The Effect of Absorbent Pad Design on Skin Wetness, Skin/Pad Microclimate, and Skin Barrier Function: A Quasi-experimental Open Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: The main aims of this study were to describe the effects of incontinence pad composition on skin wetness, the skin/pad microclimate, and skin barrier function. We also evaluated the potential utility of our methods for future clinical investigation of absorbent pad design. DESIGN: Single-blind, quasi-experimental, open cohort design. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Twenty healthy older volunteers (mean age = 72.8 years, SD = 5.8 years; 8 male and 12 female) tested 2 absorbent pad types, with acquisition layers of different compositions (A and B) applied to different sites on the volar aspect of the forearms. One type A pad served as control (A dry) versus 3 pad samples wetted with 3 volumes of saline (A 15 mL, A 35 mL, and B 15 mL). The study was conducted within the clinical laboratory of a university nursing research group in the United Kingdom. METHODS: Skin barrier function was assessed by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum (SC) hydration by corneometry, and skin surface pH using a standard skin pH electrode. Skin water loading (excess water penetration into the skin) was quantified by measuring TEWL and creating a desorption curve of the water vapor flux density. Calculating the area under the curve of the desorption curve to give skin surface water loss reflected excess water penetration into the skin. In a subgroup of the sample, the temperature and relative humidity (microclimate) at the interface between the skin and test pads were measured using a wafer-thin sensor placed between the skin and pad sample. Proinflammatory cytokine release from the SC was assessed using a noninvasive lipophilic film. The main outcome measures in this study were the differences in biophysical measurements of skin barrier function (TEWL, corneometer, and pH) before and after the application of the different pads. RESULTS: Mean ± SD baseline TEWL across all test sites was 10.4 ± 4.4 g/h/m. This increased to 10.6 ± 3.8 g/h/m at the control site, 15.3 ± 6.3 g/h/m for the A 15-mL pad, 15.3 ± 3.9 g/h/m for the A 35-mL pad, and 15.6 ± 3.2 g/h/m for the B 15-mL pad. The mean baseline skin surface pH was 5.9 ± 0.04; cutaneous pH increased to a mean of 6.1 ± 0.06 following all pad applications (P = .16). Mean SC hydration remained unchanged at the control site (A dry). In contrast, SC hydration increased following the application of all wetted pads. Target cytokines were detected in all samples we analyzed. The IL-1RA/IL-1α ratio increased following pad application, except for the wettest pad. CONCLUSION: Study findings suggest that absorbent pad design and composition, particularly the acquisition layer, affect performance and may influence skin health. Based on our experience with this study, we believe the methods we used provide a simple and objective means to evaluate product performance that could be used to guide the future development of products and applied to clinical settings.

Standards for incontinence management products.

This article focuses on international standards for incontinence management products. It describes what they are, how they are used, their limitations, and how they are developed. It outlines the standards currently available and those under development.

Where Do Women With Urinary Incontinence Find Information About Absorbent Products and How Useful Do They Find It?

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine from what sources women with urinary and dual urinary and fecal incontinence sought and received information about incontinence and absorbent products. We also evaluated source utility. DESIGN: Descriptive, embedded, mixed-methods study with qualitative interviews nested into a survey design in a modified explanatory sequence. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The target population was community-dwelling women in Canada who used containment products to manage urinary incontinence. Three hundred fifteen women completed the online survey, and 9 participated in interviews. METHOD: Quantitative data were collected using an online survey that was advertised in multiple locations, including continence and urogynecology clinics, non-for-profit health Web sites, and social media. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Using initial quantitative data results, a semistructured interview guide was designed to gain further insight. Local survey participants were invited to interviews at the end of the survey. Interview transcripts were coded using content analysis. The codes were then collapsed into categories and finally themes. RESULTS: The most common sources of information (n = 284/315) were retail outlets (43%) and television/radio (42%). The greatest percentages of "useful" or "very useful" resources were healthcare professionals (83%). Content analysis identified 5 themes: (1) using existing knowledge, (2) seeking knowledge, (3) finding the right pad, (4) being safe and secure, and (5) perceptions of healthcare professionals' roles. Product choice was made through trial and error; women drew information from a variety of sources, including product labels. Perceptions of helpfulness of experiences with healthcare professionals varied. CONCLUSION: Although women used multiple sources when selecting containment products, they did not receive information in a manner that suited their needs, resulting in a trial-and-error approach to product selection. Healthcare professionals should actively give information on containment products during their assessment of continence in patient encounters.

