*For more information on how I do reviews see Diaper Test Methodology
  > |
Summary
The Prevail Air Overnight is the most absorbent diaper in the Prevail line of products. These diapers feature stretchable sides with hook and loop fasteners. Even though it’s marketed for overnight wear it works just fine as a daily wear diaper with a relatively slim profile and very quiet backsheet. I feel it falls at the lower end of the premium or mid-market adult diapers for absorbency, taking about 1 to 2 wettings before leakage becomes an issue. It also lacks leg gathers so it may not be good for those with bowel incontinence. Otherwise, this is a very well rounded diaper and worth a try if you can get over the “hospital” look of these. It’s on a whole other level than the First Quality Full Matt diaper offered by the same company. Key Features:
- Cloth-like (non-woven) backsheet
- Repositionable tapes
- Stretchable sides
Pros:
- Breathable design
- Good absorbency
- Resistant to surface dampness
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Sides can tear
- No inner leak guards
- Hospital yellow backsheet
Product Details
For the purpose of this post I will be reviewing and referring to the medium-sized Prevail Air Overnight Adult Diaper. However, other available sizes are listed below:
Packaging
Brand: Prevail
Manufacturer: First Quality
Origin: USA
Units Per Bag: 16
Cost Per Unit: $$
Dimensions (L x W x H): 33 cm (13") x 17 cm (6.7") x 21 cm (8.27")
Weight: 1.55 kg (3.4 lbs)
Available Sizes: 1 (S/M), 2 (L), 3 (XL)
Advertised Absorbency: Overnight
      |
| 1.1 Prevail Air Overnight Packaging |
Diaper
Backsheet: Cloth-like (non-woven)
Wetness Indicator: Yes (two orange lines down middle, blue when wet)
Standing Inner Leak Guards: Yes
Leg Gathers: Yes
Product Style: Tab-Style Brief
Refastenable Tabs: Yes
Number of Tapes: 1
Repositionable Tabs: Yes
Outer Color: Light Yellow (white stretchable sides)
Inner Color: White (purplish-blue rectangle in middle padding)
Front Waistband: No
Rear Waistband: No
Folded Thickness: 2.5 cm (1")
Folded Length: 21 cm (8.3")
Dry Weight: 100 g (3.5 oz)
Fragrance: None
Diaper Dimensions (L x fW x mW x bW): 81 cm (31.9") x 47 cm (18.5") x 28 cm (11") x 56 cm (22.1")
Wing Shape (Front, Rear): Rectangular, Rectangular
Padding Dimensions (L x fW x mW x bW): 62 cm (24.4") x 22 cm (8.7") x 17 cm (6.7") x 23 cm (9.1")
Padding Wing Dimensions (fPW x fPH x bPW x bPH): 2.5 cm (1") x 15 cm (5.9") x 3 cm (1.2") x 22 cm (8.7")
Padding Wing Shape (Front, Rear): Semicircle, Semicircle
Total Padding Area: 1261 cm2 (195 in2)
Tape Spacing (t1): 1.0 cm (0.39")
Tape (W x L): 13 cm (5.1") x 2 cm (0.8")
      |
| 1.2 Prevail Air Overnight Diaper |
Laboratory Absorbency Tests
Total Absorption Volume (after press out): 950 ml (33.5 oz)
Total Absorption Volume (before press out): 975 ml (34.4 oz)
Time to Absorb Wettings (first to last): (44 s, 38 s, 39 s, 44 s)
Wet Folded Thickness: 5 cm (2")
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 86%
Total Padding to Absorbency Ratio: 0.75 ml / cm2 (0.17 oz / in2)
Press Out Volume: 25 ml (0.88 oz)
Surface Dampness Rating: 7
During the capacity test there was virtually no surface dampness after the first wetting and only a little after the second wetting. It wasn’t until the 3rd wetting that there was significant surface dampness, this puts it roughly in line with diapers like the Tena Slip Active Fit Maxi in this regard and is far better than any of the cheaper diapers tested so far. It also absorbed liquid much faster than many of the other diapers tested so far. This performance was confirmed in real world testing, where the Prevail Air Overnight rarely felt damp or clammy; certainly not after a single wetting.
