Sunday 23 February 2020

Molicare Slip Max (Super Plus) Adult Diaper Review

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


Summary

The MoliCare Slip Maxi (formerly Super Plus) is a highly absorbent plastic-backed adult diaper with a distinctive blue backing and extensive soft/thick padding. In its former form as the Molicare Super Plus it had a lavender backing and may have been a little more absorbent. The plastic on the Molicare Maxi diaper is softer than you'll find in many plastic-backed diapers and it has what could best be described as a light cherry scent. I'd rate this diaper at the lower end of the premium adult diapers for absorbency, but it also tends to come at a cheaper cost. It's well suited to overnight wear and potentially for day wear under heavier clothing. I've found this diaper provides a very effective wicking and is pretty resistant to pressout leakage. That said, I'm not a fan of the hospital blue color and sometimes the outer tapes will become stuck to the outer backing. Overall I would recommend giving it a try, particularly for bedwetting, but many people will be turned off by some aspect of it.



Key Features:
  • Refastenable tapes
  • Plastic-backing
  • Standing inner leak guards
  • Effective padding wicking

Pros:
  • Thick padding extends well up the back of the diaper
  • Soft padding, backing and leg gathers
  • Good at wicking moisture

Cons:
  • Hospital blue padding color may be off-putting
  • Refastenable tapes can become stuck to the backsheet
  • The padding can get a little warm

Product Details

For the purpose of this post I will be reviewing and referring to the medium-sized MoliCare Slip Maxi diaper. However, other available sizes are listed below.


Packaging


Brand: MoliCare
Manufacturer: Hartmann
Origin: France
Units Per Bag: 14
Cost Per Unit: $$$
Dimensions (L x W x H): 38.1 cm (15”) x 18 cm (7.1”) x 24 cm (9.5”)
Weight: 2.35 kg (5.2 lbs)
Available Sizes: S, M, L
Advertised Absorbency: Maxi



1.1 Molicare Slip Maxi Packaging

Diaper

Backsheet: Plastic (Poly)
Wetness Indicator: Yes (blue dashed down the middle with text, disappears when wet)
Standing Inner Leak Guards: Yes
Leg Gathers: Yes
Product Style: Tab-Style Brief
Refastenable Tabs: Yes
Number of Tapes: 2
Repositionable Tabs: No
Outer Color: Light Blue (with dark blue lines along the outer edges)
Inner Color: White
Front Waistband: No
Rear Waistband: No
Folded Thickness: 3 cm (1.18”)
Folded Length: 24.5 cm (9.7”)
Dry Weight: 166 g (5.9 oz)
Fragrance: Yes (slight cherry sort of smell)
Diaper Dimensions (L x fW x mW x bW):
80 cm (31.5") x 63 cm (24.8") x 29.5 cm (11.6") 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 31 cm (12.2") x 18 cm (7.1") x 38 cm (15")
Padding Wing Dimensions (fPW x fPH x bPW x bPH):
6.5 cm (2.6") x 15 cm (5.9") x 10 cm (3.9") x 20 cm (7.9") (height averaged)
Padding Wing Shape (Front, Rear): Semicircle, Semicircle
Total Padding Area: 1747 cm2 (271 in2)
Tape Spacing (t1 x t2): 4 cm (1.6”) x 16 cm (6.3")
Tapes (W x L): 2cm (0.79") x 4.5 cm (1.77")


1.2 MoliCare Slip Maxi Diaper


Laboratory Absorbency Tests

Total Absorption Volume (after press out): 1294 ml (45.6 oz)
Total Absorption Volume (before press out): 1344 ml (47.4 oz)
Time to Absorb Wettings (first to last): (44 s, 43 s, 52 s, 58 s, 64 s, 59 s)
Wet Folded Thickness: 4 cm (1.57 in)
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 83%
Total Padding to Absorbency Ratio: 1294 ml / 1747 cm2 = 0.74 ml / cm2  (0.17 oz / in2)
Press Out Volume: 50 ml (1.76 oz)

Surface Dampness Rating: 6

The MoliCare Slip Maxi initially performed well on the laboratory surface dampness test but became progressively worse as the test continued. However, in spite of obvious signs of dampness in the paper towel I don’t believe the MoliCare Slip Maxi can be rated below 5 in this regard. It will likely give up some dampness when pressed but you won’t find significant liquid reappearing at the surface when pressed unless the diaper is very saturated.





