If you or a loved one in your life struggles with incontinence, staying comfortable at night can be a challenge. It is important to be able to protect your mattress and bedding without sacrificing a good, comfortable night’s sleep – that’s why a waterproof bed pad is an absolute necessity.
This post will walk you through some of the most important features of waterproof bed pads for the elderly, and then review ten of the top products on the market right now.
How to Choose the Best Waterproof Bed Pad for Elderly People
There are tons of waterproofing options out there right now, suitable for adults struggling with incontinence. To find the right product for your needs, there are a few important factors you’ll want to consider.
Absorbency
Unlike a mattress protector or pad, which repels moisture, bed pads are designed to absorb moisture and dry quickly. That way, the mess is drawn away from your body and held inside the pad, protecting both your skin and the mattress.
The most absorbent bed pads have multiple soft top layers. You will want the material to be light and breathable – for the best results, moisture should be dispersed throughout the pad so that it dries faster, preventing dampness or odor.
Non-slip Backing
While an absorbent top layer should soak up the majority of moisture, it helps to have a completely waterproof backing on the bed pad to ensure that your sheets and mattress stay perfectly dry. Many reusable pads use a material like vinyl or PVC to block moisture – these can be great, unless you have allergies or highly sensitive skin.
In addition to being waterproof, the backing on your bed pad should be designed to prevent slipping. As bed pads are meant to cover one area of your mattress, not the whole thing, it is important that they will stay in place throughout the night.
Disposable vs. Reusable
There are two main types of bed pads you will find on the market: disposable pads, which are designed to be thrown away after use, and reusable pads, which can be washed and used again. There are pros and cons to both – in the end, it comes down to your preference.
A lot of people like disposable bed pads for the convenience. It can be easier, and often more hygienic, to have pads you can just throw away in the mornings. That said, disposable pads can get wasteful, and it will cost you more money in the long run to keep buying new packs.
Reusable bed pads are usually machine washable and dryable. They require a little more work, but cost less over time. If you choose a reusable pad, we recommend buying a value pack or multiple singles – it helps to have a backup while one pad is being cleaned.
Top 10 Waterproof Bed Pads for the Elderly
1. BH Medwear Reusable / Washable Waterproof Bed Pad

Specs:
- Material: 50% cotton, 30% polyester, 20% vinyl
- Wash: machine washable
- Size: 35 x 80 x 2 inches
This set of bed pads from BH Medwear are medical grade, reliable pads for long term use. They are designed to rest on top of the mattress and bottom shit and prevent any moisture from seeping through. The unique blend of fabrics with a completely vinyl backing makes this pad as comfortable to sleep on as it is waterproof. 3 quilted layers provide a comfortable cushion that will absorb all liquids, stopping anything from seeping through.
Each pad is designed to stand up to multiple washes, but their quality may wear down after being washed a few times.
Pros & Cons
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2. Epica Premium Quality Bed Pad

Specs:
- Material: 50% cotton, 50% polyester, vinyl backing
- Wash: machine washable
- Size: 52 x 34 inches.
This Epica pad is designed with convenience, comfort and hygiene in mind. It has a soft quilted top layer of polyester and cotton that will absorb all moisture, drawing it away from the skin, and a 100% waterproof vinyl backing that protects the mattress. This pad is made to sit on top of the sheet for easy changing – it has a none slip design that will prevent it from moving around during the night.
Best of all, this pad is light and breathable. The fabric blend of the top layer is designed to be soft on sensitive skin – you won’t even know it is there.
Pros & Cons
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3. GORILLA GRIP Slip-Resistant Leak Proof Mattress Pad Protector

Specs:
- Material: cotton and polyester blend, vinyl backing
- Wash: machine washable up to 300 washes
- Size: 52 x 34 inches
This slip-resistant bed pad and mattress protector is a hospital-grade waterproof pad for elderly adults dealing with incontinence. Its large size provides plenty of coverage for a variety of uses. The quilted top is made of four downy cotton layers that draw in moisture, with a vinyl backing that blocks it from reaching the sheet and mattress. The gorilla grip bottom is guaranteed not to slip or move around, for a comfortable, dry night’s sleep.
One of the best features of this pad is its durability – it can be reused for up to 300 washes before it starts to lose its waterproof quality.
Pros & Cons
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4. Medokare Disposable Incontinence Bed Pads

