consideration of the newer, skimpier styles, the moliflex is the best. It does feel like a nappy, it looks like the latest styles of baby nappies and, if you're going to wear in company, it is silent.

Abena

The Abena range is available via mail order using either phone, fax, email or post and Abena is in the UK so no customs issues or over-inflated postage costs. Abena Abri-Forms come in a mostly plain brown cardboard box, but the box does have a small "Abena" logo on it that is not noticeable to friends or neighbors that don't know what Abena makes.

Abena sell the famous Abri-Form nappy which is one of the thirstiest nappies on the market. One weak points is that the tapes can be a bit weak, so sellotape may help if you plan on filling that nappy to the max because it will weigh a ton!

Abri-Form are quite a bulky nappy especially when wet but that's because they hold a lot. If you feel you need something extra to support the weight, Abena also sell an all-in-one. Their website has gone downhill recently and is a bit difficult to find some things now but the clothing range is under "fitting products" Click here for their UK website: www.abena.co.uk


London The best bet in the UK is to visit John Bell in London who have the Tena Slip Small which are the best diapers around (that are easily available) to buy in store.


Most supermarkets sell Drynites and baby nappies. Pampers size 7 are not sold in the UK.

United States

In the USA, diapers are readily available at many locations. Though what you may find varies widely in terms of quality, most pharmacies should carry them in some form. Typically, they carry the Depends brand as well as a cheaper generic. Large stores such as Wal-Mart also tend to carry them.

Medical Supply Stores are your best bet for quality adult diapers. These stores can be found easily by searching under "Medical Equipment" in your local phone book or by typing in "Medical Supply City, State" or "Medical Equipment City, State" in Google. Be sure to check out the company's website to see if it says what incontinence products it offers. You may need to call up the store and ask what brands of adult diapers they carry. Once you find the brand you're looking for just walk in, buy them, and get out. If you're up to it, I recommended asking for a few samples of other brands as well, you will almost always get them for free. If you're lucky, you should be able to find a store in your area that carries Abena, Molicare, Tranquility, or at least Attends.

Australia

In comparison to the rest of the developed world, Australia has a abysmal range of adult diapers readily available for purchase. Like the USA, Most chemists or pharmacies carry the Depends brand, however, very few carry anything else. So shopping around is a must if you are looking for something more substantial. Other brands that you'll most likely find are Tena and, more recently, Molicare. Be careful though as most places only stock their feminine hygiene ranges and the not the diapers. This is the case in most supermarkets, although some do carry the Depends Maximum Fitted Protection Briefs and almost all carry the Drynites range of products. If you are looking for something in particular, you will have more luck ordering online. Most sites will ship to Australia, although you will find that it is generally more expensive to ship here. eBay provides a mediocre range of sellers that will ship to Australia and usually there's very few available at any one time. Independence Solutions is an Australia-based business dealing in incontinence supplies and provides good diaper brands at reasonable prices. Bright Sky is a little bit more expensive but also provides a great range. Also, Bright Sky lets you choose whether or not you want discreet packaging and/or you wish for your package to be left on your doorstep if no one is home to take the delivery. Take note, however, that BrightSky does stick a visible label on the box that reads "Urgent Medical Supplies". Suberia Adultcare is a business operating out of South-East Queensland that only ships by the case, but does free delivery for orders over $80 to the region, although it does ship Australia-wise.

Italy

In Italy you can find diaper in pharmacies and in many supermarket like Iper, Esselunga, Coop, etc.. You can find baby diaper like Huggies, Pampers, Chicco and other less-known brands. Pampers size 7 are not available. You can find Drynites,pull ups and Little swimmers. Adult Diaper are sold in Pharmacies and supermarket: pharmacies are better supplied while some supermarket sell their own brands (less expensive). in both you can find brands such as Tena, Serenity, etc..

Singapore

Adult diapers are readily available in many supermarkets (NTUC, Giant, Sheng Shiong) as well as pharmacies (Watsons, Guardian). Range is limited, typically Tena. You can also find unisex Goodnites at some supermarkets.

For a larger range which includes Molicare, Kendall Lille and the like, certain specialised pharmaceutical stores such as Rehab Mart and ADS do carry them.

