Top 10 Adult Diapers 2020 Rankings

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

Summary

With 10 full adult diaper reviews completed I've started crunching the numbers to evaluate some metrics for this diaper metrics blog. My previous reviews included a mix of adult diapers with many of the best on the market, but also some cheaper-to-mid range diapers. All diapers reviewed so far are plastic-backed, however, in the next series of posts I will start including more diapers with cloth-like backsheets together with more premium plastic-backed diapers.

To better assess each diaper for its individual strengths as well as overall performance they have been evaluated according to 4 different criteria: absorbency, comfort, durability and discretion. To reduce my scoring bias I've written several formulas to balance the weight of my personal scores against more objective measurements. This way my ranking accounts for easily measured aspects of performance like absorbency as well as harder-to-measure aspects like random leaks experienced in real world settings. All scores have been normalized from 0-10 to give an idea of how each performed relative to the other and this ranking system will continue to be used to update the top 10 as future reviews are added.

1.1 Adult Diaper Comparison Spreadsheet

Absorbency Ranking

The absorbency ranking was calculated using the formula in figure 2.1. It combines the scores I personally assigned to each diaper based on experience with the average total absorbency across each test and average absorbency per unit of padding ratio. These measures will give weight to a diaper that can absorb a huge amount as well as one whose padding is highly efficient at absorbing moisture. Additionally, I give a small amount of weighting to diapers with leg gathers and inner leak guards for the value these provide in preventing leaks. I also give a small weight to the average used percent of padding across all tests because this is reflective of the diaper's wicking ability.

 

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ab: average total absorbency between lab/stand+sit/lying down tests

ar: average absorbency ratio between lab/stand+sit/lying down tests

st: standing/sitting score

ld: lying down score

lg: leg gathers = 1, none = 0

ig: inner leak guards = 1, none = 0

ud: used percentage

 

Diaper	Scoring
BetterDry M10 /Crinklz	Score: 9.96 Absorbency: 1895 ml (66.8 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 1.17 ml/cm2 (0.27 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: yes Stand/Sit Score: 10 Lying Down Score: 10 Used Percent: 93
ConfiDry 24/7	Score: 8.67 Absorbency: 1601 ml (56.5 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 0.88 ml/cm2 (0.20 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: yes Stand/Sit Score: 8 Lying Down Score: 10 Used Percent: 88
iD Expert Slip Maxi (PE)	Score: 8.03 Absorbency: 1292 ml (45.6 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 0.96 ml/cm2 (0.22 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: yes Stand/Sit Score: 8 Lying Down Score: 8 Used Percent: 98
Abena Abri-Form M4	Score: 7.96 Absorbency: 1365 ml (48.1 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 0.80 ml/cm2 (0.18 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: yes Stand/Sit Score: 9 Lying Down Score: 8 Used Percent: 87
Tena Slip Active Fit Maxi	Score: 7.96 Absorbency: 1225 ml (43.2 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 1.12 ml/cm2 (0.25 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: yes Stand/Sit Score: 8 Lying Down Score: 7 Used Percent: 87
Molicare Slip Maxi	Score: 7.38 Absorbency: 1221 ml (43.1 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 0.70 ml/cm2 (0.16 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: yes Stand/Sit Score: 8 Lying Down Score: 8 Used Percent: 86
Tranquility ATN	Score: 6.47 Absorbency: 935 ml (33 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 0.59 ml/cm2 (0.13 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: yes Stand/Sit Score: 7 Lying Down Score: 7 Used Percent: 90
Depend Protection with Tabs (S/M)	Score: 5.40 Absorbency: 813 ml (28.7 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 0.61 ml/cm2 (0.14 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: yes Stand/Sit Score: 7 Lying Down Score: 4 Used Percent: 90
Attends Care Waistband	Score: 3.35 Absorbency: 624 ml (22 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 0.41 ml/cm2 (0.09 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: no Stand/Sit Score: 3 Lying Down Score: 2 Used Percent: 89
First Quality Briefs (Full Mat)	Score: 2.39 Absorbency: 525 ml (18.5 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 0.23 ml/cm2 (0.05 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: no Stand/Sit Score: 2 Lying Down Score: 1 Used Percent: 61

Comfort Ranking

The comfort ranking was calculated using the formula in figure 2.2. It combines my personal scoring for different aspects of comfort with padding area and absorption time. Of the rankings calculated here this is the most biased toward my personal ranking as measures of comfort are tough to quantify. I've attempted to reduce any bias by including the surface dryness rating, which is reflective of the laboratory tests and the formula gives a lower ranking to diapers that demonstrated slower absorption times as it would result in the wearer feeling dampness for longer after a wetting. On top of that I'm giving more weighting to diapers with a larger padding area because padding contact with the skin typically provides better comfort than contact with the backsheet.

