The involuntary excretion of urine during sleep is referred to as nocturnal enuresis or more commonly known as bedwetting. The nighttime loss of bladder control is usually associated with young children. However, seniors may also suffer from involuntary urination for different reasons. In the elderly, causes of nighttime incontinence include urinary tract infection, diabetes, anatomical abnormalities, prostate enlargement, prostate cancer, obstructive sleep apnea, or overactive bladder. In very rare cases, it might also be caused by acute anxiety or an emotional disorder.
For adults, urinary incontinence is messy and can be embarrassing. Luckily, there are treatments and techniques available that seniors and caregivers may use to minimize the likelihood of elderly bedwetting. These may include monitoring their fluid intake, bladder volume training, scheduled nighttime voiding, and other therapies. In addition to those, the use of bedwetting alarm systems may also help.
A bedwetting alarm system is a tool that wakes a senior from sleep as soon as an accident begins. It comes in different variations and features, such as vibrating or sounding alarms and wet-detection devices that can be attached to underwear or a pad. Once the person is awakened, he or she can stop the flow of urine and finish voiding in the bathroom and go back to bed.
If you are interested in purchasing a bedwetting alarm for your senior loved one and like to learn more about it, we are here to help. In this post, we are giving you a guide to buying bedwetting alarms.
What are Bedwetting Alarms?
As mentioned earlier, bedwetting alarms are devices used to wake up an individual from sleep as soon as an accidental urination in bed begins. They work by sounding an alarm or vibrating to wake up the person so he or she can stop the flow of urine and finish voiding in the bathroom. When bedwetting alarms are used regularly, the body will eventually be trained to get up with the need to urinate before wetting the bed.[1]
The use of bedwetting alarms can be similar to bladder volume training, which may take some weeks to work. They also require motivation and commitment. Its concept uses classic conditioning techniques. It is also more effective if the individual does not have diminished bladder capacity and therefore is awakened a lot of times during the night by the alarm. The use of bedwetting alarms have been proven quite effective in people who has been experiencing just one or two bedwetting episodes at night.[2]
The alarms can be worn under clothes or on top of protective pads. These are connected to a small battery-operated instrument that is triggered to go off when moisture is detected. The main goal of a bedwetting alarm is to train the user gradually in recognizing the signs when they have a full bladder before a bedwetting incident happens. They can also help the user become more aware of the need to exercise their pelvic floor muscles while decreasing the fluid intake before going to bed and engaging in toileting before sleeping.
What Can Be Expected When Using Bedwetting Alarms?
If you or a loved one begins to use a bedwetting alarm, it is a good idea to set your expectations and goals regarding the treatment well in advance. The idea behind using these alarms is to stop bedwetting permanently. If you or your loved one is a deep sleeper, it may take more time to wake up once a bedwetting alarm goes off.
For an adult, it may take several months to start sleeping dry on their own without any incidents of bedwetting. The user and the caregiver need to be well prepared to wake up and change clothes at night when the alarm goes off. Using extra bed mats is also ideal to complement the bedwetting alarm.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Bedwetting Alarm
Most bedwetting alarms are effective as long as they can accurately and quickly detect moisture and alert the user immediately that urination is occurring. But there are also some features that are important to consider for you to get the best one that will cater to the needs of your loved one. Below are some of the factors and features that are worth keeping an eye out for if you are on the hunt for the best bedwetting alarm:
Alarm Size
If you choose to get a bedwetting alarm that is wearable, do not choose those with overly bulky designs. It is better to pick one that is medium-sized or compact, as these are more comfortable for the user. Also, if visibility is a concern for the user, you can find a smaller alarm that can be concealed under the clothes.
Adjustable Volume
Having an adjustable volume might seem just like a minor convenience, but it is sometimes among the best features that a bedwetting alarm can have. Being able to control or adjust the volume of the alarm to suit the needs of the elderly is essential to prevent anxiety and getting startled by an excessively loud sound. Adjustable volume is also great for deep sleepers who might not respond unless the alarm is loud.
Variable Tones
There are times when the user becomes accustomed to a certain tone from the alarm and finds it easier to ignore, especially over a prolonged period. Therefore, it would be great if you could find a bedwetting alarm in which the tone can be switched up once in a while to ensure that the patient will remain responsive to the alarm.
Comfortable Sensors
There are some users who find even the most compact of sensors uncomfortable. If you feel that your loved one would not be able to use a bell and pad bedwetting sensor, it is better to search for a soft contouring silicone sensor, which is a more comfortable option.
Remote Control
There are high-end wireless alarms that come with remote control. They are usually paired with a parent receiver unit designed to be used by caregivers so that they can regulate the alarm activity.
Different Types of Bedwetting Alarms
Bedwetting alarms have three main types, and choosing among them depends on the personal needs and preferences of the user. To further help you choose the best one, below are the different types of bedwetting alarms:
Wearable Bedwetting Alarms
Wearable bedwetting alarms are those that come with a moisture-sensing device that is placed under the user’s clothes, such as in pajamas or underwear. The sensor reacts to the urine almost immediately, sounding off an alarm and waking up the user. This type of bedwetting alarm is designed in which the users wear the moisture sensor in their clothes, and it is connected to the alarm device through a cord. Below are some examples of wearable bedwetting alarms to help you choose:
DRYEASY Bedwetting Alarm with Volume Control: This bedwetting alarm is used to train the users to respond to a full bladder by waking. It includes a moisture sensor and an alarm unit. The sensor is attached to the user’s underwear, and it will trigger the alarm to go off as soon as bedwetting occurs. It has a good toggle clamp that locks the sensor in place. It also has 6 sounds to suit the user’s preference and prevent them from getting used to a particular sound. The volume also has 4 levels to cater to different needs.
