Tuesday, 5 November 2024

Pull-Ups 5T-6T Protective Underwear Review

 *For more information on how I do reviews see Diaper Test Methodology


 

Summary

Over the past couple years as many review suggestions have come in for products beyond adult diapers we’ve expanded to cover disposable and reusable protective underwear as well incontinence pads. In this review, I’m excited to kick off the first of a sub-series of the largest youth diapers and would like to give special thanks for the donation of Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T to kick off this review series. In these reviews I’ll cover the largest available youth products and try to best determine whether any are of a size that will fit the underserved “middle” market of small adults/large youths. For those in that size range there are relatively limited products available and large youth products have the benefit of being considerably cheaper than adult products. As someone who is typically in the small/medium range for adult products I doubt that any of these products will fit properly, but I’ll do my best to assess at what level they’ll perform at when scaled down.

Arguably, Pull-Ups aren’t quite a diaper, but more of a hybrid protective underwear-diaper product, since they can be pulled on/off like regular underwear straight out of the package but have refastenable sides that can be attached/detached like a regular diaper. The fasteners on these are completely different from conventional diapers because the adhesive hook & loop tabs are on the front wing facing outward whereas diapers typically have such fasteners on the rear wings facing inwards. Otherwise, they very closely resemble the Goodnites line of products but are marketed toward toilet training rather than bedwetting. Moreover, the regular Pull-Ups covered in this review appear to be targeting daytime use because there’s a whole different product line for overnight wear. Like Goodnites, these are a gendered product with different areas of targeted absorbent padding for the boys vs girls product (this review will only be covering the boys version). I have to admit, I was highly skeptical I’d even be able to pull these around my waist but the waist size fit surprisingly well. It was the low rise that caused me the most trouble, which was just barely long enough to be functional. Absorbency was also slightly less than experienced in the Goodnites XL line of products, but not nearly as different as I would have expected for a product targeting half the weight range. Having tested and measured the Pull-Ups 5T-6T extensively, I’ve come to the conclusion that they will work best for someone up to 80% of my dimensions, so a weight of up to 110 lbs (50 kg) and a waist of 24~26” (61~66”). Certainly if you fit into such a range it could be a cost effective choice, assuming absorbency is sufficient.


Key Features:

  • Cloth-like backsheet
  • Dual waistbands
  • Colorful Disney character prints
  • Standing inner leak guards
  • Wetness indicator
  • Refastenable sides

Pros:

  • Comfortable and breathable
  • Easy to change
  • Highly flexible/durable

Cons:

  • Low absorbency
  • Thin mid/rear padding, susceptible to pressout leaks
  • Very small sizing (this product is designed for youths)

 

Product Details

For the purpose of this post I will be reviewing and referring to the large-sized 5T-6T sized Pull-Ups Boys Protective Underwear. However, other available sizes are listed below:


Packaging

Brand: Huggies Pull-Ups
Manufacturer: Kimberly-Clark Corp
Origin: USA
Units Per Bag: 14
Cost Per Unit: $
Dimensions (L x W x H): 17 cm (6.7") x 10 cm (3.9") x 23 cm (9.1")
Weight: 0.50 kg (1.1 lbs)
Available Sizes: 2T-3T,3T-4T,4T-5T,5T-6T
Advertised Absorbency: Day-Time

1.1 Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T Protective Underwear Packaging

Diaper

Backsheet: Cloth-like (non-woven)
Wetness Indicator: Yes
Standing Inner Leak Guards: Yes
Leg Gathers: Yes
Product Style: Hybrid Protective Underwear
Refastenable Tabs: Yes
Number of Tapes: 1
Repositionable Tabs: Yes
Outer Color: Blue (Disney Mikey Mouse patterns)
Inner Color: White (blue sides)
Front Waistband: Yes
Rear Waistband: Yes
Folded Thickness: 1.2 cm (0.47")
Folded Length: 22 cm (8.7")
Dry Weight: 40 g (1.4 oz)
Fragrance: No
Diaper Dimensions (L x fW x mW x bW): 53 cm (20.9") x 29 cm (11.4") x 17 cm (6.7") x 30 cm (11.8")
Wing Shape (Front, Rear): Rectangular, Rectangular
Padding Dimensions (L x fW x mW x bW): 43 cm (16.9") x 10 cm (3.9") x 8 cm (3.2") x 10 cm (3.9")
Padding Wing Dimensions (fPW x fPH x bPW x bPH): 1 cm (0.4") x 9 cm (3.5") x 1 cm (0.4") x 8 cm (3.2")
Padding Wing Shape (Front, Rear): Rectangular, Rectangular
Total Padding Area: 378 cm2 (59 in2)
Tape Spacing (t1): 1 cm (0.4")
Tape (W x L): 11.5 cm (4.5") x 1.5 cm (0.6")


