Fitting absorbent products
Absorbent products should be fitted for each person.
Just as a person tries on clothes to make sure they fit, people need to try on absorbent products to make sure they fit.
A product that fits well is less likely to leak.
When fitting absorbent products, the person should wear their underwear.
Note that a private space is needed for this step.
Check product size and absorbency is correct before trying on.
Different positions for putting on absorbent products
A person may stand, sit or lie down to put on products.
Standing
Some people may need support to stand safely to put on or take off their absorbent products.
They may get support from a grab bar, walking aid or assistant.
Sitting
When sitting to put absorbent products on and off a person needs to be able to lean to one side and lift weight off their bottom.
Lying down
When lying to put on or take off absorbent products, a person needs to be able to either:
- Roll, or be rolled, from side to side, or
- Lift their bottom.

Roll

Lift
Watch the video clip of a person rolling to position an absorbent product for putting on.
Watch the video clip of a person lifting their bottom (bridging) to position an absorbent product for putting on.
Activity
In pairs practice positioning a folded terry square by rolling.
Then practice positioning by lifting your bottom (like a bridge).
Discussion
Which method was easier?
Discuss in your pairs.
If a person can lift their bottom without their feet moving, lifting the bottom has less steps and is easier.
If a person has difficulty lifting their bottom or difficulties with coordination, rolling may be easier.
Preparation
Putting products on correctly is important for good fit.
Different products need different preparation to be ready for putting on.
Read on for a few tips for preparing single use products and how to fold terry squares.
Preparing single use products
Single use products may need to be stretched a little and then folded in half lengthways.
This is because they are folded for packing at the factory the other way, across the pad. Stretching and re-folding helps the pad to fit the person better.
Measuring for good fit
To fold a terry square to the correct size for a person, first measure the distance from the front to the back of the person’s waist (through the legs).
Fold the terry square so that the distance from the top and bottom equals this measurement.
Watch this video which shows how to take a measure on a person to fold the terry square to the correct size.
Preparing washable terry squares
Washable terry squares need to be folded each time they are put on. There are many different ways to fold a terry square.
Watch this video which shows how to fold a terry square and add a top layer.
Activity
After watching the video, practice folding the kite fold using a terry square.
In pairs: practice taking the front to back measurement and fold the length (from top to bottom) of the folded terry square to match.
If a terry square is not available, practice with a fabric square 90x90cm or 120x120cm.
Watch the video and practice as many times as you need to feel confident.
Post on the discussion forum your experiences with this activity. Have you used terry squares before? Did you find the fold easy to learn or difficult?
Question
Where are absorbent products most likely to leak?
(Select all that apply)
a), b) and c) are correct.
An absorbent product should fit closely around the person’s waist, hips and thighs.
Getting a good fit
Hips and waist
To get a good fit around the hips and waist:
- Gently pull the outer edge up, then across.
Watch the video of folding and fastening a terry square to get a good fit around the person’s hips and waist.
Check:
- Two fingers between the product and waist can slide smoothly from side to side.
Thighs
For products with elastic leg openings:
- Gently pull the inside thigh elastic up into the groin and outside thigh elastic, up towards the hip.
Folded terry squares do not have elastic around the legs. To get a good fit:
- Fold the fabric around the thighs inwards.
Watch this video to see how to fold the absorbent layer for good fit around a person’s thighs.
Check (for all products):
- One finger can slide smoothly between the product and thigh
- The product is pulled up into the groin area on the inside leg opening
- The leg opening is higher on outside of the thigh than the inside thigh.
Ensure the waterproof layer covers the absorbent layer
The product will leak if the absorbent layer is not fully covered by the waterproof layer.
For two piece systems, check
- The outer waterproof layer covers the absorbent layer
- The outer layer is not folded in on the thigh.
Watch the video of putting on an outer waterproof layer to fit correctly over the absorbent layer.
Question

What is wrong with the fit of this pull on waterproof layer?
Some of the absorbent layer is showing from under the waterproof layer. This should be covered to stop leaks spreading to clothing.
Adding extra absorbency
One or more unbacked pads can be positioned where needed before fastening the product.
Gravity affects where leaks drain and where extra absorbency is needed.
When standing or sitting, position extra pads between the legs.
- For males – position the extra pad / pads towards the front
- For females – position the extra pad / pads further back.
Question
1. When lying down, where would you put extra absorbency for a person who likes sleeping on their side?
a) Over the hips is correct. Leaks will ‘pool’ in the product around the hips because the person is lying on their side.
2. Where would you put extra absorbency for a person who likes sleeping on their back?
d) At the back below the waist is correct.
In the measuring activity you took measurements to select the most likely product size from the locally available products.
If you would like to, continue the activity to try on the selected product and check the fit.
You can try on the product by yourselves in private or working in pairs of the same gender.
Try on products over underclothes / leggings.
Check fit around:
- Hips and waist
- Thighs.
Read on to find out more about how to use absorbent products.