Rationale and Design of a Novel Method to Assess the Usability of Body-Worn Absorbent Incontinence Care Products by Caregivers.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop and test a new method to measure the usability of absorbent incontinence care products from the caregivers' perspective and to investigate if the method can be used to differentiate between product types in a product change. DESIGN: Process evaluation and validation study. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Product developers and end users participated in designing the new method. Thereafter, professional caregivers acted as testers of the new method, ranking usability when performing absorbent product changes on patients in a simulated nursing home care environment, assisted by third-party research institute moderators. METHODS: Design and evaluation of a new method designed to assess the usability of body-worn absorbent incontinence care products for lay caregivers were completed. The evaluation included formative and summative evaluations of effectiveness (product fit), efficiency (time and physical workload), and satisfaction. A person-centered approach aimed at including all subjects and settings to generate a single usability score for decision making and product benchmarking. Experienced caregivers changed 4 types of products: (1) disposable body-worn pads with mesh briefs (2-piece system); (2) disposable all-in-one briefs; (3) disposable, T-shaped, and belted brief; and (4) disposable pull-up pants on simulated patients in standing or lying position. Each product change was performed by 1 unassisted experienced caregiver. The probability of success as a score for each product type was calculated across the 4 metrics and reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Descriptive and inferential statistics were developed assuming a binary statistical model, using the weighted scores from each of the factors. An overall usability score was calculated. RESULTS: The method we developed discriminated between usability of different product types. The overall score for the disposable pull-up product (90%; CI: 83%-97%) was better (P < .05) than for the disposable T-shaped brief (83%; CI: 77%-89%), the disposable brief (53%; CI: 45%-61%), and the disposable body-worn pad with mesh pant (61%; CI: 56%-66%) in standing patients. For lying patients, the overall score for the disposable T-shaped brief product (81%; CI: 73%-89% was better (P < .05) than the disposable brief (65%; CI: 45%-61%) and the disposable body-worn pads with mesh brief (62%; CI: 55%-69%). Reliability was evaluated quantitatively in terms of measurement uncertainties in the results. CONCLUSION: The method we described demonstrated differentiation of usability based on product type indicating concurrent validity. Further testing in diverse real-world care environments is needed to evaluate and confirm the validity and to assess reliability of this method in the research setting.

The Impact of Microclimate on Skin Health With Absorbent Incontinence Product Use: An Integrative Review.

This integrative review considers the role of skin occlusion and microclimate in incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD), with a particular focus on disposable, body-worn, absorbent incontinence products. Although the mechanisms are not fully understood, the primary causes of IAD are well-established: occluded skin, in prolonged contact with urine and/or feces and exposed to abrasive forces, is more likely to be affected, and each of these factors can be influenced by wearing absorbent incontinence products. Studies comparing the effect of various absorbent products on skin health have been hindered by the many differences between compared products, making it difficult to clearly attribute any differences in performance to particular materials or design features. Nevertheless, the large and significant differences that have sometimes been found invite further work. Breathable back sheets can significantly reduce the temperature of occluded skin and the humidity of the adjacent air, and several treatments for nonwoven top sheet materials (used next to the skin) have been shown to impart antimicrobial properties in the laboratory, but an impact on IAD incidence or severity has yet to be demonstrated directly. Recent work to introduce sensing technology into absorbent incontinence products to reduce the exposure of skin to urine and feces, by encouraging prompt product changing, seems likely to yield measurable benefits in terms of reducing incidents of IAD as the technology develops. Published work to date suggests that there is considerable potential for products to be engineered to play a significant role in the reduction of IAD among users.

Assessment, Selection, Use, and Evaluation of Body-Worn Absorbent Products for Adults With Incontinence: A WOCN Society Consensus Conference.