1.2 Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T Protective Underwear


Laboratory Absorbency Tests

Total Absorption Volume (after press out): 470 ml (16.6 oz)
Total Absorption Volume (before press out): 472 ml (16.7 oz)
Time to Absorb Wettings (first to last): (39 s, 38 s)
Wet Folded Thickness: 4 cm (1.6")
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 100%
Total Padding to Absorbency Ratio: 1.42 ml / cm2 (0.32 oz / in2)
Press Out Volume: 2 ml (0.07 oz)

Surface Dampness Rating: 6

Considering it has such a low overall absorbency, the Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T performed surprisingly well with regards to surface dampness. During the lab test there was no perceivable moisture after the first wetting. It was more noticeable on the second wetting, but not completely saturated like I’ve seen in some tests. This aligns it with what was seen in the Goodnites XL. I can also say, I noticed a similar thing during real world testing, but what I found was the front padding was considerably more resistant to surface dampness than the rear padding.


2.1 Wet vs Dry Diaper After Capacity Test


2.2 Used vs Unused Padding After Capacity Test


"Real World" Absorbency Tests

Posture Tests


Standing-Sitting

Total Absorbed Volume: 360 ml (12.7 oz)
Total Wettings: (1 standing)
Leaked After Sitting: Yes
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 96%
Padding to Absorbency Score: 0.95 ml / cm2 (0.22 oz / in2)

Standing-Sitting Rating: 2
The Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T surprised me when tested while standing. I was very much expecting a rapid leak given my being well above the intended sizing. Instead, the first wetting while standing was fully absorbed without leaks. Though not to say it didn’t feel a bit precarious at first, as there was initially considerable pooling in the mid padding that lasted a minute or so before being fully absorbed and surely could have leaked if shifted too much one way or another, but wasn’t affected by regular walking. Once fully absorbed the underwear swelled a bit, but otherwise felt comfortable and the surface dampness wasn’t too noticeable. Its breathable design certainly helped in that regard. The performance up to this point was similar to what I experienced when testing the Goodnites so I was very much expecting a leak upon sitting and the Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T did indeed moderately leak through the rear leg gathers very soon after sitting. The overall absorbency was only a little short of what was found when testing the Goodnites, but none of these have enough absorbency to protect against pressout moisture upon sitting without the use of a booster pad. To keep with a consistent scale, I’m rating the Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T according to the same standard as other products in this blog, but clearly they could score better if adjusted for youth needs.


Lying Down

Total Absorbed Volume: 435 ml (15.3 oz)
Total Wettings: 1
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 100%
Padding to Absorbency Score: 1.15 ml / cm2 (0.26 oz / in2)

Lying Down Rating: 1

The Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T isn’t designed for bedwetting. Instead, there seems to be a night version of Pull-Ups or Goodnites product line that fill the overnight role. In any case, this product won’t absorb a full wetting when lying down and, assuming you’re able to fit it, it would be best used only if you have small to moderate leakage overnight. During testing it was comparable to a less absorbent version of Goodnites. The first wetting quickly resulted in pooling, which pushed back up the front and leaked out through the wings. By the end of the wetting, the underwear was completely saturated. Interestingly, the absorbency wasn’t that different from the Goodnites L/XL Boys or Goodnites L/XL Girls, though neither of those hit the same level of padding saturation when lying down. Once again, I’m rating the Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T according to the general standard in this blog and they will perform a bit better when adjusted for youth needs.