2.2 Comfort Score Formula

 

pa: total padding area

at: average lab wetting absorbency time

ds: dry comfort score

ws: wet comfort score

sd: surface dryness score

es: ease of use score

Diaper	Scoring
BetterDry M10 /Crinklz	Score: 9.21 Padding Area: 1625 cm2 (252 in2) Absorbency Time: 58 s Dry Comfort Score: 9 Wet Comfort Score: 10 Surface Dampness Score: 10 Ease of Use Score: 10
ConfiDry 24/7	Score: 8.83 Padding Area: 1823 cm2 (283 in2) Absorbency Time: 97 s Dry Comfort Score: 9 Wet Comfort Score: 10 Surface Dampness Score: 9 Ease of Use Score: 10
Tena Slip Active Fit Maxi	Score: 8.46 Padding Area: 1095 cm2 (169 in2) Absorbency Time: 52 s Dry Comfort Score: 10 Wet Comfort Score: 9 Surface Dampness Score: 7 Ease of Use Score: 7
Molicare Slip Maxi	Score: 8.28 Padding Area: 1747 cm2 (271 in2) Absorbency Time: 53 s Dry Comfort Score: 9 Wet Comfort Score: 9 Surface Dampness Score: 6 Ease of Use Score: 7
Tranquility ATN	Score: 7.21 Padding Area: 1587 cm2 (246 in2) Absorbency Time: 101 s Dry Comfort Score: 8 Wet Comfort Score: 7 Surface Dampness Score: 8 Ease of Use Score: 7
iD Expert Slip Maxi (PE)	Score: 7.18 Padding Area: 1341 cm2 (208 in2) Absorbency Time: 47 s Dry Comfort Score: 7 Wet Comfort Score: 8 Surface Dampness Score: 7 Ease of Use Score: 7
Abena Abri-Form M4	Score: 7.15 Padding Area: 1701 cm2 (264 in2) Absorbency Time: 54 s Dry Comfort Score: 9 Wet Comfort Score: 7 Surface Dampness Score: 4 Ease of Use Score: 6
First Quality Briefs (Full Mat)	Score: 6.05 Padding Area: 2253 cm2 (349 in2) Absorbency Time: 46 s Dry Comfort Score: 9 Wet Comfort Score: 3 Surface Dampness Score: 1 Ease of Use Score: 6
Depend Protection with Tabs (S/M)	Score: 4.80 Padding Area: 1336 cm2 (207 in2) Absorbency Time: 76 s Dry Comfort Score: 6 Wet Comfort Score: 4 Surface Dampness Score: 2 Ease of Use Score: 6
Attends Care Waistband	Score: 3.74 Padding Area: 1536 cm2 (238 in2) Absorbency Time: 150 s Dry Comfort Score: 5 Wet Comfort Score: 3 Surface Dampness Score: 1 Ease of Use Score: 4

Durability Ranking

The durability ranking was calculated using the formula in figure 2.3. It gives equal weighting to my personal assessment of durability and quantifiable diaper metrics. The ranking is weighted a little more toward assessing the diaper's dry durability performance since the wearer would typically spend longer in a dry diaper than a wet diaper, particularly in cases where durability is important. I also give a small additional weighting to diapers with waistbands because I've found these can provide a snugger fit and reduce factors that cause deterioration. This ranking also leans heavily on the dry durability test whereby the diaper is worn in its dry state for an extended period of time with modest activities and the proportion of padding that has deteriorated is calculated at the end of it. Moreover, I give the wet diaper shake test a relatively small weighting as I've found it isn't particularly reflective of durability in reality.

