Abena X-Plus -- Recent (Poor) Quality??

[Tygon]

I just wanted to see if other people were having similar problems with their recently purchased Abena X-Pluses.

Several months ago, I bought a pack (that was labeled as being produced in Nov. 2007) of Abena X-Pluses and they were great. So I went ahead and ordered a case from XPMedical when those ran out. The ones I received (produced Mar. 2008) have some problems that were not present with my first pack.

First: after a few hours of use, the inner lining becomes separated from the outer plastic cover. This is a big problem because it allows the inner 'fluff' to just... fall out. Also, the elastic leg gathers and leak guards are affected by this; they just seem to lose their elasticity completely, making leaks around the leg a lot more likely.

Second: the padding seems a LOT more prone to 'falling apart' after only a few hours (usually 3-4) of wearing; this obviously seriously hampers the diaper's ability to wick moisture, limiting its usefulness. I am not any more active wearing these than I was with the previous pack. This could be related to the inner lining and cover separating, allowing the padding to move around more.

Please note that these diapers are not 'super-saturated' when this happens. They are barely at 1/4 of the capacity my previous pack was able to handle. I have started to wear baby oil with these diapers; perhaps that contributes to the liner and cover separating--let me know if anyone has had similar experiences. I'm going to discontinue using oil to see if that helps any...

 

[BabyMullet]

If you got them from XPmedical, send them a letter about it. I heard they're really helpful when it comes to issues like these.

 

[Tygon]

If you got them from XPmedical, send them a letter about it. I heard they're really helpful when it comes to issues like these.

Yeah, that's what I'll end up doing; I was just wondering if others had had a similar experience. At first I thought I was just imagining it, but as each diaper in the pack started doing the same thing...

 

[Ecto]

I ordered a case from XPmedical last month. So far I'm still on my first pack but I've noticed some similar problems. The "fluff" inside does seem to fall apart but for me that's only after wetting and that happened with the last pack of Abena's I had last year so that's nothing new. I haven't had any problems with the lining coming off though. What I have had problems with though, and this is new to me, is that a lot of the diapers in the first pack seem to have one tape that just wont stay stuck on (which is very odd for an X-plus considering that the diapers are infamous for their extremely sticky tapes). Its very annoying/problematic since it causes the diaper to really loosen up and sag which forces me to cover it up with something like a pull-up or bloomer. I'm hoping the problem is limited to just that one pack.

 

[Tygon]

Thanks for the info.

What I have had problems with though, and this is new to me, is that a lot of the diapers in the first pack seem to have one tape that just wont stay stuck on (which is very odd for an X-plus considering that the diapers are infamous for their extremely sticky tapes). Its very annoying/problematic since it causes the diaper to really loosen up and sag which forces me to cover it up with something like a pull-up or bloomer. I'm hoping the problem is limited to just that one pack.

I've honestly heard that X-Pluses are known for their *lack* of tapes that hold well... And that's been my experience also, with this case and with the one made in '07. Clear packing tape is useful to reinforce tapes. The stretchy 'Abri-fix' cotton pants also do the trick--sized perfectly for the diaper, too. Secure X-Pluses are sounding kinda good to me right now.

 

[EmeraldsAndLime]

Well, I got some very recently (just last week), and can say that I haven't noticed any problems with them that the OP has pointed out.

 

[Darkfinn]

I haven't ordered any Abris in a long time. My frustration with their tapes led me to other brands (mainly Secure) where tapes are not an issue. IMHO if a diaper is supposed to stand up to 6-8 hours of use the tapes better be the best out there.

Now as things go... occasionally you will get a bad pack, or worse a bad case. I've had it happen plenty of times before. Your best option is to first contact the retailer you bought them from and explain the problem. They may do something like issue a refund or give you credit towards your next order. If this does not work you can always contact the manufacturer directly.

 

[LittleAdam]

I haven't had this specific issue. As for the tapes, I find that any kind of onesie or even the Abena Abri-Fix fitting pants are super for holding the diaper in place, and keeping the tapes from unsticking. They're really great and I'd highly recommend them.

 

[Mr Alex]

If the finn is right about getting a bad case, you should try to send it back and get a refund or better yet another case.

 

[Fire2box]

I ordered those diapers 3 different times from XP Medical myself 2 bags and one case. Anyways I never really had any problems aside from two of them which tapes were cut wrong or something like that. Anyways I did not see any reason to complain since they worked great. I am sure I'll buy another case as soon as I am able to.