Canada

Generic brands, such as Goodnites, (original and boxer style) and Depends, are available at most Supermarkets, such as Zehrs, Food Basics, and Price Chopper. Shoppers Drug Mart also has Depends, Goodnites and Poise. The Home Health Care (By Shoppers Drug Mart) also carries Tena, and Attends.

Mexico

You can find brands such as Tena classic, Tena Slip or Depends briefs (they go around by the subtitle "Plenitud") and other brands of average quality such as Diapro (made in Mexico), Biosand, Affective Active/Advanced. Adult diapers can be found in any pharmacy (Benavides, being a very important pharmaceutical franchise) or departamental store such as Calimax (only found in the Northwest of the country), Costco, Wal-mart, Sam's Club, Ley, etc. However, baby diapers are really easy to find, almost any supermarket in the country sells Pampers, Huggies and GoodNites. Higher quality brands such as Molicare, Abena or Bambinos have to be ordered online.

Buying

Ordering online can be a simple process when done in secret (as long as the package is intercepted in time), however, one of the bigger problems that most first time TB/DL's face is physically buying diapers.

Basic Philosophy of Buying Diapers

The basic philosophy of buying diapers is to get in and get out - get what you need and don't look back or stall, for any reason. This will allow time to second-guess yourself, and you will more than likely end up with you leaving the store empty handed. Keep your eye on the prize.

Scenario One: For Those With A Car

What you will need:

  • One car
  • Fifteen - Twenty Dollars
  • A good excuse
  • A store

Well first off, you will need to have money. Get a job, save some from allowance just make sure you don't go to the store all ready to buy diapers and then say, "Whoops, I forgot my money at home." After you have your money, if someone is home, such as a parent, you need an excuse. It can be anything - one that is commonly used is "I need to go to a friend's house to pick up some homework."

OK, now that that is done you need to find a store. Use one that's close, but not close enough for you to encounter anyone you know. Nearly any supermarket or pharmacy will work. Drive to the store and enter. This is no different than buying a pack of gum, so don't stress. Think of a song, puppies, dancing hippos, whatever it is that takes your mind off of the current situation but still you focus on your goal.

Don't stall. Stalling will only make it worse and you will not want to go through with it. Go straight to the diaper isle or the incontinent isle, wherever you need to get your diapers from. Now, don't let the stress make you mess up, read, because it is very, very easy to get the wrong diapers because you are freaking out so much. Once you have them in your hand, put them to the side of you and walk calmly. Nobody cares what you are buying. It is a big misconception that everyone is watching you. Just go straight to the line, make sure your money is directly in your pocket and somewhere you can find to make it easy to give, get and leave. When in line, don't stress, because it will only make things harder, just look straight, and take your mind off of the situation. Put the package on the table, let them ring it up, bag it and leave. It's no big deal, you can do this.

Scenario Two: For Those Without Cars

What you will need:

  • A bike or your feet
  • Fifteen - Twenty Dollars
  • A good excuse
  • A store within 5 miles of your house
  • A Planned out Time
  • A book bag (a common excuse could be for carrying water)

This scenario will take a bit longer (and may require you to be semi-physically fit). First, you should plan out where you are going to go. The nearest supermarket or pharmacy should be one of your first options. If the nearest place is further than fifteen minutes away by car, it might not be such a good idea however, whether walking or riding a bike. If you think you can do it, though, just make sure you can get back as well.

Anyway, now that you know what store you are going to you need to find a suitable time so that either your parents aren't home or you can go fast enough and come back in time for no one to get suspicious and ask questions. You then need your money and an empty book bag. So you tell your whomever it is that you are leaving for a quick bike ride- or walk- if you have to and are now on your way.

Well the first thing you need to do when you get to the store, if you have a bike, is to park your bike somewhere safe with your backpack next to it (if you are walking you can bring your backpack in with you) and walk in calmly. I will say this again this is no different than buying a pack of gum, don't stress, think of a song, puppies, dancing hippos, whatever it is that takes your mind off of the current situation but still lets you focus on your goal.

Don't stall. Stalling will only make it worse and you will not want to go through with it. Go straight to the diaper isle or the incontinent isle, wherever you need to get your diapers from. Now, don't let the stress make you mess up, read, because it is very, very easy to get the wrong diapers because you are freaking out so much. Once you have them in your hand, put them to the side of you and walk calmly. Nobody cares what you are buying. It is a big misconception that everyone is watching you.