The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses (WOCN) Society charged a task force with creating recommendations for assessment, selection, use, and evaluation of body-worn absorbent products. The 3-member task force, assisted by a moderator with knowledge of this area of care, completed a scoping literature review to identify recommendations supported by adequate research to qualify as evidence-based, and area of care where evidence needed to guide care was missing. Based on findings of this scoping review, the Society then convened a panel of experts to develop consensus statements guiding assessment, use, and evaluation of the effect of body-worn absorbent products for adults with urinary and/or fecal incontinence. These consensus-based statements underwent a second round of content validation using a modified Delphi technique using a different panel of clinicians with expertise in this area of care. This article reports on the scoping review and subsequent evidence-based statements, along with generation and validation of consensus-based statements that will be used to create an algorithm to aid clinical decision making.

Evaluation of Absorbent Versus Conventional Wound Dressing.

BACKGROUND: Lower-limb endoprosthetic operations and spinal operations are among the more common types of orthopedic procedures. Postoperative woundhealing disturbances and infections can lead to longer periods of hospital stay and recovery as well as to higher morbidity and mortality. METHODS: 209 patients who had been judged to have an indication for a primary knee or hip endoprosthesis or for a primary spinal operation were included in this randomized trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01988818) over the period June 2014- February 2015. After randomization, patients in the intervention group were given a trial dressing (Mepilex-Border Post-Op) and those in the control group were given a conventional adhesive dressing (Cosmopor). The primary endpoint was blister formation. RESULTS: In the overall study population, only a single case of blister formation was seen. The affected patient belonged to the intervention group but was mistakenly given a control dressing and developed blisters on the 6th day after surgery. Dressings were changed less frequently in the intervention group, and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). The patients, nurses, and physicians all expressed greater satisfaction with the trial dressings than with the control dressings (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The intervention group did not differ from the control group with respect to the primary endpoint, postoperative blister formation. The patients, nurses, and physicians all judged the dressing used in the intervention group more favorably than the conventional dressing.

Urinary Management With an External Female Collection Device.

BACKGROUND: Strategies to decrease use of female indwelling urinary catheters and catheter-associated urinary tract infections are challenging due to the limited availability of proper fitting external collection devices. Female urinary incontinence predisposes the skin to potential pain, itching, burning, infection, or pressure injuries. CASE STUDIES: This article discusses 3 patients' trajectory of care with use of an external female urinary collection device. All of these females were incontinent of urine after the indwelling urinary catheter was removed and managed with an external female urinary collection device. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an external female urinary collection device is a feasible alternative to an indwelling urinary catheter as well as managing urinary incontinence.

Disposable Versus Reusable Absorbent Underpads for Prevention of Hospital-Acquired Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis and Pressure Injuries.

PURPOSE: The primary purpose of our study was to determine if there is a difference in the occurrence of hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) and incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) in incontinent adults using a disposable versus reusable absorptive underpads. We also compared hospital length of stay in the 2 groups. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial using cluster randomization based on inpatient care unit. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Four hundred sixty-two patients admitted to 4 medical-surgical study units participated in the study; 252 used reusable underpads (control group) and 210 subjects used disposable underpads (intervention group). The study setting was a 711-bed acute care hospital located in Brooklyn, New York. METHODS: Two units were randomly allocated to use disposable incontinence pads, and the remaining 2 units used standard, reusable incontinence pads. Data for PI and IAD occurrences were collected weekly by specially trained RNs (skin care champions) on the assigned units. A 2-level hierarchical linear model was used to analyze the effects of the intervention on primary and secondary outcomes separately from any effects of the unit of randomization. RESULTS: HAPIs were significantly lower in the disposable underpads group: 5% versus 12% (P = .02). Rates of hospital IAD were not significantly different between the groups (P = .22). Analysis of a secondary outcome, hospital length of stay, was also lower in patients who used disposable underpads (6 days vs 8 days; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that use of disposable incontinence pads reduces HAPI but not IAD occurrences. The effect of disposable, absorbent incontinence pads should be considered when initiating a hospital-wide skin and PI prevention and treatment plan.