 

[BabyKat]

Ya, I usually get a case or two a month. I noticed last month's supply was pretty-much junk. They were cut smaller, the tapes were lower, the sides were all "crumpled up" like they were just shoved in there and weren't folded like normal...Which is really nothing, but it made it take time to flatten them out. There was way too much glue and/or not enough fluff. They weren't "puffy", they were clumpy, and they didn't absorb as fast because it was almost like due to the excessive glue and/or lack of absorbant material, that they were all compressed really badly. I got them from b4ns.com and only mentioned this after I got this month's case, when I realized just how bad the previous case was. I got these and they were literally a perfect batch, so I sent them an email, and they said that Abena has a problem with "quality assurance" occasionally, that gets "phased out over time". They didn't offer me any kind of refund, but I didn't really care. They are generally pretty good otherwise, and they are close and discreet.

I've honestly heard that X-Pluses are known for their *lack* of tapes that hold well... And that's been my experience also, with this case and with the one made in '07. Clear packing tape is useful to reinforce tapes. The stretchy 'Abri-fix' cotton pants also do the trick--sized perfectly for the diaper, too. Secure X-Pluses are sounding kinda good to me right now.

I really beg to differ - if there was ever one thing they actually did right, it was the tapes. They aren't easy to refasten, but once they "set", it's easier to rip the diaper than to have the tapes let go. I did learn never to have baby powder on my hands when fastening though, lol

I've never once had the plastic-backed x-Plus' tapes let go on me, and generally after they've set, if I try to undo them at all (unless I undo the white ones only) then it just won't unstick and even rips the diaper a little bit occasionally. I've never found that the cloth-backed x-plus' ever did the trick though...They don't stick at all to start, and you better set them right the first time or it won't stay long enough to set and it'll render the diaper useless....Or you may need tape, but once again, on the cloth-backed ones, I even have difficulty getting tape to work. Plus, I notice they use half as much material for the tapes on the cloth-backed ones. ...Which I think is just about the dumbest idea out there, especially when they don't stick to start with.

 

[Ecto]

Ya, I usually get a case or two a month. I noticed last month's supply was pretty-much junk. They were cut smaller, the tapes were lower, the sides were all "crumpled up" like they were just shoved in there and weren't folded like normal...Which is really nothing, but it made it take time to flatten them out. There was way too much glue and/or not enough fluff. They weren't "puffy", they were clumpy, and they didn't absorb as fast because it was almost like due to the excessive glue and/or lack of absorbant material, that they were all compressed really badly. I got them from b4ns.com and only mentioned this after I got this month's case, when I realized just how bad the previous case was. I got these and they were literally a perfect batch, so I sent them an email, and they said that Abena has a problem with "quality assurance" occasionally, that gets "phased out over time". They didn't offer me any kind of refund, but I didn't really care. They are generally pretty good otherwise, and they are close and discreet.

I really beg to differ - if there was ever one thing they actually did right, it was the tapes. They aren't easy to refasten, but once they "set", it's easier to rip the diaper than to have the tapes let go. I did learn never to have baby powder on my hands when fastening though, lol

I've never once had the plastic-backed x-Plus' tapes let go on me, and generally after they've set, if I try to undo them at all (unless I undo the white ones only) then it just won't unstick and even rips the diaper a little bit occasionally. I've never found that the cloth-backed x-plus' ever did the trick though...They don't stick at all to start, and you better set them right the first time or it won't stay long enough to set and it'll render the diaper useless....Or you may need tape, but once again, on the cloth-backed ones, I even have difficulty getting tape to work. Plus, I notice they use half as much material for the tapes on the cloth-backed ones. ...Which I think is just about the dumbest idea out there, especially when they don't stick to start with.

Yeah, my first pack of X-pluses had really sticky tapes that wouldn't let go the second you put them on. If you tried to take them off they'd just rip the plastic right off the diaper (It wasn't until like my third X-plus that I realized there were white tapes ontop of the blue ones ) The ones I've used thus far though have had tapes pop off on most of them. I just finished my first pack today, we'll see how the rest are. Hopefully they're good because I really don't want to have to write a letter to xpmedical and try to come up with an excuse as to why its taken me a month to go through just 14 diapers.

 

[010Daniel010]

I haven't bought any recently, but this thread makes me want to get some more...and a pair of the Abri Fix underwear things...