2.3 Durability Score Formula

ta: total tape area (how much tape attaches to backsheet)

dd: dry durability score

wd: wet durability score

st: shake test (number of shakes to deterioration after lab capacity test)

td: topsheet deterioration percentage after dry durability test

bd: backsheet deterioration percentage after dry durability test

wb: has waistband [front/rear = 1, rear = 0.5, front = 0.5, none = 0]

Diaper	Scoring
iD Expert Slip Maxi (PE)	Score: 9.04 Tape Area: 45 cm2 (7 in2) Dry Durability Score: 10 Wet Durability Score: 10 Shake Test: 7 Topsheet Deterioration: 0.54% Backsheet Deterioration: 0.56% Waistband: none
BetterDry M10 /Crinklz	Score: 9.01 Tape Area: 69 cm2 (10.7 in2) Dry Durability Score: 9 Wet Durability Score: 9 Shake Test: 4 Topsheet Deterioration: 1.22% Backsheet Deterioration: 1.78% Waistband: front/rear
ConfiDry 24/7	Score: 9.00 Tape Area: 72 cm2 (10.7 in2) Dry Durability Score: 9 Wet Durability Score: 9 Shake Test: 4 Topsheet Deterioration: 4.13% Backsheet Deterioration: 1.61% Waistband: front/rear
Depend Protection with Tabs (S/M)	Score: 8.19 Tape Area: 60 cm2 (9.3 in2) Dry Durability Score: 9 Wet Durability Score: 6 Shake Test: 4 Topsheet Deterioration: 0.56% Backsheet Deterioration: 0.70% Waistband: front/rear
Tena Slip Active Fit Maxi	Score: 8.07 Tape Area: 42 cm2 (6.5 in2) Dry Durability Score: 9 Wet Durability Score: 8 Shake Test: 2 Topsheet Deterioration: 1.50% Backsheet Deterioration: 1.01% Waistband: rear
Molicare Slip Maxi	Score: 7.79 Tape Area: 36 cm2 (5.6 in2) Dry Durability Score: 7 Wet Durability Score: 8 Shake Test: 9 Topsheet Deterioration: 3.49% Backsheet Deterioration: 2.43% Waistband: none
Abena Abri-Form M4	Score: 7.54 Tape Area: 54 cm2 (8.4 in2) Dry Durability Score: 7 Wet Durability Score: 7 Shake Test: 8 Topsheet Deterioration: 8.75% Backsheet Deterioration: 4.93% Waistband: none
Tranquility ATN	Score: 6.73 Tape Area: 40 cm2 (6.2 in2) Dry Durability Score: 7 Wet Durability Score: 6 Shake Test: 3 Topsheet Deterioration: 8.33% Backsheet Deterioration: 5.17% Waistband: none
First Quality Briefs (Full Mat)	Score: 6.66 Tape Area: 40 cm2 (6.2 in2) Dry Durability Score: 6 Wet Durability Score: 5 Shake Test: 9 Topsheet Deterioration: 11.02% Backsheet Deterioration: 7.38% Waistband: none
Attends Care Waistband	Score: 4.39 Tape Area: 60 cm2 (9.3 in2) Dry Durability Score: 2 Wet Durability Score: 1 Shake Test: 3 Topsheet Deterioration: 33.70% Backsheet Deterioration: 30.80% Waistband: front/rear

Discretion Ranking

The discretion ranking was calculated using the formula from figure 2.4. A large part of the weighting comes from the scores used to assess how the diaper performed in terms of reducing odors, how much noise it produced and how easily it could be concealed. Those scores are given equal weighting so a diaper that might not otherwise seem discrete due to bulkiness can rank higher because it's quieter and better at reducing odors than thinner ones. Although this rating leans toward my personal rankings it also assesses objective metrics including how high the diaper rises above the wearer's waistline and the folded diaper's dimensions (thickness/length/weight), which may be important for a hiding the diaper in a bag or purse. I also gave some weighting to how much the diaper will swell when wet, because this may result in a diaper bulge becoming visible after a wetting.

