Incontinence affects millions of adults, leading many to turn to adult diapers for protection and peace of mind. Two of the most popular brands are Depend Protection Plus and Fit Flex.
But with so many options available, how do you know which is right for you? This comprehensive guide examines the key features and differences between Depend Protection Plus and Fit Flex to help you make an informed decision.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Protection Plus | FIT-Flex |
| Absorbency | Maximum, heavy bladder leakage | Moderate, smaller accidents |
| Leakage Protection | Dual LeakGuard core, quilted cover | Leak barriers |
| Fit | Contoured shape, gender-specific sizing | Underwear-like, 4-way stretch |
| Discretion | Cloth-like cover, less crinkly | Thin pad, stretches with body |
| Odor Control | Odor-absorbing beads | Carbon panels |
| Cost Per Pad | Lower | Higher |
| Best For | Overnight, heavy incontinence | Light bladder leakage, mobility |
Overview Of Depend Protection Plus
Depend Protection Plus offers maximum absorbency and leakage protection. It features a soft, quilted cover and rapid absorption pad to lock in wetness and prevent leaks. The dual LeakGuard cores quickly pull wetness into the center of the pad. It also has a wetness indicator that turns blue when wet to alert you that it’s time for a change.
Some key features of Depend Protection Plus:
- Quilted, cloth-like cover for comfort
- Dual LeakGuard cores for rapid absorption
- Maximum absorbency for heavy bladder leakage
- Wetness indicator strip
- Tear-away sides for easy removal
- Gender-specific sizing
Depend Protection Plus is ideal for those with moderate to heavy incontinence, needing up to 10 hours of protection. It offers superior leakage protection, making it a great choice for overnight use. The maximum absorbency pad also provides confidence and peace of mind for active lifestyles.
Overview Of Depend FIT-Flex Incontinence Underwear
Depend FIT-Flex is an underwear-style incontinence product designed to provide close-to-the-body fit and flexibility. It features a 4-way stretch material that contours to your body and moves with you. The thin, discreet pad offers absorbency while preventing bulk between the legs.
Key features of Depend FIT-Flex:
- 4-way stretch material for comfort and mobility
- Lightweight, breathable fabric
- Contouring, underwear-like fit
- Absorbent pad for protection from leaks
- Leak barriers to help prevent side leakage
- Gender-specific sizing options
- Easy tear-away sides for removal
Depend FIT-Flex offers moderate absorbency suitable for light bladder leakage. The underwear-style design is ideal for active seniors and those looking for discreet, flexible protection. It allows freedom of movement while helping prevent embarrassing leaks and accidents.
Absorbency Comparison
The key difference between Protection Plus and FIT-Flex lies in their absorbency. Protection Plus offers maximum absorbency for heavy leakage, while FIT-Flex has light to moderate absorbency suitable for smaller accidents and urinary dribbles.
Protection Plus has a high capacity, quilted pad that locks in wetness. Its dual LeakGuard core rapidly pulls moisture into the pad. This makes it ideal for heavy incontinence such as overnight use, severe overactive bladder, or postpartum leakage.
FIT-Flex has a thinner, more discreet absorbent pad. It absorbs dribbles and light leakage but may need more frequent changing with heavy accidents. FIT-Flex offers enough protection for mild incontinence, bladder weakness, or periods of light leakage.
So Depend Protection Plus is the winner for high capacity absorbency, while FIT-Flex suits lighter needs. Consider your typical leakage amounts when deciding between the two.
Comfort And Fit Comparison
Both Protection Plus and FIT-Flex aim to provide maximum comfort. However, they achieve this through different designs.
Protection Plus has a soft, quilted cover that feels cloth-like against the skin. It remains dry to the touch, keeping you comfortable. The pad material is highly absorbent but relatively slim to avoid bunching between the legs.
Meanwhile, FIT-Flex uses a 4-way stretch fabric that contours to your body. The underwear-like fit moves with you, ideal for active lifestyles. Lightweight and breathable, the soft fabric prevents sweatiness and discomfort. The pad is thin but absorbent.
Which is more comfortable? That depends on your needs:
- Protection Plus offers plush, quilted comfort with high capacity absorbency. But some may find it hot or bulky.
- FIT-Flex stretches and moves with you, great for activity. But the pad may not have enough absorbency for heavy leakage.
Try samples of both to see which feels best for your lifestyle and leakage amounts. Protection level often outweighs comfort for those with heavy incontinence. But for lighter leakage, FIT-Flex offers discretion and flexibility.
Appearance Comparison
Incontinence products understandably impact self-confidence and body image. Their appearance plays an important role in user experience. Let’s compare the aesthetics of Protection Plus and FIT-Flex.
Protection Plus looks and feels more like real underwear than many incontinence pads. The smooth, cloth-like cover is less crinkly and plastic-like. A wetness indicator strip turns blue rather than feeling cold and wet.
With FIT-Flex, the 4-way stretch fabric closely resembles real underwear. Its contoured fit lies smoothly against the body. The pad is thin to prevent bulky bunching between the legs. The lightweight material is discreet under clothing.
Which looks and feels more like real underwear?FIT-Flex may edge out Protection Plus in terms of aesthetics. Its underwear-like fit and flexibility creates a discreet, natural appearance. But Protection Plus also offers a more refined, sleek pad design than many incontinence products.
For the most discreet, “underwear-like” experience, FIT-Flex wins. But Protection Plus avoids the diaper-like feel of many high capacity pads. Both aim for an aesthetically pleasing, normalizing appearance.
Also Read: Is Huggies Simply Clean Better Than Natural Care?