 

[daveyy]

iIve really had no problems with them at all in the past - actually think they are quite amazing, but in this last case I got they really were jammed in tightly and one of the tapes was a bit dodgy on the ones packed closest to the edge of the packet, but, maybe fitting more into a packet / reducing packaging is Abena's way of making our world greener =D

otherwise, i'd have to say that they are amazing!.

 

[Darkfinn]

Ya, I usually get a case or two a month. I noticed last month's supply was pretty-much junk.

Thus is why I ditched Abris a while ago and switched to a different brand that has better quality control.

The bigger multi-national brands really don't care that much about quality control at all... they make so many diapers and have so many customers that it doesn't bother them a bit when a few bad cases get out to the public.

If you use a smaller brand like Dry 24/7 or Secure X-plus they are much more concerned with quality b/c they are relying on opinions and referrals from customers to get them sales.

I realise that pricing and availability do play a major role in what brands you choose... just be prepared to run into a bad batch every now-and-then.

 

[Tygon]

I contacted XP Medical today. They asked for the number on the back of one of my 'faulty' Abenas and told me they'd be getting a new shipment from a different production lot this Friday. A FedEx pickup of the old case is arranged for Monday, along with the delivery of a new case from the new lot. I'm definitely impressed.

Though I felt kinda bad because I just sent back a pair of Abri-Fix pants (no fault of theirs, I just picked the wrong size) from the same order for an exchange, for which they also picked up the shipping costs. Anyways, yeah, great customer service; I hope the new case is of good quality.

I realise that pricing and availability do play a major role in what brands you choose... just be prepared to run into a bad batch every now-and-then.

Yeah, pricing does play a big role for me. Darkfinn, do you have any recommendations on where to get the Secure X-Pluses? The nicest thing about XP Medical is that they offer free shipping on a case (which saves me about $15); I was wondering if there was any place that had a similar offer. I've looked but haven't come across anything.

 

[BabyKat]

Yeah, my first pack of X-pluses had really sticky tapes that wouldn't let go the second you put them on. If you tried to take them off they'd just rip the plastic right off the diaper (It wasn't until like my third X-plus that I realized there were white tapes ontop of the blue ones ) The ones I've used thus far though have had tapes pop off on most of them. I just finished my first pack today, we'll see how the rest are. Hopefully they're good because I really don't want to have to write a letter to xpmedical and try to come up with an excuse as to why its taken me a month to go through just 14 diapers.

First, just to show you how sticky they usually are, today was a good example. I think it's only the second time ever, but anyway, I "blew" a tape...And guess what? It was still stuck there. It actually tore off from the rest of the tape itself. The tape never moved, lol.

Second, remember, you don't have to justify anything to anyone. That's something a lot of us don't realize. It's okay. You'd be surprised how many people only buy smaller amounts. They offer smaller quantities because not everyone needs a huge case every time. If you really feel you need an excuse though, just say you still wet the bed, but not every night...X-Plus' are really popular for that since they're the best night diaper available. Or, you could say you usually use another brand and are just test-driving them, or supplementing what you currently use. Be creative.

 

[Dave]

Baby oil can really tear up a diaper

 

[Tygon]

Baby oil can really tear up a diaper

Lol, yup that's too true as I've found. I'm glad I'm not the only one who has a problem with baby oil + diapers because, heck, I figured they were supposed to used together. I did discontinue use of baby oil with this particular case of Abenas and the plastic & liner ceased to separate (so that was the cause of that problem). I tried baby oil with a Secure X-Plus and the same separation issue occurred, so... no more baby oil with disposables.

Also, I got my replacement case from XP Medical today, and it's a definite improvement over the last batch of Abenas (no clumped uneven padding, no padding falling apart, and no premature leaking--the new ones seem like they actually have the proper mix of gel & pulp in them). So with the last diapers I must've just gotten a bad case. So yeah, *bounces* I'm happy to have non-leaky diapers now and props to XP Medical's awesome customer service.

 

[Darkfinn]

Yeah, pricing does play a big role for me. Darkfinn, do you have any recommendations on where to get the Secure X-Pluses? The nicest thing about XP Medical is that they offer free shipping on a case (which saves me about $15); I was wondering if there was any place that had a similar offer. I've looked but haven't come across anything.

Secures are only available from the manufacturer. Adult Diapers and Incontinence Care Information, from Secure Personal Care Products but I think you found that out already.

Most places that sell diapers by the case will offer free shipping. I ordered my last batch of Attends from HDIS and they shipped free UPS right to my door.