Adults might wear diapers for a variety of reasons. Maybe you have incontinence due to a medical condition. Maybe it’s because you’re pregnant. Or maybe you simply enjoy the peace of mind you get from not needing to keep track of the nearest restroom at all times. Whatever reason you have for wearing diapers 24/7, it is important to know the pros and cons of wearing them around the clock so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.
The Pros
Convenience
One of the best things about wearing diapers is the ability to go whenever and wherever you need to. Public restrooms can be dirty, can have long lines, and may not be conveniently located. When wearing a diaper, you don’t have to worry about any of these issues. They are especially convenient for travel, as you don’t have to worry about using the toilet during long bus rides, train rides, or flights. So when nature calls and you’ve got to go, you can simply “go”.
Sleep Easier
If you often have to get up several times throughout the night to use the bathroom, diapers might be the perfect solution. You can sleep better and deeper without worrying about having to use the toilet. It’s very hard to feel rested if you are constantly being woken up by soiled sheets. By wearing diapers during the night, you will also be able to avoid waking up anyone else in the bed with you.
Suggested Reading: The 10 BEST Overnight Diapers for Adults!
They Can Double as Menstrual Products
For women, having to buy menstrual products every month is a hassle. If you wear diapers, you can forget about needing other menstrual products. This will also save you a lot of money in the long run, as you won’t need to shell out extra money every month for these products.
Comfort
Adult diapers used to be uncomfortable, and many people didn’t want to wear them because of this. However, modern diapers are actually quite pleasant to wear and can be used 24/7 without any issues whatsoever. Adult diapers have become so comfortable that people often forget they are even wearing them!
Sense of Security and Confidence
Diapers can provide a life-changing sense of security and confidence, allowing you to live life to its fullest. Being comfortable in a diaper and feeling confident that you won’t have an accident in public can contribute to confidence in every aspect of your life. While some people might be embarrassed to wear adult diapers, it can be much more embarrassing to leak onto your clothes or a seat.
The Cons
Changing Them
One of the biggest hassles with diapers is the need to constantly change them. You may not be able to find a suitable place to change your diaper, especially in men’s restrooms where there are limited stalls. Changing diapers can also be more time consuming than just using a toilet.
Suggested Reading: 8 Tips for Wearing Diapers in Public
Smell
Unless you can properly manage the smell with chlorophyll, soiled diapers will smell, which can be very off-putting. This can be managed with regular changes and odor inhibitors, but it may still become an issue at times. Some diapers include odor inhibitors, such as citrus extract or liquid chlorophyll. If you are worried about the smell of soiled diapers, you should look for diapers that address this issue specifically.
Transitioning
Transitioning from primarily using toilets to using diapers 24/7 can be very difficult for your body. You may have a shy bladder, where you cannot go on a toilet or in a diaper if you are not used to it. Conversely, you can train your body (and mind) to go whenever you need to, even to the point that your bladder muscles become weak. If this happens, you might become functionally incontinent, and transitioning back to a toilet may be much harder down the line.
Cost
Diapers can end up costing a lot of money, and this can be hard to factor into your budget. There are cost-effective options on the market, and if you are worried about the cost you should look at investing in good quality cloth diapers. The downside to cloth diapers is that they require laundering, so you have to factor in the cost of extra detergent and electricity, or the cost of having them laundered professionally.
You Always Have to Carry Extras
Always having extra diapers on hand means you have to carry a diaper bag or something similar at all times. This extra luggage can be a hassle, and if you forget extras, you may have anxiety or may not be able to use the toilet. This can be an especially big problem if you’re travelling for extended periods of time, as this can add up to a lot of extra diapers to have to tote around.
Environmental Impact
Disposable diapers are very bad for the environment. There are environmentally conscious options, but these can be more expensive and might not be available everywhere. Disposable diapers can take hundreds of years to disintegrate in landfills, and by wearing diapers 24/7, you’re going to be creating a huge amount of waste compared to what you’d generate with part-time diaper use.
Sweat
Wearing a diaper 24/7 can cause you to sweat around the crotch, which can be very uncomfortable. This is more of a problem in the summer, but it’s an issue you will face all year round. However, there are sweat-wicking diapers and other solutions to sweating that diaper manufacturers have come up with that can mitigate this issue.
Diaper Rash
Diaper rash can cause a lot of pain and discomfort (and by wearing a diaper 24/7 you’re much more likely to experience diaper rash). You can buy a cream to resolve these issues, but it is common to suffer from diaper rash, so know that you are likely to get it at some point. Diaper rash often clears up quickly, but it can reoccur often and it can last a long time in damp conditions.
Judgement from Others
If you’re wearing diapers all day, every day, then it’s a matter of statistical fact that people are going to have more opportunities to notice you’re wearing a diaper than if you were wearing them part-time. If others know that you wear diapers as an adult, you may face social stigmas that can negatively affect you. You might face bullying or teasing from friends, colleagues, or family, and this can be very disheartening and demoralizing. However, the comfort and security of diapers can allow you to feel confident doing what is right for you, and having a good support system is helpful.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, that’s our list of the pros and cons of wearing diapers 24/7. Many of the benefits (and issues) we have listed are specific to a certain type of diaper (e.g., disposable vs. reusable), and as such, you should start thinking about which kind of diaper is right for you.
While cloth diapers may be more expensive upfront, you will eventually save a lot of money by reusing them. They are also much more environmentally friendly. Disposable diapers might be better if you don’t want to have to clean diapers and if you don’t mind spending more money in the long run. Either way, wearing diapers 24/7 (when done properly) can be a liberating experience that can give you additional freedom and security and a better quality of life. There are certainly some downsides that need to be taken into account, but in our opinion, the pros far outweigh the cons.