2.3 Pattern of Used vs Unused Padding Test Stand/Sit (right) Lying Down (left)


Daily Wear and Bedwetting

The Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T was a challenging product to review given my being well over the intended weight range. This line of protective underwear is clearly marketing for toilet training, though arguably the 5T-6T range will be quite sufficient for older youths with special needs above the 60 lbs (27 kg) given its sizing and performance are not considerably lower than that of the Goodnites line, which tops out at 140 lbs (64 kg). For reference, my weight of ~140 lbs (64 kg) / waist 30~32” (76~81 cm) has me at the top of the Goodnites XL suggested range. That underwear fits well for me, even if the waist rise is a little lower than I might otherwise prefer. It also consistently absorbs at least a single wetting without leaks when combined with a small diaper booster (without the booster it’s hit-or-miss and quite susceptible to pressout moisture upon sitting after a wetting). In testing, I found the Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T fit surprisingly well around my waist, as the sides had no trouble stretching and sitting where they were without feeling tight. I’d initially expected the refastenable sides to tear open, but it never happened once, they were solid. The primary source of discomfort was the low rise, with the protective underwear just barely giving me enough rise to be functional. Looking at the measurements, I found the dimensions of the Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T were about 80% of the Goodnites XL, so perhaps a more accurate maximum to the range would be a weight of 110 lbs (50 kg) and a waist of 24~26” (61~66”) and even at that range it would be best used with a diaper booster. With that in mind, I did my best to give these a thorough review. In my testing, they clearly weren’t suited for bedwetting and leaked quickly in that scenario. The big problem with these is that the most absorbent padding is up at the front and the rear padding has very little absorbency. But with me being oversized for these, it also was prone to damming in the mid-section due to the snug fit, resulting in quick leaks through the sides. When tested for daily wear, this protective underwear consistently absorbed a full wetting while standing. In that case, the tightness of the Pull-Ups might have actually been a benefit as I found there was significant pooling but nothing made it through the edges. Either way, even if it absorbs a full wetting while standing it will leak very soon after sitting, though I can imagine smaller wettings that stay contained in the front padding won’t make it to the thinner mid-rear padding. So with all that in mind, while this protective underwear is targeted at youths it might actually work for some small adults or teens with dimensions at 80% or less of my own. Personally, it was good to know they could even be feasible for someone my size and I’d certainly consider them if I was in a pinch and couldn’t find a larger product. Absorbency is somewhat limited and I would only trust it to not leak if your wettings are typically 250 ml (8.5 oz) or less. But if that works for your needs then these consistently come in at a cheaper price than Goodnites or other adult diapers and could be a budget-friendly alternative.


Suitability for Bowel Incontinence: 6

When appropriately sized, the Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T are likely a little better suited to managing bowel leakage than the Goodnites if only due to the easy-change sides. Otherwise, the two products are nearly identical in this regard. Pull-Ups have key features you’d want for bowel management like standing inner leak guards and dual waistbands. Though the breathable design will make them more susceptible to odors and the thin/limited rear padding will limit its utility. Still I wouldn’t say these are as well suited as diapers to the matter.


Wear & Tear Tests


Fitting

The Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T is designed for a weight range of 46-60 lbs (21-27 kg) and sits as the largest product of the Pull-Ups lineup. The target range is clearly youths. So, as one might expect, this protective underwear will only properly fit very small adults or teens, though based on my experience there’s a very generous amount of give above the 60 lbs (27 kg) limit (for reference, I’m a little over the double that and was able to find a functional fit). Looking at the dimension measurements, this makes sense as the measurements are generally within 80% of the similarly built Goodnites XL, which has a target range up to 140 lbs (64 kg) and fits me comfortably. The Pull-Ups protective underwear is similar to Goodnites, but has what I call a hybrid diaper-protective underwear design. You can pull it up/down like regular underwear, but it also has hook & loop fasteners on the front wings that connect to the rear wings. So it can also be attached and detached like a regular diaper, by fastening the wings together. This would make it a convenient product for changes on the go where removing pants for a change isn’t practical. Also, like Goodnites, this protective underwear features a cloth-like backsheet and highly elastic, breathable design. The underwear’s rise is also several centimeters short of the already low rise on the Goodnites.