2.4 Discretion Score Formula

ds: profile discretion score

ns: noise score

os: odor reduction score

dw: dry weight

fl: folded length

wt: wet folded thickness

ar: average rise above waistline

dt: dry folded thickness

Diaper	Scoring
Tena Slip Active Fit Maxi	Score: 7.76 Profile Discretion Score: 9 Noise Score: 9 Odor Reduction Score: 10 Dry Weight: 125 g (4.4 oz) Folded Length: 25 cm (9.8") Wet Folded Thickness: 5 cm (2") Average Rise Above Waist: 4.4 cm (1.7") Dry Folded Thickness: 2 cm (0.79")
Depend Protection with Tabs (S/M)	Score: 6.78 Profile Discretion Score: 9 Noise Score: 7 Odor Reduction Score: 6 Dry Weight: 93 g (3.3 oz) Folded Length: 26 cm (10.2") Wet Folded Thickness: 4.5 cm (1.8") Average Rise Above Waist: 3.9 cm (1.5") Dry Folded Thickness: 1.6 cm (0.63")
iD Expert Slip Maxi (PE)	Score: 6.51 Profile Discretion Score: 7 Noise Score: 8 Odor Reduction Score: 7 Dry Weight: 150 g (5.3 oz) Folded Length: 25 cm (9.8") Wet Folded Thickness: 6 cm (2.4") Average Rise Above Waist: 2.8 cm (1.1") Dry Folded Thickness: 2.6 cm (1")
Tranquility ATN	Score: 6.47 Profile Discretion Score: 8 Noise Score: 6 Odor Reduction Score: 7 Dry Weight: 105 g (3.7 oz) Folded Length: 24 cm (9.5") Wet Folded Thickness: 4.5 cm (1.8") Average Rise Above Waist: 3.8 cm (1.5") Dry Folded Thickness: 2.4 cm (0.94")
BetterDry M10 /Crinklz	Score: 6.38 Profile Discretion Score: 5 Noise Score: 8 Odor Reduction Score: 10 Dry Weight: 217 g (7.65 oz) Folded Length: 26 cm (10.2") Wet Folded Thickness: 9 cm (3.5") Average Rise Above Waist: 4 cm (1.6") Dry Folded Thickness: 2.8 cm (1.1")
First Quality Briefs (Full Mat)	Score: 6.19 Profile Discretion Score: 6 Noise Score: 8 Odor Reduction Score: 6 Dry Weight: 100 g (3.53 oz) Folded Length: 25 cm (9.8") Wet Folded Thickness: 4 cm (1.6") Average Rise Above Waist: 6.3 cm (2.5") Dry Folded Thickness: 2.3 cm (0.9")
ConfiDry 24/7	Score: 5.88 Profile Discretion Score: 4 Noise Score: 7 Odor Reduction Score: 10 Dry Weight: 225 g (7.9 oz) Folded Length: 30 cm (11.8") Wet Folded Thickness: 6 cm (2.4") Average Rise Above Waist: 6.6 cm (2.6") Dry Folded Thickness: 3 cm (1.2")
Attends Care Waistband	Score: 5.76 Profile Discretion Score: 7 Noise Score: 5 Odor Reduction Score: 5 Dry Weight: 93 g (3.3 oz) Folded Length: 29 cm (11.4") Wet Folded Thickness: 4 cm (1.6") Average Rise Above Waist: 2.8 cm (1.1") Dry Folded Thickness: 2.3 cm (0.9")
Molicare Slip Maxi	Score: 5.60 Profile Discretion Score: 2 Noise Score: 8 Odor Reduction Score: 8 Dry Weight: 166 g (5.9 oz) Folded Length: 24.5 cm (9.7") Wet Folded Thickness: 4 cm (1.6") Average Rise Above Waist: 5.2 cm (2") Dry Folded Thickness: 3 cm (1.2")
Abena Abri-Form M4	Score: 4.88 Profile Discretion Score: 3 Noise Score: 7 Odor Reduction Score: 5 Dry Weight: 183 g (6.5 oz) Folded Length: 26.5 cm (10.4") Wet Folded Thickness: 5.5 cm (2.2") Average Rise Above Waist: 5.1 cm (2") Dry Folded Thickness: 2.8 cm (1.1")

Overall Top 10 Ranking

Different people have different needs when it comes to adult diapers so it's hard to give a conclusive overall ranking. Some may prefer a diaper that's more discrete even if it comes at the cost of absorbency, while others only wear for bedwetting and will want a diaper that provides the best protection with no care to discretion. In this regard I hope the above category rankings are helpful. Another consideration is price, which varies greatly by region so I've left it out of my ratings. To calculate my overall ranking I take all 4 of the above rankings and combined them by my own interpretation of value to the wearer with a little more weight on absorbency and a little less on discretion (see figure 3.1).