Odor Control Comparison
Odor control is another key consideration in choosing incontinence products. Nothing feels more embarrassing than having urine or fecal odors noticeable to those around you.
Protection Plus uses odor-absorbing beads and activated carbon to trap odors. This helps contain smells in the pad, leaving you fresh. The dual LeakGuard system also minimizes leaks that could cause odors. Changing regularly will help prevent buildup of smells.
FIT-Flex also utilizes carbon panels and odor-fighting technologies. Its light incontinence pad limits fluid exposure that leads to odors. The contoured fit aims to contain leaks. Frequent changing is recommended for optimal freshness.
For maximum odor control, Protection Plus likely wins. With its high absorbency and specialized odor neutralizers, it can contain even heavy incontinence. FIT-Flex, while working to control odors, may not have the same capacity to trap smells from extensive leakage.
So Protection Plus is the champion in minimizing odors. But with responsible changing, both products aim for optimal freshness during wear.
Sizing And Fit Options
Both Depend products come in a range of sizing options to suit different bodies and needs:
Protection Plus Sizing
- Small/Medium: Waist 28-40” / Hip 32-45”
- Large: Waist 38-50” / Hip 41-50”
- X-Large: Waist 48-64” / Hip 48-64”
FIT-Flex Sizing
- Small: Waist 28-34” / Hip 32-40”
- Medium: Waist 34-44” / Hip 36-46”
- Large: Waist 40-52” / Hip 42-48”
- X-Large: Waist 48-58” / Hip 48-54”
Protection Plus offers gender-specific sizing for a better fit. FIT-Flex has unisex sizing but a contoured shape for adaptable coverage.
Make sure to consult sizing charts and select the right fit. A snug fit around the legs and waist prevents leaks. Underwear or tight clothing can help hold products in place. Sample different sizes to determine your ideal fit and coverage.
Cost Comparison
Product pricing often affects purchasing decisions. Moderately incontinent individuals use 4-6 pads/day, while those with heavy leakage use 8+ pads daily. Let’s compare costs:
Protection Plus Pricing
- Bag of 28 pads: $25
- Case of 186 pads: $99
FIT-Flex Pricing
- Bag of 22 pads: $25
- Case of 140 pads: $89
Based on 4-6 pads per day:
- Protection Plus: $25-38/month
- FIT-Flex: $31-46/month
Protection Plus offers more pads per package at a lower unit price. For heavy incontinence, Protection Plus provides cost savings from its larger packages. But FIT-Flex may be more affordable for light leakage needing fewer pads daily.
Consider your usual usage to determine potential monthly costs. Factor in any insurance coverage or rewards programs that reduce prices. Budget-friendly generic brands are also an option, but may compromise performance.
Also Read: Choose Between Depends Overnight And Maximum.
Additional Factors To Consider
Beyond absorbency, fit, and cost, other factors impact your experience:
- Skin health: Consider irritation risks and use breathable products that maintain skin integrity.
- Mobility level: Highly mobile individuals need secure protection that moves with the body.
- Dexterity: Look for easy fastening systems if you have limited mobility in your hands.
- Latex allergies: Choose products free of latex that could cause reactions.
- Pad or pant preference: Pads offer versatility while pull-on pants allow normal dressing/undressing.
- Frequency of changes: Absorbency needs determine how often pads require changing.
- Caregiving support: Those assisting with changes should provide input on preferred products.
Key Takeaways On Protection Plus Vs. FIT-Flex
Protection Plus
- Maximum absorbency
- Quilted, soft cover
- Ideal for heavy leakage like overnight
- Odor fighting technologies
- Lower cost per pad
FIT-Flex
- Underwear-like fit and feel
- 4-way stretch for comfort and mobility
- Discreet, thin pad
- Better for light incontinence
- Gender-specific sizing
Neither product is universally better – it depends on your needs. Protection Plus offers heavy absorbency for extensive leakage, while FIT-Flex suits lighter incontinence with a flexible, underwear-like design. Try both to see which provides the right protection, comfort and confidence for your situation. Also watch the video!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Depend Real Fit has a quilted, cloth-like material while Depend FIT-Flex uses a stretchy, underwear-like fabric that contours to your body. Real Fit is a traditional pad style with adhesive strips while FIT-Flex is a pull-on underwear design. FIT-Flex has moderate absorbency, making Real Fit better for heavy leakage.
Depend Protection Plus offers the highest absorbency rate of all Depend products. It contains dual LeakGuard cores and advanced locking gels to rapidly pull moisture into the pad. This makes it ideal for heavy or overnight incontinence.
Depend Protection Plus provides maximum absorbency protection, making it useful for:
Overnight incontinence, Heavy daytime leakage, Postpartum recovery, Physical mobility limitations, Frequent bladder emptying needs, Bladder leakage from condition like diabetes or prostate issues.
Its high capacity and leak protection offer confidence for heavy incontinence issues.
Yes, Depend offers a range of products for light, moderate and heavy incontinence. Some examples:
Real Fit – contoured pads with cloth-like cover
Silhouette – thin, discreet pads
Maximum Protection – high capacity with plastic outer layer
NightDefense – overnight pads with 10-12 hour protection
Underwear – absorbent pull-on style underwear
Guards for Men – small pads for drips
There are also various sizing options from small to XX-large. Shop the full range of products to find your ideal fit and protection level.
Also Read: Comparison Between Depend Ultimate And Maximum.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing the right incontinence product involves assessing your unique needs in terms of absorbency, fit, discretion, and pricing. Comparing Depend Protection Plus Vs.
Depend FIT-Flex highlights the key differences to guide you in finding the optimal solution for managing leakage. Consult with your doctor if you have any concerns as you explore your options.