Underpads, commonly known as bed pads or chux, are multi-layered sheets designed primarily to safeguard surfaces from fluid damage. These flat, absorbent protectors act as a barrier between a user and the underlying mattress, chair, or furniture. By quickly drawing in and containing moisture, underpads help maintain hygiene and extend the life of bedding and other surfaces. The standard construction involves an absorbent core sandwiched between a soft top sheet and a liquid-proof backing.
Primary Applications in Care Settings
Underpads are used across various care environments where surface protection and fluid containment are a concern. In adult care, their primary function is to manage accidental fluid release, providing a secondary layer of protection beneath the user. Placing a pad directly under the torso or hip area helps maintain skin dryness and simplifies the cleaning process for caregivers.
Underpads are frequently used in pediatric settings, especially during diaper changes to protect surfaces like changing tables or crib sheets. They offer a convenient, portable changing surface that can be disposed of or washed easily after use. They also serve a purpose during the potty-training phase, acting as a safeguard for bedding at night.
Medical procedures often utilize underpads to protect examination tables and procedural surfaces from blood, sterile solutions, or other biological fluids. In post-operative recovery, they are positioned to absorb wound drainage, keeping dressings and linens cleaner. This surface protection helps reduce the frequency of linen changes, benefiting patient comfort and facility efficiency.
Beyond human care, underpads have found a practical role in animal management. They are widely used for house-training puppies, protecting carriers during travel, or providing a clean, absorbent surface for whelping boxes.
Disposable Versus Reusable Underpads
Underpads are differentiated mainly by their composition and intended lifespan, falling into two categories: disposable and reusable. Disposable pads are engineered for single use and feature a multi-layered structure optimized for maximum, instantaneous absorption. The typical disposable pad consists of a non-woven top sheet, a core made of fluff pulp often mixed with Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) granules, and a non-permeable polyethylene (PE) film backing.
The SAP granules allow these pads to absorb fluids rapidly and convert them into a gel-like substance, locking the liquid away from the surface and the user’s skin. This construction offers superior convenience and hygiene, as the entire soiled pad is simply rolled up and discarded. However, this single-use nature results in a higher long-term cost and greater environmental impact compared to their reusable counterparts.
Reusable underpads are constructed for durability and repeated laundering, typically featuring a blend of fabrics like cotton, polyester, and rayon. Their layers include a quilted, soft top material, an absorbent inner soaker layer, and a robust vinyl or polyurethane waterproof backing. The quilted stitching helps maintain the integrity of the layers through multiple wash cycles.
While reusable pads require regular washing, their longevity makes them a more economical and sustainable choice over time. They tend to be softer and more comfortable for long-term users, but their maximum absorbency is generally lower than high-end disposable pads containing SAP.
Selecting the Right Pad and Proper Placement
Choosing the correct underpad requires consideration of size, absorbency level, and specific features. Pads are available in various dimensions, with common sizes like 23” x 36” providing sufficient coverage for most standard beds. The absorbency rating—light, moderate, or heavy—should be matched to the expected fluid output, with heavy-duty pads containing a higher concentration of SAP for maximum capacity.
Placement technique is important to maximizing the pad’s effectiveness. The pad should be positioned to cover the primary risk area, typically centered beneath the user’s hips or lower torso, where most fluid release occurs. For bedridden individuals, larger pads or those with tuckable side flaps can secure the pad around the edges of the mattress, preventing bunching or shifting.
Some disposable pads feature non-slip backings or adhesive strips to secure them to the underlying surface. This is useful when the user needs to be frequently repositioned, as it reduces the risk of skin friction injuries caused by a migrating pad. When disposing of a soiled pad, it should be rolled inward from the edges to contain the contents completely before being placed in the trash. Reusable pads must be washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure sanitation and maintain their absorbent capacity.