ANGGREK Bedwetting Alarm: This bedwetting alarm has synchronized sound and vibration to alert the user at the very first drop of urine. It also has high humidity sensitivity. The band is worn on the arm, and it is adjustable for a comfortable fit. The cord clip with a sensor is placed on the underwear, and it is snug-fitting. It also has a vibration reminder. When the alarm is activated, there is a voice and a slight vibration to remind the user. It is suitable for the elderly, children, and people with limited mobility.
Yadoo Bedside Bedwetting Alarm: This bedwetting alarm has two reminder modes. It has a sound vibration reminder and a vibration reminder. It has smart operations without worrying about disturbing others. It also has high sensitivity. It comes with a bedwetting alarm, a fixing clip, a screwdriver, and a manual.
Wireless Bedwetting Alarms
Like a wearable bedwetting alarm, the sensor of a wireless bedwetting alarm is also attached to the underwear. However, the difference is that its transmitter and receiver communicate without any wires. The base unit or receiver is plugged into a wall in the bedroom, but it can also be plugged into the caregiver’s room. There are also units that come with an additional alarm that can be used to alert the caregiver in case any hands-on assistance is needed by the patient. Below are a few examples of wireless bedwetting alarms to help you pick:
PLLO Wireless Bedwetting Alarm System: This is a wireless bedwetting alarm whose battery lasts for about three months before needing to be charged. It has 3 reminder modes to choose from, such as vibration, sound, and sound plus vibration. It is small enough to hide under clothes and does not affect sleep. It is suitable for deep sleepers, too.
DryEasy Plus Wireless Bedwetting Alarm: This bedwetting alarm is easy and safe to use. Instead of attaching the receiver to the patient, it can be placed on the bedside table since it is wireless. It has a good toggle clamp that ensures the sensor is attached to the underpants securely. It has six sounds to choose from and 4 levels of digital volume control for different needs. It also has three operation modes, such as sound only, vibration only, and sound plus vibration.
DryBuddyFLEX 3 Wireless Bedwetting Alarm System: This wireless bedwetting alarm features a long-range true wireless performance. It has a flexible alarm that will surely get the user’s attention. It is perfect for deep sleepers and sensitive patients. It has a powerful, loud alarm that is adjustable to suit different needs. It also provides a strong vibration. It comes with a magnetic sensor that is easy to use and clean. This bedwetting alarm system will provide the user freedom and safety from the burden and discomfort of wires.
Bed-and-Pad Bedwetting Alarms (Bell Bedwetting Alarms)
In bell bedwetting alarms, the user does not need to attach any sensor to his or her underwear. Instead, it comes with a moisture-sensitive pad that acts as a sensor, and it is placed under the user. When urine leaks onto the pad, an alarm will start to sound. The pad is often waterproof, and there is no need for you to use an extra waterproof pad on the bed. This is a great choice for seniors or individuals who do not want to wear an alarm sensor. Below are some examples of bed-and-pad bedwetting alarms to help you choose:
TheraPee Bedwetting Solution: This bedwetting alarm comes with STOPEE, which is an advanced and safe bed pad and alarm system. In addition to the alarm and bed pad, it also includes an online bedwetting treatment, making it interactive and engaging. It is automated, and all you need to do is enter the needed information, and a customized step-by-step program will be provided to you.
Chummie Pro Bedside Bedwetting Alarm: This is a complete bedwetting system that consists of a loud microprocessor-controlled alarm placed on the bedside and a large urine detection bed mat that is placed below the sheets. It comes with a ten-foot-long cord for maximum comfort. The mat can detect urine in just seconds to awaken the user after a bedwetting accident. It can be set up in just 30 seconds. There are also 8 loud tones to choose from and a vibration option.
Wet Detective Bedwetting Alarm System: The alarm or monitor of this bedwetting alarm system sits at the bedside while it is connected to the waterproof pad that lies underneath the user. It has four alarm settings, such as light only, medium alarm, alert beep, and loud arm. It also has a flashing LED response light. There are no wires to attach to the user’s clothes. The sensor mat also helps protect against bedwetting accidents, spills, and stains.
Smart Bedside Bedwetting Alarm: This bedwetting alarm system has 8 different alert tones to avoid auditory accommodation. It also has 3 modes of operation, such as sound only, vibration only, and sound plus vibration. It comes with a one-drop detection mat that is placed in a sleeve for more comfort and reduced false alarms. It is easy to use and clean and comfortable to sleep on.
Conclusion
Episodes of bedwetting can be messy and sometimes embarrassing, especially for older adults. Luckily, there are many treatments and techniques available that can be used by seniors and caregivers to reduce the likelihood of elderly bedwetting instances. The use of bedwetting alarms is among the effective methods of controlling the instance of a bedwetting accident. In addition to alerting the user or caregiver about a bedwetting accident, they are also able to help the user manage the situation in the long run.
Choosing the best bedwetting alarm can be challenging. But once you look at the key features that your patient needs, you will be able to identify the best possible option for you. We hope this post helped you learn more about buying bedwetting alarms.
References
[1] AgingCare.com, E. (2019, April 12). Diagnosing and treating bed wetting in the elderly. AgingCare.com. Retrieved February 8, 2023, from https://www.agingcare.com/articles/bed-wetting-in-elderly-133823.htm
[2] ParentGiving, E. (2022). Bedwetting alarms can help improve urinary continence. Best Bedwetting Alarms for the Elderly – Incontinence and the Elderly. Retrieved February 8, 2023, from https://www.parentgiving.com/elder-care/bedwetting-alarms-improve-continence/