3.1 Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T Fastener


Ease-of-Use Rating: 9

If you or the one you care for is actually able to fit the Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T protective underwear then it’s about as easy to use a product as you can find. It has the great features of a diaper, like the ability to make adjustments after applying it and a wetness indicator to let you know when it’s time for change. Alternatively, you can just pull it up and down like regular underwear and the super elastic design means minimal adjustments are likely needed anyway. However, there are a few issues to watch for. Like the pre-Quicksorb versions Goodnites, the sides on this underwear can become a little loose with extended wear, which puts it at risk of sagging. Also, I found the hook & loop fastener design could be a bit tricky to fasten because it goes against the normal diaper convention. The fastener material is on the front wings/faces outward and you need to stretch to rear wings over it for fitting, but there is a limit to how much you’d actually want to stretch it because pulling it too far forward will cause the wing to overhang so the fastening must be nearly perfectly aligned between the edge of the rear wing and the front wing. Without that perfect alignment you will end up with an overhang of the rear wing, which risks getting caught on clothing and coming undone. In a typical diaper the fastener would be on the rear wings and facing inward, which is ideal for changes. For this reason, it will be much easier to remove using the side tabs than to put on a new one via this method. This product is definitely designed primarily for use as protective underwear. Still, I don’t count that too much against Pull-Ups as it’s not a core use-case and the hybrid design is still a major differentiator compared with nearly every other product on the market.

3.2 Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T Protective Underwear Fit

Comfort


Comfort Rating (dry): 9

I rate the dry comfort of the Pull-Ups protective underwear at about the same level as that of Goodnites. These were obviously a little too small for me, but I didn’t detract from comfort rating on that account as they’re designed for youth wear. This underwear is highly comfortable with a highly breathable design and I never felt like I was overheating during wear. They are somewhat susceptible to overstretching and very slight sagging after extended wear, but the sides are rock solid and I never notice any sign of tearing or deterioration. The padding itself is also robust, just like the Goodnites, and doesn’t easily clump or tear. Even being oversized for these, I found the fit to be snug and surprisingly comfortable so I’m quite confident those with a proper fit will have no issues with dry comfort.


Comfort Rating (wet): 6

The Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T ranks similar to the Goodnites XL for wet comfort. The absorbency is lower, but for its targeted weight range that’s less an issue. Both are made of the same sort of material, with a padding that’s relatively good at resisting surface dampness in its core “targeted” areas. Yet in the thinner padding toward the mid-section and rear it’s far more susceptible to pressout moisture and will feel notably damper than the front padding. Also, the padding in this protective underwear will remain relatively intact without obvious additional tearing or clumping when wet. However, one thing that may detract from wet comfort is the slight tendency to sag as the sides stretch and can give the feeling of it coming loose.

3.3 Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T Protective Underwear Topsheet and Backsheet

Durability

Dry Padding Deterioration Proportion: 17.2% (topsheet), 15.5% (backsheet)
Shake Deterioration Test: 3 shakes to deterioration


Durability Rating (dry): 9
I rate the Pull-Up Boys 5T-6T at about the same level as the Goodnites XL when it comes to dry durability. During the dry durability test the performance was remarkably similar with no deterioration in the core padding. There was no noticeable clumping or tearing of the padding, just some peripheral damage. I believe the sizing contributed to it appearing larger than it actually was, and I feel in this case the percent of deterioration can be overlooked when much of it was non-impactful. Additionally, I found I was able to wear the Pull-Ups protective underwear for many hours without any sign of the sides coming loose or overstretching. It maintained a comfortable fit the whole time, with only a slight loosening after many hours of wear. I also tried reattaching the tabs on the side, and while they can be difficult to position, they can easily be reattached multiple times without deteriorating or significantly losing adhesiveness. I have no doubt this protective underwear can be worn for very active wear without worry about deterioration. Though one thing I will note is that it’s similar to the previous generation of the Goodnites XL with an issue where the outer cloth material can separate from the plastic backsheet after a while. It doesn’t impact performance, just makes it look a bit more deteriorated than it otherwise might.


Durability Rating (wet): 8

The wet state of the Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T is little changed from its dry state. In both cases the only obvious deterioration happened near the periphery of the padding with core padding remaining intact. However, like the Goodnites XL, the Pull-Ups sides can lose some of their flexibility over time. I wouldn’t say it’s a huge issue, just something to be aware of. I don’t feel the condition of the padding will be significantly impacted by activity when wet, perhaps being only slightly more susceptible to clumping. Regardless, I again rank the Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T the same as the Goodnites XL in this regard, given the obvious similarities.

