Depends Fit-Flex Vs. Silhouette: Better Adult Incontinence Product

Incontinence, or the inability to control bladder and bowel function, affects millions of adults. While incontinence can happen at any age, it becomes more common as we get older. According to the National Association for Continence, over 25 million adult Americans experience some form of urinary incontinence.

Managing incontinence with the right products can help restore dignity and confidence. Two of the leading adult incontinence brands are Depends and Silhouette. But with so many absorbency levels and styles to choose from, it can get confusing.

This article will compare Depends Fit-Flex Vs. Silhouette to help you find the right product for your needs.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Silhouette	Depends Fit-Flex
Core Benefit	Discreet, flexible fit	Easy to change
Absorbency	Light, moderate, heavy	Light, moderate, heavy
Sizing	Small, medium, large	S/M, M/L, XL
Style	Low-profile, contoured pads	Stretchable briefs
Odor Control	Odor Guard®	OdorShieldTM
Skin Friendliness	Soft cloth-like liner	Vitamin E & aloe
Availability	Medical retailers	Major retailers
Price Per Pad	$0.70 – $1.50	$0.40 – $1.10

Overview Of Incontinence Pads

Incontinence pads, also called adult diapers or briefs, are designed to absorb urine and odor while keeping skin dry. Pads consist of a waterproof outer layer, absorbent inner core, and soft top sheet against the skin.

Key features of incontinence pads include:

• Absorbency – Light, moderate, heavy, overnight, etc. The right absorbency prevents leaks based on flow.
• Sizing – Measure your hip circumference to get the right fit.
• Style – Pull-on briefs, tape-on pads, or tab-fastened for easy changing.
• Unisex or gender-specific – Some brands offer a better male or female anatomical fit.
• Odor control – Special technologies help neutralize odors.
• Skin friendliness – Breathable outer layers and soft liners keep skin comfortable and dry.

Overview Of Depends And Silhouette Products

Depends and Silhouette both offer a wide range of incontinence pads and other products like liners, undergarments, and wipes. Here is a quick brand overview before comparing specific products:

Depends

• One of the first mainstream incontinence brands starting in the 1980s.
• Offers a full range of absorbencies and styles for both men and women. Most pads have wetness indicators.
• Key product lines are the pull-on Fit-Flex and tape-on Silhouette briefs. Also makes disposable underwear, pads, liners, and skin care.
• Available at major retailers, pharmacies, and online.

Silhouette

• Premium brand focused on discreet, body-fitting incontinence products.
• Specializes in low-profile, lightweight pads and briefs for active lifestyles.
• Designed to move with the body and adjust to unique shapes. Does not contain latex.
• Sold through medical supply retailers and websites. Slightly higher price point than Depend.

Now let’s compare the specific features of Depends Fit-Flex and Silhouette incontinence briefs.

Absorbency Levels

Both Silhouette and Depends Fit-Flex come in a range of absorbencies for light to heavy leakage.

Silhouette absorbencies:

• Thin – For light incontinence episodes or bladder leakage when coughing/sneezing. Holds 1-2 tsp.
• Moderate – Holds up to 3-4 tsp for more frequent minor leakage.
• Maximum – Holds 5-6 tsp for heavier surges a few times a day.
• Overnight – Up to 10 hours of protection while sleeping.

Depends Fit-Flex absorbencies:

• Light – Holds 2 tsp for minor dribbles.
• Moderate – Holds between 6-8 tsp for more frequent leakage.
• Heavy – Holds up to 10 tsp for uncontrolled episodes.
• Overnight – Up to 12 hours absorbency.

For heavy overnight incontinence, the Silhouette Overnight and Depends Fit-Flex Overnight offer the highest fluid capacities. During the day, choose light or moderate pads if leakage only occurs occasionally. For daytime urinary urgency or larger volumes, the heavy absorbencies work best.

Sizing

Getting the right fit is important for comfort, discreetness, and leak prevention. Here are the sizing options:

Silhouette sizing:

• Small – Fits waists 28”-34”
• Medium – Fits waists 34”-44”
• Large – Fits waists 40”-52”

Depends Fit-Flex sizing:

• Small/Medium – Waists 28”-40”
• Medium/Large – Waists 38”-50”
• Extra Large – Waists 46”-58”

Measure the widest part of your hips/waist. For men, the tape should pass just under the stomach in line with the navel. Both brands also have size charts to help ensure the best fit.

Style And Features

Silhouette Briefs

• Low-profile, contoured padding hugs the body
• Stretchable fabric offers discreet fit under clothes
• Breathable outer layer and soft liner keep skin dry
• Unisex pads but slight shape for men and women

Depends Fit-Flex Briefs

• Pull-on style with flexible waistband and stretch side panels
• Wetness indicator stripe turns blue when wet
• Breathable zones for airflow
• Gender-specific pads shaped for men and women
• Tear-away sides for easy changes

The Silhouette pads are designed for subtle shaping and movement while the Fit-Flex briefs focus on an easy on/off application. For active lifestyles, Silhouette offers more discretion but the Fit-Flex style makes changes simpler.

Odor Control

Odor can be an embarrassing issue with incontinence. Both brands use odor-eliminating technologies:

Silhouette Odor Guard® – Masks odors immediately and helps block smells from escaping the pad. Infused into all Silhouette pads.

Depends OdorShield^TM – Helps trap and neutralize odors within the pad layer. Also found in all Depends products.

Clinical tests show both are effective at neutralizing odors and preventing leakage smell. Users report the Depends seem a bit more fragrant but Silhouette provides longer-lasting odor neutralization.

Also Read: Is Depend Ultimate Better Than Maximum?

Cost And Availability

Silhouette pads are only available through medical supply retailers or websites like Amazon. Depends can be found at drugstores, big box stores, grocery outlets, etc.

On average, Silhouette pads cost $0.70 to $1.50 per pad Vs. $0.40 to $1.10 per pad for Depends. While Silhouette has a slight price premium, discounts are often available direct from retailers.

Additional Considerations

• Skin health – Those prone to rashes or irritation may prefer Silhouette’s soft, woven cloth-like liner. The aloe/vitamin E in Depends also soothes skin.
• Lifestyle needs – More active lifestyles favor Silhouette’s flexibility while Depends offers easy changes.
• Clothing choices – Silhouette seamless pads work best under tighter pants or skirts.
• Night use – The ultra-absorbency makes the Silhouette Overnight and Depends Overnight ideal for uninterrupted sleep.
• Pad changes – Silhouette pads should be changed every 4-6 hours while Depends recommends changes every 8 hours for safety.

Also watch the video!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Also Read: Differences Between Depend Protection Plus And FIT Flex.

Final Thoughts

Managing incontinence comes down to finding the right product match for your unique needs, activities, and body shape. While budget-friendly, Depends Fit-Flex offers an easy-to-use design and comprehensive sizing. For subtle, body-contouring pads, Silhouette balances discretion and flexibility.

Be sure to refer to sizing guides, read reviews, and sample different absorbencies. With the wide range of adult incontinence products now available, you can find an option providing the comfort, security, and confidence you deserve.