  |
| 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: 1100 ml (38.8 oz)
Total Wettings: (1 standing, 2 sitting)
Leaked After Sitting: No
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 99%
Padding to Absorbency Score: 0.87 ml / cm2 (0.20 oz / in2)
Standing-Sitting Rating: 7
The Prevail Air Overnight performed decently when tested while standing and seated. The first wetting was absorbed quickly without any signs of leakage. I was a bit worried some moisture might escape through the front because it doesn’t have any leak guards but it held up. Once absorbed there was no sign of leakage when sitting down about 5 minutes later. There was a substantial amount of swelling at the front of the diaper after the first wetting. There was more substantial dampness after the second wetting while seated but the diaper managed to contain it all without leakage. Once absorbed, the dampness subsided. On the third wetting it leaked about half way through with moisture pushing up the front and coming through the sides and front leg gathers. The leak was substantial and I stopped the test there. I feel generally this diaper can handle 1~2 wettings during daily wear.
Lying Down
Total Absorbed Volume: 1100 ml (38.8 oz)
Total Wettings: 3
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 96%
Padding to Absorbency Score: 0.87 ml / cm2 (0.20 oz / in2)
Lying Down Rating: 7
The Prevail Air Overnight diaper performed surprisingly well when tested while lying down. It fully and rapidly absorbed the first wetting with little sensation of surface dampness. The second wetting was also fully absorbed without leakage and limited surface dampness. In the third wetting the diaper had substantial leakage from the rear. It wasn’t entirely clear where the leakage came from as it wasn’t too noticeable as a sensation; it appears to have seeped through the leg gathers. Overall, I feel this diaper could reliably handle 1~2 wettings while laying down before leakage becomes an issue. I found its performance to be similar to the Lille SupremFit.
  |
| 2.3 Pattern of Used vs Unused Padding Test Stand/Sit (right) Lying Down (left) |
Daily Wear and Bedwetting
The Prevail Air Overnight is far better than most generic store brand diapers you’ll find in terms of performance. It probably best fits at the lower end of the premium adult diapers. I’m not a big fan of the hospital yellow backsheet but it doesn’t rise too far above the pantline. It performed surprisingly well when it came to performance for bedwetting. I rarely noticed it and sometimes couldn’t even tell if it was wet upon waking up. I suppose that shouldn’t be surprising for a diaper with “overnight” in its name, but I had low expectations when I discovered it didn’t have leak guards. I believe its fast absorption rate may make up for the lack of leak guards. It can generally take 1~2 wettings while lying down before leakage would be a concern. I did however notice that the rear padding was a bit less absorbent than the front and mid-section padding. The Prevail diaper performed equally well when tested for daily wear. It consistently was able to take 1~2 wettings and not leak, even after sitting down. This diaper is also super soft and comfortable to wear, even when wet. The padding was also incredibly durable, which would help for more active individuals. Though be warned, it can produce noticeable diaper bulge at the crotch when wet. The primary downsides are that it can sag a little when wet and if you pull too hard on the tapes at the sides the sides can rip apart. It can also be a little hard to open the tapes with the way they’re folded but when stuck on the backsheet they adhere well. I’m curious how this diaper would perform with leak guards, but it absorbs quickly and has good wicking so I believe it was close to its theoretical capacity before leakages happened and leak guards might not make much of a difference. To sum it up, this is a well-rounded diaper that will work well for daily or overnight wear.Suitability for Bowel Incontinence: 5
The Prevail Air Overnight doesn’t appear to be designed for bowel incontinence. It doesn’t mention it on the packaging and the lack of leak guards could be a major drawback in that regard. The leg gathers are top notch and the fit would probably help reduce odors, but the rear padding is somewhat limited.