Identification of Key Odorants in Used Disposable Absorbent Incontinence Products.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify key odorants in used disposable absorbent incontinence products. DESIGN: Descriptive in vitro study SUBJECTS AND SETTING:: Samples of used incontinence products were collected from 8 residents with urinary incontinence living in geriatric nursing homes in the Gothenburg area of Sweden. Products were chosen from a larger set of products that had previously been characterized by descriptive odor analysis. METHODS: Pieces of the used incontinence products were cut from the wet area, placed in glass bottles, and kept frozen until dynamic headspace sampling of volatile compounds was completed. Gas chromatography-olfactometry was used to identify which compounds contributed most to the odors in the samples. Compounds were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Twenty-eight volatiles were found to be key odorants in the used incontinence products. Twenty-six were successfully identified. They belonged to the following classes of chemical compounds: aldehydes (6); amines (1); aromatics (3); isothiocyanates (1); heterocyclics (2); ketones (6); sulfur compounds (6); and terpenes (1). CONCLUSION: Nine of the 28 key odorants were considered to be of particular importance to the odor of the used incontinence products: 3-methylbutanal, trimethylamine, cresol, guaiacol, 4,5-dimethylthiazole-S-oxide, diacetyl, dimethyl trisulfide, 5-methylthio-4-penten-2-ol, and an unidentified compound.

A Prospective, Multicenter Study to Compare a Disposable, High-fluid Capacity Underpad to Nonpermeable, Disposable, Reusable Containment Products on Incontinence-associated Dermatitis Rates Among Skilled Nursing Facility Residents.

Due to the high prevalence of incontinence among skilled nursing facility (SNF) residents, incontinence-associated derma- titis (IAD) is a common occurrence. In addition, facility staff may mistakenly identify IAD as a pressure injury. A prospective, descriptive, multicenter study was conducted in 3 Connecticut facilities to evaluate the effect of substituting a disposable, high- uid capacity underpad for nonpermeable disposable and reusable containment products on the rate of IADs. Residents with and without IAD but with high IAD risk scores who were bed- or chairbound or ambulatory and used disposable nonpermeable briefs and underpads or reusable, laundered containment products when in bed longer than 2 hours were randomly enrolled and observed for a 4-week period. Facility staff were trained on the importance of differentiating between IAD and pressure injury; they substituted the study product (a disposable, high- uid capacity underpad) for all previously used containment products. Patient risk for IAD and skin condition were assessed using the Perineal Assessment Tool (PAT) and the Skin Condition Assessment Tool (SAT), respectively, at 5 time points: baseline, week 1, week 2, week 3, and week 4. The PAT is a 4-item instrument based conceptually on the 4 determinants in perineal skin breakdown; subscales are rated from 1 (least risk) to 3 (most risk), with a total score range of 4 to 12. The SAT is used to evaluate IAD speci cally, generating a cumulative severity score ranging from 0 to 3 on area of skin affected, degree of redness, and depth of ero- sion. Final data analysis was conducted on 40 residents: 25 had IAD present at enrollment and 15 were deemed high risk for developing IAD. Mean SAT scores in the 25 participants with IAD decreased with signi cance at week 1 (P = .0016), week 2 (P = .0023), week 3 (P = .0005), and week 4 (P <.0001). Baseline IAD severity scores averaged 3.3 ± 1.7. Overall IAD average severity scores in this group decreased from baseline mean of 3.3 ± 1.7 to 0.7 ± 1.4 at week 4 (P <.001). The 15 participants with intact, nondamaged skin at enrollment did not develop IAD from baseline to week 4, and PAT score risk levels decreased from high (7 or greater) to low (6 or less) as a result of a speci c reduction in the duration of irritant exposure category for 11 (73%) of this group of participants by week 4. PAT risk level scores for both IAD and non-IAD participants at baseline averaged 8.1 ± 1.4; after 4 weeks, they averaged 7.0 ± 1.5). Although change was not significant, results suggest the use of a disposable, high- uid capacity underpad improved SAT scores over time. IAD rates increased in each facility, but pressure injury incidence rates decreased for the study duration. Replacing a nonpermeable, reusable containment product with a disposable, high- uid capacity underpad when SNF residents are in bed longer than 2 hours may impact the severity of IAD and reduce its incidence. The inverse impact reported on IAD and pressure injury incidence rates 1 month after training suggest study educational efforts had a short-lasting effect. Future research is indicated to determine the most effective method to improve nurses' ability to identify and distinguish IAD from pressure injury in the SNF setting.