Just go straight to the line, make sure your money is directly in your pocket and somewhere you can find to make it easy to give, get and leave. When in line, don't stress, because it will only make things harder, just look straight, and take your mind off of the situation. If the store has a self-checkout lane it is more convenient to do so but know that the guilt will not go away. Put the package on the table, let them ring it up, bag it and leave. It's no big deal, you can do this. Once you are out, go to your bike and place your newly claimed diapers inside your book bag. Then ride straight home.

Buying diapers is not as hard as it seems, the big thing is that you have to understand that no one really cares what you are buying. The workers get hundreds of ring ups a day, they are not going to focus on yours specifically. In both situation to ease the pain you could always buy something with the diapers and make believe they are not for you but as stated before, no one cares so it really doesn't matter. Just get in and get out, plain and simple.

As you can see it's apparent that the most important idea is to keep you eyes on the prize.

Scenario Three: For those who rely on their parents for transport

What you will need:

  • The price of the diapers and some spare money
  • Friends
  • A jacket is helpful but not necessary
  • A good excuse
  • A store selling diapers near a store you and your friends would go
  • A Planned out time

If you are relying on your parents for transport (e.g. younger TBs or if you are too far away from any large stores) you can still get diapers. The first step is to get some of your friends. Then you organise to go shopping someday near a store that sells diapers.

Next you find out what time they are going to be staying into town until. When your parents ask what time to pick you up at, tell them some time 20 minutes to half an hour after your friends go home (depending on how far the shop is from where you and your friends are going).

While with your friends, make sure you buy something with a large enough bag to fit the diapers you will buy in and your purchases in. A good idea is to buy clothes if this is something you normally buy. If you don't buy clothes bring a jacket with you.

Once your friends leave, head straight for the store.

Do not stall, as stalling will usually only make the situation worse and possibly change your mind. Go straight to the diaper or incontinence aisle, wherever you need to get your diapers from. Make sure you see what brand you are buying before taking it up to the counter. You definitely don't want to get the wrong size, and then either waste money on it or get attention by going to get a different size. Once you have them in your hand, put them to the side of you and walk calmly. Just remember, no one really cares what you are purchasing. It is a big misconception that everyone is watching you.

Just go straight to the line, make sure your money is directly in your pocket and somewhere you can find to make it easy to complete your transaction. When on line, don't stress, as it will only make things harder. Look straight, and take your mind off of the situation. Put the package on the table, let them ring it up, bag it and leave. It's no big deal, you can do this. Once you are out, place your newly claimed diapers inside your bag. Then put your other purchases on top and if you are wearing a jacket or bought clothes, put them on top to cover the diapers.

Buying diapers is not as hard as it seems, the big thing is that you have to understand that no one really cares what you are buying. The workers get hundreds of ring ups a day, they are not going to focus on yours specifically. In both situation to ease the pain you could always buy something with the diapers and make believe they are not for you but as stated before, no one cares so it really doesn't matter. Just get in and get out, plain and simple.

As you can see it's apparent that the most important idea is to keep you eyes on the prize.

Scenario 4: Dealing with younger siblings

If you are stuck at home watching a younger sibling (but one who is responsible enough to be home by himself or herself), often creating a distraction will work. Let them do something engaging that they don't get to do very often, such as watch a movie or use your computer that is much more powerful than theirs. When they are engaged, you can slip out without being noticed on a bike or even in a car if you're sure they won't hear it. Ensure that you have a very comfortable amount of time to get home before your parents do.

Smuggling the diapers back into your house once you get home can be an additional chore, especially if your sibling notices that you're gone. Take a backpack to the store with you and ensure that it's not bulging to the point where it might draw attention. Don't be afraid to store your backpack off in an inconspicuous corner somewhere and come back for the diapers later, perhaps that evening after your siblings and parents are in bed.

Tips/Things To Remember

  • Don't act nervous. Act like buying diapers is normal (which it pretty much is).
  • The person behind the counter does not care what you are buying.
  • Don't just grab the first package you see and hurry to the register. Take a minute to make sure you got the right ones. It would suck to go through all that, get home and find you bought the wrong kind or size.
  • If you over think while you are buying them you will get too scared and choke up. Just think of how good you will feel afterwards.
  • If there is a self checkout, try going through it. Note: Tesco's in Ireland at least, need them to have the security tag removed. Newer Tesco's can do this by computer.
  • Don't go running around the store a few days before in a shopping cart as this causes suspicion.
  • Bring money and a book bag.
  • Go when your parents are not going to a store.
  • It is also a good idea to make a transaction with an older cashier, if it will boost your confidence.

