Bed Wetting Aids: HSA Eligibility

How does bed wetting occur in children?

For most individuals, bed wetting is a normal part of childhood. While this is a common condition for kids below the age of 5, 1 in 8 first and second graders will still deal with this condition, and those numbers will steadily drop as they get older. Also known as nocturnal enuresis, nighttime bed wetting can sometimes linger far into a child's adolescence (even as far as age 12), but there are now a wide range of treatments and preventative measures available to parents contending with the issue.

Doctors first recommend scheduling an appointment to ensure that a child's bed wetting is not tied to an underlying medical condition. While these conditions are fairly rare, this is a vital step in determining whether additional action will need to be taken to alleviate the issue. Most child bed wetting issues can be solved by behavioral modifications and consistent support from families, but eligible overnight underpants may be a good choice for kids who wet the bed regularly and need an additional safeguard in place as they work to overcome the problem (National Sleep Foundation).

How does bed wetting occur in adults?

Bed wetting issues in adults are typically tied to a condition called urinary incontinence, or a loss of bladder control. This condition can take both a temporary and chronic form, as temporary incontinence can be caused by the ingestion of certain foods, beverages and medications, including alcohol/caffeine, artificial sweeteners, corn syrup, citrus drinks, heart and blood pressure medications, muscle relaxants and sedatives. Additionally, medical conditions like urinary tract infections and constipation can result in temporary bed wetting in certain cases.

If an individual is suffering from chronic urinary incontinence, this could be related to underlying conditions like pregnancy, menopause, a recent hysterectomy, neurological disorders, prostate cancer/enlarged prostate or a urinary obstruction caused by a tumor or urinary stones. Each of these medical conditions have their own unique treatment plan, but bed wetting aids can be used throughout the treatment process to control the symptoms of their conditions and spare linens and clothing from frequent soiling. These products include overnight diapers, absorbency pads for linens, underwear inserts and protectant moisture barrier creams to fight skin irritation related to incontinence (WebMD).