Method for Bacterial Growth and Ammonia Production and Effect of Inhibitory Substances in Disposable Absorbent Hygiene Products.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a pragmatic laboratory method to provide a technique for developing incontinence products better able to reduce malodor when used in the clinical setting. METHODS: Bacterial growth and bacterially formed ammonia in disposable absorbent incontinence products was measured by adding synthetic urine inoculated with bacteria to test samples cut from the crotch area of the product. The inhibitory effect's of low pH (4.5 and 4.9) and 3 antimicrobial substances-chlorhexidine, polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), and thymol-at 2 concentrations each, were studied. RESULTS: From the initial inocula of 3.3 log colony-forming units per milliliter (cfu/mL) at baseline, the bacterial growth of the references increased to 5.0 to 6.0 log cfu/mL at 6 hours for Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Enterococcus faecalis. At 12 hours there was a further increase to 7.0 to 8.9 log cfu/mL. Adjusting the pH of the superabsorbent in the incontinence product from 6.0 to pH 4.5 and pH 4.9 significantly (P < .05) inhibited the bacterial growth rates, in most cases, both at 6 and 12 hours. The effect was most pronounced at pH 4.5. Chlorhexidine had significant (P < .05) inhibitory effect on E. coli and E. faecalis, and at 12 hours also on P. mirabilis. For PHMB and thymol the results varied. At 6 hours, the ammonia concentration in the references (pH 6.0) was 200 to 300 ppm and it was 1500 to 1600 ppm at 8 hours. At pH 4.5, no or little ammonia production was measured at 6 and 8 hours. At pH 4.9, there was a significant reduction (P < .01). Chlorhexidine and PHMB exerted a significant (P < .01 or P < .001) inhibitory effect on ammonia production at both concentrations and at 6 and 8 hours. Thymol 0.003% and 0.03% showed inhibitory effect at both 6 hours (P < .01 or P < .001) and at 8 hours (P < .05 or P < .001). CONCLUSION: The method described in this study can be used to compare the ability of various disposable absorbent products to inhibit bacterial growth and ammonia production. This technique, we describe, provides a pragmatic method for assessing the odor-inhibiting capacity of specific incontinence products.

Diagnosing Postpartum Hemorrhage: A New Way to Assess Blood Loss in a Low-Resource Setting.

Introduction Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. The largest barriers to treating PPH are symptom recognition and timely diagnosis. The SAPHE (Signaling a Postpartum Hemorrhage Emergency) Mat was constructed so that each square on the Mat absorbs up to 50 mL of blood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation of visually estimated blood loss (EBL) using the SAPHE Mat with actual blood loss. Methods Thirty-six patients gave birth via vaginal delivery using the SAPHE Mat. Visual estimation of blood loss using the SAPHE Mat was calculated by multiplying the number of blood- saturated squares or partial squares by 50 mL. The visual EBL was compared with the actual blood loss calculated based on Mat weight before and after use (volume blood loss). Results Visual blood loss estimations were within 100 mL of the volume blood loss 69 % of the time and within 200 mL 97 % of the time. The mean difference between the visual EBL and volume blood loss (Mat weight change) was 80.91 mL. The Pearson correlation coefficient for visual EBL and volume blood loss was positive at 0.96 (p < 0.001). Discussion The SAPHE Mat is able to provide a visual estimate of blood loss that is highly correlated with the actual blood loss on the mat. Future studies will assess the ability to deploy the SAPHE Mat in low-resource settings as a potential guide for estimating blood loss to assist in improved management of PPH.

Management of a Patient With Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Using Silicone Transfer Foam Dressings and a Secondary Absorbent Dressing.