3.4 Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T Protective Underwear Dry Test Deterioration


Discretion Tests


Profile

Front Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 0 cm (0"), 0 cm (0")
Back Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 0 cm (0"), 0 cm (0")
Side Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 0 cm (0"), 0 cm (0")

Profile Discretion Rating: 10

The Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T  have the same profile, scaled down, as the Goodnites XL. If you’re able to properly fit this protective underwear and are at an age where you’d actually care about discretion, then it’s highly unlikely to be noticed as it fits with a low profile and the padding is quite thin. It should be super easy to conceal this under clothing. However, this comes with a big caveat. The outer print of this underwear is a mix of colorful Disney Characters that would be quite obvious if the backsheet were exposed through thin outerwear or above the waistline.

4.1 Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T Protective Underwear Jeans Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear (right)

4.2 Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T Protective Underwear Sweats Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear (right) 


Noise

Noise Rating: 10

The Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T are nearly identical to the Goodnites when it comes to noise discretion. They have a very flexible design and cloth-like backsheet that isn’t susceptible to noise. Though, for whatever reason, did notice a crinkling noise a bit more from these when compared with the Goodnites. I suspect this is because the rather tight fit pulled the cloth-like backsheet looser from the underlying plastic layer, so this won’t be as much of an issue for those with a better fit. The hook & loop bits on the side might also cause some noise if they become dislodged, but I didn’t notice any noise from those. In any case, it would be quite easy to conceal this sound under clothing.

4.3 Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T Protective Underwear Noise Profile
 

Odor Reduction

Odor Reduction Rating: 8
The Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T once again matches the Goodnites when it comes to odor discretion. It has no added fragrance and a very breathable design. The area of padding coverage is also relatively limited. Moreover, I’d say the front padding, which is more absorbent and resistant to surface dampness will outperform the rear padding when it comes to odor reduction. Yet, for a product like Pull-Ups, perhaps odor discretion is less important anyway as its primary purpose is toilet training so ideally it’d never get to that point.


Want to give the Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T a try?

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Saturday, 26 October 2024

Medi Friends Deluxe Tape Adult Diapers Review

 *For more information on how I do reviews see Diaper Test Methodology


 

Summary

The Medi Friends Deluxe Tape Adult Diaper is a plastic-backed Korean diaper that can be found in certain Korean retailers. It’s produced by a manufacturer named “Clean Country” in Korea, which also produces other sanitary and paper products. In terms of sizing it’s relatively limited with only an L and XL size. However, in reality the large would be equivalent to a medium in most countries and for myself, having a typical medium fit, I found the large worked just fine. Key features advertised by this diaper include the absorption layer, elastic design and dual moisture channels that run down the padding. You’re unlikely to find this diaper outside Korea as it seems to be marketed exclusively within the country.

In terms of performance, I found it consistently managed a single wetting under any conditions. I never had issues with leaks or damage to the backsheet/topsheet. It has a quality build and the design makes it really easy to get a snug fit. However, it’s hardly the most comfortable diaper I’ve tested, particularly when wet. When wet it can be susceptible to surface dampness and pressout. Still, for the price point it provides a great degree of value and with a good booster it would be even better. I’d certainly recommend giving it a try if you happen to be in Korea.


Key Features:

  • Plastic backsheet
  • Standing inner leak guards
  • Wetness indicator
  • Tape landing zone
  • Repositionable fasteners
  • Rear waistband

Pros:

  • Highly durable
  • Very easy to get a snug fit
  • Consistent absorbency

Cons:

  • Surface dampness
  • Limited availability
  • Limited sizing options

 

Product Details

For the purpose of this post I will be reviewing and referring to the large-sized Medi Friends Deluxe Tape Adult Diaper. However, other available sizes are listed below:


Packaging

Brand: Medi Friends Deluxe
Manufacturer: Clean Country Co., Ltd
Origin: Korea
Units Per Bag: 10
Cost Per Unit: $
Dimensions (L x W x H): 23 cm (9.1") x 16 cm (6.3") x 25 cm (9.8")
Weight: 0.95 kg (2.1 lbs)
Available Sizes: L,XL
Advertised Absorbency: Quadruple