Wear & Tear Tests
Fitting
The Prevail Air Overnight features two single hook & loop tapes on stretchy sides similar to the Tena Stretch Super. The tapes are folded inwards to start so you need to pull them open, which can be a little tricky. Once open they will easily adhere to the cloth-like backsheet and aren’t too prone to shifting.
 |
| 3.1 Prevail Air Overnight Fastener |
Ease-of-Use Rating: 7
This Prevail diaper is generally easy to use. It doesn’t have waistbands, but the stretchable sides make it easy to find a good fit. The main hindrance is that they can slide slightly and are a little difficult to open from their folded state. Removing this diaper is easy and the single tapes make for faster changes. I’ve rated it similar to the Tena Stretch Super in this regard, though I feel the tapes may hold a little better.
 |
| 3.2 Prevail Air Overnight Diaper Fit |
Comfort
Comfort Rating (dry): 10
The Prevail Air Overnight is very comfortable when worn dry. It doesn’t have waistbands but the stretchy sides and large hook & loop tapes allow for a snug fit. The padding is very soft and right up there with the softest diapers I’ve tested. The overall padding area isn’t particularly large but the breathable non-woven backsheet is very soft and doesn’t chafe against the skin at all.
Comfort Rating (wet): 8
The Prevail diaper remained quite comfortable after a single wetting. Surface dampness was barely noticeable nor was there any sense of clamminess. The diaper did have a slight amount of sagging, but no noticeable clumping or tearing in the padding. I did notice that as the moisture makes it to the rear the rear padding that part of the padding exhibits more in the way of surface dampness. Were it a little more absorbent I may rate it even higher in this regard; it reminded me a little of the Seni Super Quatro.
  |
| 3.3 Prevail Air Overnight Topsheet and Backsheet |
Durability
Dry Padding Deterioration Proportion: 1.2% (topsheet), 2.2% (backsheet)
Shake Deterioration Test: 6 shakes to deterioration
Durability Rating (dry): 8
The Prevail Air Overnight had very little padding deterioration in the dry durability test and even that only occurred in non-core areas. It was comparable to the Seni Super Quatro in that respect. Even after 10 hours of dry wear the deterioration was minor. The main downside is that there’s a weakness in the part of the side adhering the stretchable sides to the remainder of the backsheet. If you’re not careful you can pull the tape panel right off and the diaper will be useless.
Durability Rating (wet): 7
The Prevail Air Overnight performed quite well in the wet diaper shake test, holding up to 6 shakes before deterioration. The padding is highly resistant to clumping or tearing. It may be a little more of a risk for tears in the tape panel but I didn’t find that was a big issue. The tapes have a large surface area and fairly strong grip. The tendency for the diaper to bulge in the front could be a challenge for those who are more active as this could increase the risk of it coming off. I found it to be similar to the Tena Stretch Super for durability.
  |
| 3.4 Prevail Air Overnight Dry Test Deterioration |
Discretion Tests
Profile
Front Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 5.0 cm (2"), 6.5 cm (2.6")
Back Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 8.0 cm (3.2"), 7 cm (2.8")
Side Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 4.0 cm (1.6"), 4.0 cm (1.6")
Profile Discretion Rating: 8
The Prevail Air Overnight has a pretty low rise above the pant line, but its yellowish backsheet could stand out when it does become visible. It’s not particularly thin, but it fits snug enough that it doesn’t bulge out much when dry. I noticed it can stick out slightly at the rear when dry while it can form a substantial diaper bulge in the front when wet. Overall, for its level of absorbency I can’t fault this diaper much when it comes to profile.
   |
| 4.1 Prevail Air Overnight Jeans Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear (right) |
   | |||
| 4.2 Prevail Air Overnight Jeans Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear (right) |
Noise
Noise Rating: 9
The Prevail Air Overnight was exceptionally quiet during testing. I again found it quite similar to the Tena Stretch Super in that regard. You may hear a very slight crinkling noise, but it’s very hard to notice. The tapes don’t shift much so you’re unlikely to hear the scratching noise that comes with that. I would say you could easily conceal this diaper in almost any environment.
 |
| 4.3 Prevail Air Overnight Noise Profile |
Odor Reduction
Odor Reduction Rating: 9
The Prevail Air Overnight did a great job at preventing odors. Part of this may have been due to its resistance to surface dampness, thereby preventing odors from forming. It’s likely also due to the padding design and relatively snug fit. It doesn’t have a waistband/leak guards and could perhaps provide further odor reduction with that, but I can’t complain about its performance and rarely noticed any sort of the odor from this diaper.