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: 1234 ml (43.5 oz)
Total Wettings: 4 (1 standing, 3 sitting)
Leaked After Sitting: No
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 93%
Padding to Absorbency Score: 1134 ml / 1747 cm2 = 0.71 ml / cm2 (0.16 oz / in2)

Standing-Sitting Rating: 8

The MoliCare Slip Maxi diaper breezed through the standup wetting test and showed no sign of leakage upon sitting down. This probably owed to the very effective wicking and wide distribution of padding. The initial wetting was barely noticeable, the absorption rate on the first wetting sitting down did feel a bit slower, but again the diaper failed to leak. By the third wetting the diaper was noticeable damp, but the leak guards and padding distribution retained the moisture until absorption. By the third wetting sitting down the padding at the front of the diaper reached its capacity and moisture started to leak out from the sides. It wasn’t a flood of moisture but enough that it probably would have been noticeable and I decided to end the test at that. Up to the point of leakage the MoliCare Slip Maxi performed very well and I believe it certainly deserves at least an 8 in the sit-stand rating.


Lying Down

Total Absorbed Volume: 1134 ml (40 oz)
Total Wettings: 3
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 82%
Padding to Absorbency Score: 1134 ml / 1747 cm2 = 0.65 ml / cm2 (0.15 oz / in2)

Lying Down Rating: 8

The MoliCare Slip Maxi diaper can easily take 2 full voids lying down and with the extra wide padding it has a relatively fast rate of absorption. During the test it had very little noticeable dampness after the first wetting and it still wasn’t particularly noticeable on the third. It maintained a decent level of comfort throughout and didn’t have the wet diaper feeling that some cheaper brands might. On the third wetting there was only a little leakage and I believe it could have absorbed a little more had I tested it with a forth wetting. For this reason I’ve rated it as an 8 rather than 7 in spite of being slightly behind the Abri-Form M4 in total absorption. The padding is soft/runs well up the back of the diaper and is particularly wide in the back making this a great diaper for bedwetting protection.


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

Daily Wear and Bedwetting

The MoliCare Slip Maxi appears to be designed for bed wear, hence its hospital friendly design. The color and markings are well suited to a care-giver environment to ensure a consistent fit and easier management. However, this is much more than a cheap hospital diaper. In testing it proved very effective at holding back leaks during bedwetting. While the backsheet appears soft, it is flexible and unlikely to develop pinhole leaks that can plague some brands. Moreover, the wearer is unlikely to feel discomfort and be awoken during a bed wetting episode. If there is a downside to overnight wear, or daytime wear for that matter, it would be that this diaper can feel a bit warm. The padding is very soft and thick, but this can also have an insulating effect, preventing heat dissipation. With respect to daytime wear, the bulk of this diaper might get in the way of activities. It was fine for wearing around the house, but would take some planning to cover it up when going out. That said, if you can make it work for daytime wear you'll find it does an excellent job at containing leaks and the tapes shouldn't present any issues. It also does a great job at containing odors and the flexible backsheet/padding are a major plus for a diaper with this level of absorbency.


Suitability for Bowel Incontinence: 8

The MoliCare Slip Maxi is well suited for managing bowel incontinence. It has extensive rear padding and strong inner leak guards. Perhaps the only thing that could improve it would be some decent waistbands for a snugger fit. Otherwise, I don't think you'd have any trouble using this diaper for managing bowel incontinence.


Wear & Tear Tests


Fitting

The MoliCare Slip Maxi diaper uses a double tape mechanism to fasten with two tapes per side. What's interesting about this particular tape configuration is that the bottom tape is wider than the top tape. The tapes appeared to be of a decent quality and can be attached to any part of the backsheet, but the blue bottom tapes cannot be reattached if mistakenly placed. For the most part I've found the tapes can be reattached and they will stay in place; however, if they are placed tightly the white top tapes can become attached to the backsheet and tear if re-attached.

3.1 MoliCare Slip Maxi Fastener


Easy-of-Use Rating: 7
The MoliCare Slip Maxi falls roughly inline with other tabbed diapers in terms of ease of use; getting a good fit is not particularly difficult with this diaper but it doesn't have a waistband so you will never get a perfectly snug fit. It has a few standout features that help in this regard including multiple fitting lines running parallel up the diaper to assist with getting a consistent fit and a soft/flexible backsheet. However, I have found the refastenable tapes will occasionally get stuck to the backsheet, which can make it more challenging to remove.