1.1 Medi Friends Deluxe Tape Adult Diaper Packaging

Diaper

Backsheet: Plastic (poly)
Wetness Indicator: Yes
Standing Inner Leak Guards: Yes
Leg Gathers: Yes
Product Style: Tab-Style Brief
Refastenable Tabs: Yes
Number of Tapes: 2
Repositionable Tabs: Yes
Outer Color: White (reddish-brown numbered landing zone + blue drops down middle)
Inner Color: White
Front Waistband: No
Rear Waistband: Yes
Folded Thickness: 2.50 cm (0.98")
Folded Length: 24 cm (9.5")
Dry Weight: 100 g (3.5 oz)
Fragrance: No
Diaper Dimensions (L x fW x mW x bW): 81.5 cm (32.1") x 63 cm (24.8") x 29 cm (11.4") x 60 cm (23.6")
Wing Shape (Front, Rear): Rectangular, Rectangular
Padding Dimensions (L x fW x mW x bW): 64 cm (25.2") x 27 cm (10.6") x 17 cm (6.7") x 33 cm (13")
Padding Wing Dimensions (fPW x fPH x bPW x bPH): 5 cm (2") x 12 cm (4.7") x 8 cm (3.2") x 17 cm (6.7")
Padding Wing Shape (Front, Rear): Semicircle, Semicircle
Total Padding Area: 1480 cm2 (229 in2)
Tape Spacing (t1 x t2): 4 cm (1.6") x 11 cm (4.3")
Tape (W x L): 2 cm (0.8") x 4 cm (1.6")

1.2 Medi Friends Deluxe Tape Adult Diaper


Laboratory Absorbency Tests

Total Absorption Volume (after press out): 695 ml (24.5 oz)
Total Absorption Volume (before press out): 700 ml (24.7 oz)
Time to Absorb Wettings (first to last): (94 s, 63 s, 84 s)
Wet Folded Thickness: 4 cm (1.6")
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 77%
Total Padding to Absorbency Ratio: 0.70 ml / cm2 (0.16 oz / in2)
Press Out Volume: 5 ml (0.18 oz)

Surface Dampness Rating: 3

During the lab test, the Medi Friends diaper showed obvious surface dampness from the first wetting and a lot of surface dampness after the second wetting. The presence of surface dampness was also confirmed during real world testing and I’d say this is one of the diapers where you’re likely to notice surface dampness on the first wetting. I rank it about the same as the Leway diaper in this regard.

 

2.1 Wet vs Dry Diaper After Capacity Test


2.2 Used vs Unused Padding After Capacity Test

"Real World" Absorbency Tests

Posture Tests


Standing-Sitting

Total Absorbed Volume: 625 ml (22.1 oz)
Total Wettings: (1 standing, 1 sitting)
Leaked After Sitting: No
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 81%
Padding to Absorbency Score: 0.42 ml / cm2 (0.10 oz / in2)

Standing-Sitting Rating: 5
The Medi Friends Deluxe diaper performed reasonably when tested while standing and sitting. The first wetting while standing was easily absorbed and distributed through the padding. The moisture briefly pooled around the mid padding with much of the front and rear padding remaining dry. After a short while the moisture did wick through into the other padding and it didn’t feel particularly damp. There was no hint of leakage upon sitting shortly after nor any obvious pressout moisture. On the second wetting while seated, moisture pushed up the front and there was noticeable pooling above the crotch. However, nothing made it past the leak guards and into the wings so it stayed within the padding. Eventually the pooling subsided and the moisture made it down into the mid-padding where it still felt quite saturated. Surprisingly there weren’t any leaks below the diaper as the moisture made it back down and slowly wicked backward. However, after a more extended period of sitting I noticed two distinctive leaks through the rear leg gathers even though there was still a decent area of dry rear padding. The leaks were enough to leave a substantial mark, so I ended the test at that. I do feel this diaper should be safe for absorbing at least one wetting during daily usage, but I wouldn’t count on it absorbing more than that because moisture tends to end up in the middle padding where it’s susceptible to pressout.


Lying Down

Total Absorbed Volume: 730 ml (24.8 oz)
Total Wettings: 2
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 94%
Padding to Absorbency Score: 0.49 ml / cm2 (0.11 oz / in2)

Lying Down Rating: 6

The Medi Friend Deluxe diaper performed decently when tested while lying down. In the first wetting there was initially a bit of pooling but it was completely absorbed after a short while and distributed through the rear padding. By the time it was fully absorbed the rear padding was mostly wet but there was still a large area of dry padding at the front since the looser fit resulted in most moisture moving downward below the crotch. The diaper felt a little damp at this point, but not to the point of discomfort and there were no signs of any leaks. The second wetting was clearly going to leak given much of the padding was wet after the first wetting. Initially the leak guards did a great job at keeping the pooling contained within the structure so it didn’t leak immediately but there was a substantial pool of moisture that could never be absorbed over the mid-padding and eventually a lot of it made it through the rear leg gathers resulting in a substantial leak. There was also a significant, but smaller, leak out below the rear waistband. Given these findings, I believe the Medi Friend Deluxe will generally absorb a single wetting while lying down but I wouldn’t have confidence in it absorbing any more than that. Its absorbency seems quite tuned to a single wetting level of protection.