BACKGROUND: Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is an exfoliative disorder of the skin usually caused by a drug reaction. The primary goal of wound care for patients with TEN is prevention of further mechanical trauma to the skin, along with management of wound infection. CASE: A 77-year-old woman with TEN was successfully managed with a perforated silver soft contact foam and a superabsorbent outer layer. Topical therapy combined nanoparticle silver for management of wound infection and minimized trauma to the skin as only the outer layer needed to be changed. CONCLUSION: The silicone foam dressing with silver sulfate epithelialization and reduced pain and trauma associated with dressing changes.

Validation of a new menstrual pictogram (superabsorbent polymer-c version) for use with ultraslim towels that contain superabsorbent polymers.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the menstrual pictogram (superabsorbent polymer-c version) for Always Ultra-slim feminine towels containing superabsorbent polymers. DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter, evaluator-blinded study. SETTING: Three gynecology research clinics in the United Kingdom. PATIENT(S): Women with self-perceived light, normal, or heavy menstrual periods who had not previously used a graphical method to assess their menstrual loss. INTERVENTION(S): One hundred twenty-two women were asked to complete the menstrual pictogram throughout two menstrual periods and collect their feminine towels for measurements of menstrual blood loss (MBL) by the alkaline hematin method and total menstrual fluid loss (MFL) by fluid weight. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Agreement of menstrual pictogram MBL and MFL scores with alkaline hematin and towel weight, respectively. The percentage blood fraction was determined at various volumes of menstrual discharge. RESULT(S): Alkaline hematin and fluid weight were highly correlated (r = .97). However, the percentage blood fraction progressively increased with total MFL and MBL score. After correction for this incremental rise in blood fraction, the menstrual pictogram gave a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 92% for a diagnosis of heavy menstrual bleeding. CONCLUSION(S): The menstrual pictogram (superabsorbent polymer-c version) provides a simple means of measuring MBL in the clinical setting.

Menstrual blood loss measurement: validation of the alkaline hematin technique for feminine hygiene products containing superabsorbent polymers.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the alkaline hematin technique for measurement of menstrual blood loss using ultra-thin sanitary towels that contain superabsorbent polymer granules as the absorptive agent. DESIGN: Laboratory study using simulated menstrual fluid (SMF) and Always Ultra Normal, Long, and Night "with wings" sanitary towels. SETTING: Keele Menstrual Disorders Laboratory. PATIENT(S): None. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Recovery of blood, linearity, and interassay variation over a range of SMF volumes applied to towels. Because of the variable percentage of blood in menstrual fluid, blood recovery was assessed from SMF constituted as 10%, 25%, 50%, and 100% blood. The lower limit of reliable detection and the effect of storing soiled towels for up to 4 weeks at 15°C-20°C, 4°C, and -20°C before analysis were determined. RESULT(S): Ninety percent recovery was reproducibly achieved up to 30 mL applied volume at all tested SMF compositions, except at low volume or high dilution equivalent to <2 mL whole blood. Samples could be stored for 3 weeks at all tested temperatures without loss of recovery. The technique was suitable for processing towels individually or in batches. CONCLUSION(S): The alkaline hematin technique is a suitable and validated method for measuring menstrual blood loss from Always Ultra sanitary towels that contain superabsorbent polymers.

Skin interaction with absorbent hygiene products.

Skin problems due to the use of absorbent hygiene products, such as diapers, incontinence pads, and feminine sanitary articles, are mostly due to climate or chafing discomfort. If these conditions are allowed to prevail, these may develop into an irritant contact dermatitis and eventually superficial skin infections. Skin humidity and aging skin are among the most significant predisposing and aggravating factors for dermatitis development. Improved product design features are believed to explain the decline in observed diaper dermatitis among infants. Where adult incontinence-related skin problems are concerned, it is very important to apply a holistic perspective to understand the influences due to the individual's incontinence level and skin condition, as well as the hygiene and skin care measures provided. Individuals with frail, sensitive skin or with skin diseases may preferably have to use high-quality products, equipped with superabsorbent polymers and water vapor-permeable back sheets, to minimize the risk of skin complications.