Sleeping Through The Night: Incontinence Solutions That Actually Work
Waking up to wet sheets is more than inconvenient; it can be distressing, exhausting, and hard to talk about. But you're not alone. Overnight incontinence affects thousands of New Zealanders every night, from older adults and carers to people recovering from surgery, illness, or injury.
The good news is that with the right support, it’s possible to sleep comfortably and wake up dry. Here's how.
Why nights are harder
Managing incontinence overnight brings its own set of challenges:
- Fewer changes – Most people sleep for longer stretches, meaning products need to last through the night.
- Leaking positions - Side or stomach sleeping can cause urine to pool or shift, leading to leaks.
- Skin exposure - Prolonged contact with moisture increases the risk of irritation, discomfort, or even pressure injuries.
That’s why overnight continence solutions need to be more absorbent, more breathable, and have an absolutely secure fit.
What to look for in an overnight product
If you or someone you care for is dealing with night-time leaks, look for products that offer:
- High absorbency – Specifically designed for extended or overnight use
- Secure fit – Leak guards and flexible waistbands help prevent side seepage
- Breathable materials – Promote skin health and reduce irritation
- Quick-dry layers – Pull moisture away from the skin and lock it in
Incontinence product combinations we recommend
One of the simplest and most effective ways to improve overnight protection is to add a booster pad inside your usual product. This is not the same as stacking multiple pads, which can actually cause leaks, but rather using products designed to work together.
Here’s what we often recommend:
- Advance® Booster Pads – Designed to increase absorbency without adding bulk or blocking flow-through
- Advance® All-in-One Briefs – A secure, high-absorbency option for overnight protection
- Tranquility™ SmartCore Briefs – Suitable for heavier needs or larger sizes, trusted by aged care providers
- Advance® Underlay (bed protectors) – A helpful backup layer to protect bedding and reduce laundry stress
These combinations are trusted by carers, aged care workers, and independent users across New Zealand.
ContinenceCare tips to make nights easier
Whether you’re managing your own continence needs or supporting someone else, small adjustments can make a big difference:
- Change right before bed – To maximise absorbency when it's needed most
- Use a barrier cream – Helps protect skin, especially during longer wear times
- Test combinations at home – Try before travel, hospital stays, or care transitions
- Get the fit right – Continence product sizes affect comfort, not absorbency. Always choose based on waist size, and adjust absorbency as needed.
Not sure where to start? Our team can help you choose the right combination, or send a free sample to try at home.
Try it for yourself
Overnight protection isn’t just about staying dry; it’s about sleeping better, waking up more refreshed, and feeling confident in your own skin.
If you're looking for night-time solutions that work:
- Try Advance® Booster Pads for discreet extra protection
- Explore Advance® or Tranquility™ briefs for overnight absorbency
- Order a free Sample Pack to test at home before committing
REFERENCES
- Continence NZ – Bladder & Bowel Problems
- Health Navigator NZ – Incontinence Overview
- Healthify NZ “Perineal Skin Health and Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis”
- Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing – Bladder & Bowel Problems