2.3 Pattern of Used vs Unused Padding Test Stand/Sit (right) Lying Down (left)


Daily Wear and Bedwetting

The Medi Friends Deluxe Tape diaper proved surprisingly robust during testing. Overall absorbency wasn’t particularly high, with just enough to comfortably absorb a large single wetting. However, it was remarkably consistent in how well it prevented leaks at this level, without even so much as minor leakage when wet while sitting or lying down. I attribute this to the diaper’s very effective leak barriers and snug fitting design. The padding itself is susceptible to surface dampness and pressout moisture, even after a single wetting, but at least you can have confidence that it won’t leak. Notably, this diaper also has two distinctive moisture channel groves running down the padding, which help it with wicking. Were it more absorbent, it could easily rank among the premium diapers. As it is, I find it can feel a bit damp when wet and that can detract from comfort. From my testing I can say I’d have confidence with this diaper for daily wear or bedwetting as long as there’s only a single wetting. I found its design to be highly durable and I feel it will be fine with exercise and active wear, though I’d be a bit more worried about padding clumping or tearing when wet so you’d want to change relatively quickly if active. I never had any issues with the tapes moving and if anything they were a bit too adhesive and could be difficult to remove (similar to what I experience with the NorthShore MegaMax). Another interesting aspect of this diaper is that the plastic backsheet has small indentations similar to the Leway diaper, but again it’s completely moisture impermeable. Aside from that, I found it very easy to fit consistently, partly because the landing zone has patterns to repeat the same good fit and partly because it naturally has a very snug fitting design that doesn’t require much adjustment. It’s not the cheapest diaper on the market, but cheaper than most North American or European diapers you’d find so it provides a good amount of quality for the price. If you’re in Korea, I’d highly recommend giving it a try as it performed the best of those I’ve tested so far, above the Saehan Gumbi or Leway diapers.


Suitability for Bowel Incontinence: 9

I feel the Medi Friends diaper will manage bowel incontinence a little better than the Leway diaper and rank it among the better diapers in this category. It has a plastic backsheet with a generous amount of rear padding, strong elastic leg barriers and a rear waistband. All these features seem geared for effective containment. The only reason I don’t give it a perfect score is because the padding can be susceptible to surface dampness, where I feel a perfect diaper for the job should be highly resistant to surface dampness as well as providing strong containment barriers.


Wear & Tear Tests


Fitting

The Medi Friends Deluxe Tape diaper features a plastic backsheet with a large tape landing zone at the front. The fasteners use an adhesive tape material and are high quality and have a very strong grip when fastened. Interestingly, the tapes have the two tone pattern you might expect for stacked double-tapes like the Tranquility ATN, but there is only a single tape per fastener in this diaper. The tapes can be repositioned multiple times for adjustment after the initial application. The plastic in this diaper is textured and resembles other Korean diapers like the Leway diapers. It has a rear-waistband, which helps with fit. Meanwhile, the sizing also seems to match other Korean diapers, with the large being similar to what you’d typically expect from a medium in terms of fit, although this brand seems to start at large with no medium size in the lineup.

3.1 Medi Friends Deluxe Tape Fastener
 

Ease-of-Use Rating: 9

The Medi Friends Deluxe Tape diaper is highly user friendly. I found it very easy to get a snug fit with this diaper as the elastic leg gathers and waistband wrap the wearer’s body when applied. It’s also easy to apply the tapes to the landing zone and the landing zone numbering makes it easy to reproduce a good fit once you’ve found the fit that works best. This diaper also features a wetness indicator of blue dots down the middle that fade when wet, making it a good choice for care environments as well. The only thing that might make this diaper a bit more difficult to use is that the tapes are almost too adhesive. I found it can be difficult to remove the tape at times to adjust it and if you pull the tape too hard it can result in damage.