3.2 MoliCare Slip Maxi Fit

Comfort

Comfort Rating (dry): 9
The Molicare Slip Maxi is easily among the most comfortable plastic-backed diapers you'll find in the market. The padding has a pillow-like softness when dry and is extensive in it's coverage, so the amount of skin in contact with the backsheet is relatively low. On top of that the backsheet itself is made of soft flexible plastic and consequently produces little in the way of chafing. The padding at the crotch is a bit wide, but because of its softness isn't as prone to bunching as the Abri-Form M4. Perhaps its only downside from the perspective of comfort is that it can get a bit warm, which may cause sweating and discomfort if worn for too long.


Comfort Rating (wet): 9
The MoliCare Slip Maxi diaper retains a dry-like comfort almost to the point of saturation. You're unlikely to feel any difference in this diaper after the first wetting and probably won't notice too much of a difference after the second. It will start to feel more damp after the 3rd, but I rate it highly for its ability to cover and retain the first 2, I doubt many diapers could do much better. The only potential downside is that the thick padding between the legs may clump together for an active individual, but this diaper isn't exactly designed for active wear.

3.3 MoliCare Slip Maxi Topsheet and Backsheet


Durability

Dry Padding Deterioration Proportion: 3.4% (topsheet), 2.4% (backsheet)
Shake Deterioration Test: 9 shakes to deterioration


Durability Rating (dry): 7
In spite of being a diaper geared for bedwetting, the MoliCare Slip Maxi padding does a good job at resisting wear/tear. It was possible to retape the diaper multiple times while doing the durability test and no problems were encountered. This durability test lasted about 7 hours and by the end of it the padding was mostly intact with the exception of a large gap opened up at its front. The wetness indicator was more resistent to minor leakage but did fad a little where exposed to post void dribble. Were it not for clear breakdown at the front of the diaper I would have given it a higher rating; I found this surprising given how well the diaper fared in other durability tests and it likely came about from frequent opening/closing of the tapes. With that in mind, it's unlikely a diaper would be opened/closed so frequently and this damage shouldn't be expected from normal wear.


Durability Rating (wet): 8
The MoliCare Slip Maxi proved to be very durable when wet, particularly for a diaper that boosts a soft padding/backsheet. During the shake test the Molicare Maxi padding showed a strong resistence to crumbling when wet. When worn wet for a longer amount of time it started to show some clumping but the padding structure is resistent to breaking and holds out longer than most comparable diapers.


3.4 MoliCare Slip Maxi Dry Test Deterioration

Discretion Tests


Profile

Front Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 6.5 cm (2.56"), 6.5 cm (2.56")
Back Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 5.5 cm (2.17"), 6 cm (2.36")
Side Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 3 cm (1.18"), 3.5 cm (1.38")

Profile Discretion Rating: 2

The MoliCare Slip Maxi is similar to the Abri-From M4 in terms of profile. This is a thick diaper and it will appear as a bulge under most clothing. In terms of sound it may be easier to hide than the M4; however, I've given it a lower rating in terms of profile due to the distinct hospital blue color, which could be a clear giveaway where the diaper extends above the pant-line.


4.1 MoliCare Slip Maxi Jeans Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear Jeans (right)


4.2 MoliCare Slip Maxi Sweatpants Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear Sweatpants (right)

Noise

Noise Rating: 8
For a plastic-back diaper the MoliCare Slip Maxi is surprisingly quiet. I believe this owes largely to the soft/flexible material used for the backsheet. It will still produce noticeable noise in a very quiet setting but the sound could easily be masked under clothing in an environment with some ambient noise. In figure 4.3 you'll see the observed waveform of crinkling produced by the MoliCare Maxi diaper when shifting from sitting to standing multiple times nearby in a very quiet room.

4.3 MoliCare Slip Maxi Sit-Stand Noise Profile

Odor Reduction


Odor Reduction Rating: 8
The MoliCare Slip Maxi has what could best be described as a light cherry fragrance, so if your goal is to be completely fragrance-free or your skin is sensitive to products with fragrance this might not be the best choice for you. However, when it comes to containing odors this MoliCare diaper performed remarkably well. The company claims to include active odor reducing materials and I believe it, it's unlikely you'll notice any odor until the diaper hits a point of saturation. I can only imagine how it would be if it included waistbands to assist.


Want to give the MoliCare Slip Maxi a try?

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4 comments:

  1. Wow great review pics and all

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've been wearing these for almost a year now 24/7 and i'm very happy with them, i can easily go 7 or 8 hours between changes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for reporting this! The has historically been one of my go-to diapers, I'm happy to hear it's still performing well.

      Delete