What Are the Best Products for Bowel Incontinence?

Bowel incontinence can be tough to deal with, but there are products that can help make life easier. Things like absorbent pants, pads, protective bedding, and odor control products can help manage leaks and keep you feeling comfortable.

Before we talk about the best products, let's first understand what bowel incontinence is and why it happens.

What Is Bowel / Faecal Incontinence?

Bowel incontinence, also called faecal incontinence, is when someone can’t fully control their bowel movements, which can cause unexpected leakage. This can be occasional or more frequent, making daily life more difficult.

Common causes of fecal incontinence include childbirth, nerve damage, weakened muscles, digestive issues, inflammatory bowel disease or even certain medications like the weight loss drug orlistat. Some people develop it due to aging, cognitive conditions like dementia, or medical problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

It can include symptoms of faecal incontinence such as passive incontinence, where there is involuntary leakage of watery stool or mucus without warning or when passing gas. It can include just not making it to the toilet in time too and this can really impact quality of life.

This condition is more common than many people think. Studies show that about 1 in 10 people in the UK experience some form of bowel incontinence. Many don’t talk about it, even though there are solutions that can help.

What Are the Best Products for Bowel Incontinence?

If you’re looking for ways to manage bowel incontinence, the right products can make a big difference. Here are the best products for bowel incontinence:

1. Absorbent Pants

Absorbent pants are designed to soak up leaks from the digestive system and keep you dry. There are two main types: disposable and reusable.

Disposable absorbent pants are easy to use, but they can be uncomfortable and sweaty and expensive over time.  Plus they add significantly to landfill waste, with an estimated ONE MILLION incontinence products being used daily in the UK.

Reusable absorbent pants, like Cheeky’s French Cut Incontinence Pants, offer a better, more sustainable option. These pants have been tested for faecal incontinence and provide excellent absorbency while staying comfortable.

Cheeky’s adaptive incontinence pants are another great choice, offering a secure fit and breathable fabric for all-day wear.

'Well made: Great design. Lovely shape sporty black knickers made from lovely material. The design ensures those of us with bladder, bowel and/or gyne issues feel very secure.

The pop studs at the sides are ingenious! Facilitates easy changing of knickers in an enclosed space. No need to get undressed. Absolutely fabulous'. Trustpilot Review

2. Absorbent Pads

Absorbent pads are another helpful solution. They can be placed inside underwear or absorbent pants for extra protection.

Like absorbent pants, there are disposable and reusable options. Disposable pads may seem convenient, but they can be costly and may contain irritating materials. Cheeky’s heavy flow sanitary pads are reusable, soft, breathable, and eco-friendly, offering reliable protection without waste.

3. Protective Bedding

For those who experience leaks at night, protective bedding can be a lifesaver. Waterproof bed mats and mattress covers help keep beds clean and dry.

Cheeky’s washable bed mats are a great option and come in sizes from toddler bed to King Size bed.. Unlike disposable ones, they’re soft, comfortable, and can be washed and reused, saving money and reducing waste.

4. Odour Control

Managing odour is important when dealing with bowel incontinence. Odour-neutralizing sprays, activated charcoal products, and specially designed wipes can help keep you feeling fresh.

Cheeky reusable toilet wipes, can help maintain hygiene without irritating sensitive skin. Pairing them with Cheeky’s incontinence products can help keep you clean and comfortable throughout the day.

"I use these wipes for my grandchildren and I also have a separate box for myself as I am disabled with bladder and bowel problems these are the best things I’ve ever bought and would thoroughly recommend them to anyone who is thinking about it 5*****" Trustpilot Review

5. Pelvic Floor Weights

If you suffer from bowel incontinence as a result of poor pelvic floor health or a rectal prolapse, it may well be possible to reduce your symptoms by strengthening your pelvic floor.

Secret Whispers kegel weights are worn for 15 mins daily while you get on with your daily routine, brushing your teeth or in the shower etc and improve your pelvic floor with their 6 step weights programme!

Bowel incontinence can be difficult, but the right products can make life easier. Whether you choose reusable absorbent pants, washable pads, protective bedding, or odor control products, you have options to help you feel more comfortable and confident.

At Cheeky, we offer practical, eco-friendly solutions for incontinence and we chat pee, poo and periods all day long, so nothing is TMI, just contact us if you need further help. Explore our reusable incontinence products to find what works best for you. If you have questions or want to share your experience, drop a comment below!

Further Reading

• Can Period Pants Be Used for Incontinence?
• The Best Incontinence Pads for Heavy Leakage
• Do You Have to Wear a Pad With Period Pants?

About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. 4 kids later, she went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period and incontinence products. 

The Cheeky customer services team pride themselves on providing honest, friendly advice and just love helping people make the switch to reusables! The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021.