Specs:
- Material: high grade SAP pulp
- Wash: disposable
- Size: 90 x 60 cm
These medical grade disposable bed pads are great for easy clean up and certified, worry free absorbency. The layers of fluffy pulp absorb and distribute moisture, keeping it away from the skin and allowing the pad to dry quickly, which helps to reduce odors and dampness. The waterproof backing securely grips the mattress to prevent slipping.
These disposable pads come in a pack of 36. They have medical grade moisture protection, but are great for a variety of home uses, too.
Pros & Cons
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5. Careoutfit Waterproof Reusable Incontinence Underpads

Specs:
- Material: face fabric 55% Cotton 45% Polyester. Soaker: 95% Polyester 5% Rayon.
- Wash: machine washable
- Size: 34 x 36 inches
The Careoutfit reusable bed pads come in a four pack, so that you always have a backup when one needs to be washed. These pads are a little heavier than some of the others on our list – the weight helps them to cling to the mattress without slipping. The comfortable top layer of the pad is soft and highly absorbent, and the backing is certified 100% waterproof.
These are highly durable reusable bed pads, great for someone with incontinence or any home use.
Pros & Cons
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6. Bearals Disposable Bed Pads

Specs:
- Material: high grade SAP
- Wash: disposable
- Size: 90 x 90 cm
These disposable bed pads have been trusted by hospitals and medical professionals, and will work great to keep your mattress dry at home. They are made from medical grade SAP (super absorbent polymer) that completely absorbs liquids before they can reach the mattress. Each pad is breathable and quick drying, and cleanup is as easy as removing it and throwing it away.
Pros & Cons
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7. Landa Alfred 2 Pack Soft Waterproof Incontinence Bed Pads

Specs:
- Material: bamboo fibers, rayon
- Wash: machine washable up to 300 washes
- Size: 34 x 52 inches
This 2 pack of bed pads from Landa Alfred Enterprises could be the perfect choice for someone with sensitive skin or allergies. The 100% bamboo and rayon material is naturally absorbent and hypoallergenic. These pads are designed to soak up moisture and dry quickly. They are totally noiseless and soft and comfortable to sleep on.
Best of all, these bamboo pads are super durable – each is made to last up to 300 washes before you will see signs of wear and tear.
Pros & Cons
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8. Medokare Bed Pads Bedwetting Underpads

Specs:
- Material: cotton and polyester blend, vinyl backing
- Wash: machine washable
- Size: 52 x 36 inches
These extra large and absorbent medical grade bed pads come in a 3 pack for reliable home use. They have a soft, absorbent and quick drying top layer, and a 100% waterproof vinyl backing that will prevent any leaks from reaching the mattress. The dense material clings to your sheets, staying in place through the night.
With a slightly larger absorbent area than other pads, this is a safe waterproofing option for any use – kids, seniors or pets.
Pros & Cons
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9. Waterproof Reusable Washable Bed Pads

Specs:
- Material: cotton blend, vinyl backing
- Wash: machine washable
- Size: 52 x 34 inches, 20 inch tuck tails
These reusable bed pads have a unique design for added comfort and security – long 20 inch tails tuck underneath the mattress, holding the pad in place and preventing any slips or crinkling during the night. The pad itself is thin, soft and breathable. Four absorbent layers draw moisture away from skin, and a waterproof backing protects the mattress.
Each pad is reusable for up to 300 machine washes, saving you money and resources.
Pros & Cons
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10. Classy Pal Incontinence Bed Pads & Waterproof Mattress Protector

Specs:
- Material: cotton and waterproof PVC
- Wash: machine washable
- Size: 52 x 34 inches
Last up on our list is a comfortable and reliable mattress protector for kids and adults. This pad is super lightweight and comfortable to sleep on. It has four absorbent top layers that disperse moisture and allow the pad to dry quickly, plus a slip-resistant waterproof PVC backing that protects your mattress.
The colorful design on this mattress pad makes it a friendly option for kids or grownups, better suited for a home environment than a medical bed pad.