Between packing, checking tickets, feeding the cat, and making it to the airport on time, traveling is already a stressful ordeal. When you are dealing with incontinence issues, you may avoid going out or traveling altogether to avoid stress and potential embarrassment. Whether traveling for work or leisure, you don’t have to let bladder leakage or other incontinence issues keep you grounded or stuck at home. A mix of preparation and having the right supplies can help you travel with confidence.
Before Your Trip
The most important thing to do when traveling with incontinence is to pack accordingly. Making sure you have all the proper supplies you need to keep you comfortable and dignified will ensure your travel plans go smooth.
Packing
- Pack plenty of adult diapers, pads, liners, or disposable underpads as well as latex gloves, adult wipes or extra toilet paper, disposable bags, and sanitizer. Depending on your destination and route, you may not have easy or affordable access to the products you need when you need them.
- Consider and plan for possible scenarios that might require extra supplies beyond what you would typically use. Experiencing a delayed flight, lost luggage, being stuck in traffic, or changing plans can mean you will go through more supplies than usual.
- Pack a few extra pairs of undergarments or pull-ons and a whole extra outfit or two for worse case scenarios. There’s nothing more mortifying than having an accident and then not having an extra set of clothes to change into!
- If you typically use adult diapers or incontinence supplies with “moderate” or “light” absorbency, you may want to consider buying some made for heavy-absorbency since you may not be able to frequent the restroom as often. Try McKesson Ultra Adult Heavy-Absorbency Incontinence Briefs which are simple to order through SimplyMedical.com, or check out the variety of incontinence supplies they offer.
Travel Planning
Depending on your mode of transportation, here are some more things to consider before you hit the road.
- When traveling by plane or by train, book an aisle seat, which will make it easier to head to the restroom when needed. You won’t have to disturb anyone in your row if you make frequent trips to the bathroom.
- When booking a seat, get in a row nearest to the bathroom. On a large airplane, the middle lavatory tends to be the least used, but some planes only have lavatories in the rear.
- If you are traveling by vehicle, plot out where you can quickly stop to get to a restroom.
- Download a bathroom-locator app on your phone or tablet. These apps can tell you where the nearest restrooms are. Try SitOrSquat (from the makers of Charmin), it not only gives you the location, but it can also tell which restrooms are handicap accessible and provides a rating for cleanliness.
- Speak to your doctor before your trip. They might recommend medications that can help you urinate less frequently or reduce the urge. You may also consider taking Vitamin C and calcium supplements which promote urinary storage and retention.
Right Before Your Trip
In the hours leading up to your departure, there are some last-minute steps you can take to help ease traveling with incontinence.
- Refrain from drinking too much or too little. Particularly avoid items that are diuretics or laxatives, like coffee and alcohol.
- Use the restroom right before your trip, even if you feel like you don’t have to. Similarly, remember to use the restroom again just before boarding a plane or getting back into the car.
- If you realize that you do not have an aisle seat, speak to the person at your gate. If there are any aisle seats available, they can change your ticket or swap your seat with another passenger.
- If you’re going to be in a foreign country where they speak another language, learn how to say, “Excuse me, where is the restroom?”
During Your Trip
Once you’re finally on the road or the plane:
- Make sure you have easy access to your most-needed supplies and don’t need to dig through luggage or get into the overhead compartment. If you’re a caregiver, be sure that your loved one knows the location of the supplies and how to access them if you are not present.
- Create a discreet “go bag” by using a pretty cosmetic bag or toiletry tote with a pad or adult diaper briefs, wipes, and other basics so that you can casually escape to the bathroom. You can easily slip in some KC Poise® Bladder Control Pads or an extra pair of TENA® Women™ Adult Moderate Absorbent Underwear from SimplyMedical.com.
- If you are flying, you may wish to speak with a flight attendant quietly. If there is a line to the lavatory, they may be able to usher you up to the front. Some flight attendants may allow you to use the first-class lavatory, which is more frequently unoccupied.
- If you are traveling with someone, communicate with them whenever you feel like you need to stop.
Having incontinence issues or caring for someone who has them does not mean you can’t enjoy the best life has to offer, and that includes traveling. When traveling with incontinence, all it takes is some planning beforehand to make sure you are confident and comfortable no matter where you go. Order all the incontinence supplies you need through SimplyMedical.com, a provider of quality medical products, and unrivaled value. With SimplyMedical.com, you will find your supplies simple to order and simple to use, so that you can get back to your life.