3.2 Medi Friends Deluxe Tape Diapers Fit
 

Comfort


Comfort Rating (dry): 8

I put the Medi Friends Deluxe diaper ahead of the similar Leway diaper when it comes to dry comfort. I found the fit on this diaper to be outstanding with the rear waistband really helping to keep it snug. The padding and backsheet are quite soft, though not the softest on the market. Likewise, this diaper is good with heat dissipation, but not quite among the best either. The padding in this diaper, while fairly thin, proved more durable than the Leway diaper. I never had any issues with tapes coming loose or dry sagging in this diaper.


Comfort Rating (wet): 6

The Medi Friends diaper’s padding felt noticeably damp when wet and I wouldn’t rank it among the higher rated diapers for wet comfort. However, surface dampness was really the only issue I noticed in terms of discomfort. Otherwise the padding itself held together without obvious clumping or tearing and condition was little changed from the dry state. The tapes held up incredibly well so there was no obvious dip or sagging with the added weight of the wet diaper, though the looseness of the padding does mean the padding will sit a little lower when wet. I didn’t find this diaper’s plastic backsheet to be as breathable as others like the Dr P. and thus the lower rating.

3.3 Medi Friends Deluxe Tape Adult Diapers Topsheet and Backsheet

Durability

Dry Padding Deterioration Proportion: 8.9% (topsheet), 12.7% (backsheet)
Shake Deterioration Test: 5 shakes to deterioration


Durability Rating (dry): 8
The Medi Friends Deluxe has a remarkably durable design. During dry durability testing I didn’t notice any sort of shifting in the fit and the tapes held up strongly with multiple refastenings. If anything the tapes are probably a little too strong as I feel that removing them too quickly could risk damaging them, but I didn’t count that as too big a factor in terms of dry durability. Other than that, the padding in this diaper was surprisingly durable given its relatively thin structure. After the extended test there wasn’t any obvious clumping or tearing with most of the deterioration in non-core padding where the wider padding collapsed inward and on the outer parts of the wings. As far as dry durability goes this diaper may perform surprisingly well for active wear when absorbency is sufficient.


Durability Rating (wet): 7

The Medi Friends diaper had wet durability roughly equivalent to its dry durability with limited padding deterioration, mostly at the edges. The core padding didn’t show any signs of clumping or obvious tearing. Otherwise, the tapes held remarkably well and were completely unmoved by the added weight of the wet diaper during testing. I feel the structure of this diaper will hold up well to active wear or even more intensive exercises, but the padding still feels a bit more susceptible to coming apart than the more durable diapers on the market like the Drylife SlipSuper.

3.4 Medi Friends Deluxe Tape Adult Diaper Dry Test Deterioration


Discretion Tests


Profile

Front Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 4 cm (1.6"), 5 cm (2")
Back Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 6 cm (2.4"), 5 cm (2")
Side Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 9 cm (3.5"), 7.5cm (3")

Profile Discretion Rating: 7

This diaper has a notable rise above the waistline, but otherwise keeps quite snug to the wearer’s body. I think with some care you could easily cover it under most outfits, but it will show through tighter fitting clothing. If not worn under meshpants or regular underwear there may be a slight bulge at the crotch and rear of the diaper where the backsheet allows a bit more of a gap. I rank it similar to the Attends Care Poly Briefs in this regard.

4.1 Medi Friends Deluxe Tape Adult Diapers Jeans Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear (right)

4.2 Medi Friends Deluxe Tape Adult Diapers Sweats Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear (right) 


Noise

Noise Rating: 6

I noticed a slight crinkling noise from the Medi Friends Deluxe diaper when walking, sitting or standing up. It wasn’t super obvious and far less than you’d get from something like the Forsite Under the Sea, but clearly a noise you’d get from a diaper. I feel that at this level you could mostly cover it up with use of meshpants or underwear. I suspect a lot of the noise is actually coming from the thicker padding in the landing zone.

4.3 Medi Friends Deluxe Tape Noise Profile


Odor Reduction

Odor Reduction Rating: 8
I rank the Medi Friends Deluxe diaper highly in terms of odor reduction. A large part of this comes from how effective the structure is at containment. I can’t say I noticed odors very often while testing this diaper and it does seem to have some design elements to help with that. However, it’s also quite susceptible to pressout and surface dampness, which can contribute to the formation of odors. Overall, I feel the structure still gives it a slight edge over many other diapers on the market in this regard.