Over the Internet

If you happen to be lucky enough to have a way to order and receive shipments, you have many options. Please note, international sellers are required to leave customs forms on packages over a certain size. The "ship from" location is noted, as packages shipped from the same country do not require this. So if you choose to buy online and are concerned about privacy, try to buy from a seller in your country. If you need a credit card, consider a prepaid card sold at many major convenience stores or at banks. These cards can sometimes be refilled and can be used to buy anything that you could normally buy with a credit card.

Shipping is called "discreet" when a company ships the sold goods in a plain box, normally with little or no marking on the outside. The box will not have printed words on it such as diapers, incontinence, medical supplies, etc. This is a good way to get your items past parents and family. The following companies are known to offer discreet shipping. Keep in mind though, that even if a site claims of discreet shipping, that by law, a label with an idea of what's inside must be on the package if shipping between countries. There is a list of companies that promise discreet shipping but do not follow through. For a more in-depth guide to getting diapers over the Internet, see the Ordering online article.

However, ordering over the internet has it's own inherent dangers of parents, siblings or housemates finding the package on the doorstep. For tips on how to avoid this happening, consult the How do I hide diapers? article.

United States and International

  • Best For Nursing Supplies (International shipping - ships from Canada)
  • Diaperstation (International shipping - ships from U.S.)
  • Shop In Private (International shipping - U.S.)
  • XP Medical (International shipping, email first if outside US/Canada - ships from the state of California inside the U.S.); XP Medical is great about discreet shipping. Currently, all orders placed are shipped discreetly by default. The outside of the box has only a few bar codes with numbers, the shipping address, and shipping label. FedEx seems to consistently deliver packages from XP Medical on Saturdays, so you they must choose the Saturday delivery option when selecting shipping options. This is a minor downside to ordering from XP Medical. Another slight downside with XP Medical occurs when ordering a case of Abena brand diapers. XP Medical does turn the box inside out so that the label is not showing, however the boxes have two hand grab holes on the sides to make handling a parcel of this size easier. It is possible to look through the grab holes and see the contents. It is not visible at a distance, but for close inspection by someone curious as to the boxes contents, a small amount of the diaper bag would be visible. Depending on how the bags are arranged inside the box, this could end up being a non-issue as the only thing visible would be simply the color of the bag and would not give away its contents.
  • A Better Absorbent Incontinence Product (US/Canada Only - ships from U.S.)
  • Allegro Medical (US Only)
  • Bambino Diapers (US Only)
  • North Shore Care offers discreet shipping. They ship in plain brown boxes, with "Samela, Inc." on all return labels and invoices, for added privacy.
  • Dry 24/7 does discreet shipping in plain brown boxes, however the return address is listed as "Dry Care", which could be seen as a medical term. Make sure the box makes it into your hands first to avoid a confrontation with the receiving party.

UK sites

EU sites

  • SaveExpress Wide variety of European diapers. Discrete shipping, usually in bulk diaper package boxes that have been turned inside out. Small delivery note on the box that isn't especially obvious what is inside, although will have the company name on it. Ships throughout the world, and reasonable prices for shipping within the EU (works out better if you order in bulk though). They do sampler packs to try them out, and sometimes they'll thrown in a free sample diaper with your order. Generally considered AB/TB/DL aware. For non German speakers, some of the site is (poorly) translated into English. Services such as Google's Translate can help.

Canada

  • Creatingyourdesires by Louise Bambino and Secure x-plus brands, discreet shipping in plain brown boxes
  • B4NS Abena/cloth/swim diapers, plastic pants and various garments. Onesies and AB products (ex. jumbo pacifiers) available upon request.

Australia

Please note that both Bright Sky and Independence Solutions do offer discreet shipping, however the level of discreetness may not be to your satisfaction. Either business may ship your order in a large, oversized, flimsy cardboard box, or there may be a stickers on the box that indicate there are medical supplies inside.

Sweden

See Also


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