3.1 Overall Ranking Formula

Looking back at the above rankings I found there was a huge range in performance when it came to absorbancy but far less when it came to discretion (probably because I only assessed heavy incontinence adult diapers in this ranking). In most cases the best performing diapers were also the pricier ones, as expected and overall the BetterDry/Crinklz diaper was the clear winner. The scoring system gave a good sense of how similar the performance of each was, with this we can see the First Quality Briefs and Attends Care Waistband diapers were far worse at 4.63 and 3.69 points lower than BetterDry/Crinklz. Whereas the Tranquility ATN, while 4th from last ranking was only 2.1 points lower than the BetterDry/Crinklz (nearly twice as good by this measure). This is worth considering when accounting for the fact the ATN can often be found for half the unit price of some of the higher ranking diapers.

Diaper	Scoring
BetterDry M10 /Crinklz	Score: 8.82 The BetterDry/Crinklz diaper was by far the winner for absorbency and also ranked best in comfort due to its full feature fit and resistance to dampness. This diaper comes with either a plain white backsheet or colorful patterns depending for wearers who appreciate that.
ConfiDry 24/7	Score: 8.24 There's little surprise the ConfiDry 24/7 came in second with its great absorbency and comfort (particularly for bedwetting). It's a shame the production of this diaper has been inconsistent lately because when they get it right it really is an amazing diaper.
Tena Slip Active Fit Maxi	Score: 8.07 I was a little surprised the Tena Slip Maxi ranked 3rd as it isn't among the most absorbent of the diapers rated, but it had great all around performance with the best discretion ranking without sacrificing comfort or durability.
iD Expert Slip Maxi (PE)	Score: 7.76 The iD Expert Slip Maxi (PE) was another surprise as it's not very well known and often cheaper than the Abena M4 or Molicare Slip Maxi. Even so it was great all around and proved to be the most durable of all.
Molicare Slip Maxi	Score: 7.35 The Molicare Slip Maxi is a super comfortable diaper, its padding is about as soft as you'll find on the market. It also provides an excellent level of protection. I was surprised it didn't rank higher but it was a little less durable and absorbent than those ranked above it.
Abena Abri-Form M4	Score: 7.04 The Abena Abri-Form M4 was one of the first premium diapers I tried, but it is no longer the best on the market. It has decent absorbency but struggled with surface dampness and related issues resulted in a lower comfort and discretion ranking. It also comes in at a similar price-point to the BetterDry/Crinklz so it's harder to justify purchasing unless you get a discount.
Tranquility ATN	Score: 6.74 The Tranquility ATN is a great mid-range diaper, that will easily take a wetting. It's far from the most absorbent and if you can't change after 1~2 wettings you'll want to go with something better (particularly for overnight wear). On the plus side, it comes in at a competitive price-point and is relatively easily to find in North America.
Depend Protection with Tabs (S/M)	Score: 6.22 Depend Protection with Tabs is a popular mid-range medium-heavy absorbency adult diaper. They run on the thin side and are poorly suited for bedwetting but they will typically handle a full wetting without leakage and are widely available.
First Quality Briefs (Full Mat)	Score: 5.13 This First Quality Briefs product performed incredibly poorly, leaking on the first wetting in every test. Its standout feature is extensive padding that helps bump its comfort rating but there's not much point when it won't provide adequate protection. I'd recommend their newer Prevail products instead (even if they are cloth-backed).
Attends Care Waistband	Score: 4.19 The Attends Care Waistband diaper came in dead last, which is a shame because it sounded great in theory. Unfortunately with flimsy padding and no leak guards it falls flat and leaks at the first sign of moisture. It's a shame because Attends made a decent plastic-backed diaper in the past. Now their premium products are all cloth-backed.