Saturday 26 September 2020

Tena Super Stretch Briefs Adult Diaper Review

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

Summary

The Tena Super Stretch is the slightly less absorbent cloth-backed North American cousin of the European Tena Slip Active Fit Maxi. Its refastenable stretchable sides make this diaper somewhat of a rarity in the world of adult diapers, although, dare I say, this technology seems to have become popular in modern-day baby diapers. In terms of performance the Tena Super Stretch provides a medium level of absorbency easily taking one or possibly two wettings without leaking. It’s also incredibly discreet and would be very easy to hide under clothing.

The Tena Super Stretch has an interesting set of features. For one, it doesn’t have standing inner leak guards, yet the leg gathers seem to make up for them. I found this very surprising because other diapers without inner leak guards that I’ve tried have leaked like crazy. This diaper also features only a single tape rather than double or triple tapes per side, but it’s a very large tape. It can be fastened multiple times anywhere on the backsheet without losing its stickiness but I’ve found it can slide around a bit over time. Moreover, like its European cousin this diaper is highly durable. In my experience this diaper will work for either daily wear or bedwetting, but in terms of performance it did a little better at providing bedwetting protection. Either way, it’s relatively easy to find but far better quality than most adult diapers you’d find on store shelves.

Key Features:

  • Cloth-like (non-woven backsheet)
  • Single tape stretchable sides
  • Snug/comfortable leg gathers

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Breathable design
  • Can be worn discreetly
  • High durability

Cons:

  • Tapes can slide around a bit
  • Prone to leaks when wet while sitting
  • No small/medium sizing


Product Details

For the purpose of this post I will be reviewing and referring to the medium-sized Tena Super Stretch Briefs diaper. However, other available sizes are listed below:


Packaging

Brand: Tena
Manufacturer: SCA Personal Care
Origin: Canada
Units Per Bag: 28
Cost Per Unit: $$
Dimensions (L x W x H): 32 cm (12.6") x 22 cm (8.7") x 35 cm (13.8")
Weight: 3.25 kg (7.2 lbs)
Available Sizes: M, L/XL
Advertised Absorbency: Super


1.1 Tena Super Stretch Briefs Packaging


Diaper

Backsheet: Cloth-like (non-woven)
Wetness Indicator: Yes (two yellow lines, turn blue when wet)
Standing Inner Leak Guards: No
Leg Gathers: Yes
Product Style: Stretch Sides Brief
Refastenable Tabs: Yes
Number of Tapes: 1
Repositionable Tabs: Yes
Outer Color: White (green lines and dots along the edges)
Inner Color: White
Front Waistband: No
Rear Waistband: No
Folded Thickness: 2.3 cm (0.91")
Folded Length: 23 cm (9.1")
Dry Weight: 117 g (4.1 oz)
Fragrance: None (or very slight cardboard smell)
Diaper Dimensions (L x fW x mW x bW): 79 cm (31.1") x 49 cm (19.3") x 29 cm (11.4") x 64 (25.2")
Wing Shape (Front, Rear): Rectangular, Rectangular
Padding Dimensions (L x fW x mW x bW): 61 cm (24") x 28 cm (11") x 16 cm (6.3") x 28 cm (11")
Padding Wing Dimensions (fPW x fPH x bPW x bPH): 6 cm (2.4") x 11 cm (4.3") x 6 cm (2.4") x 13 cm (5.2")
Padding Wing Shape (Front, Rear): Semicircle, Semicircle
Total Padding Area: 1264 cm2 (196 in2)
Tape Spacing (t1): 3 cm (1.2")
Tape (W x L): 12.5 cm (4.9") x 2.5 cm (1")


1.2 Tena Super Stretch Diaper


Laboratory Absorbency Tests

Total Absorption Volume (after press out): 808 ml (28.5 oz)
Total Absorption Volume (before press out): 958 ml (33.8 oz)
Time to Absorb Wettings (first to last): (39 s, 41 s, 41 s, 42 s)
Wet Folded Thickness: 4.5 cm (1.8")
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 89%
Total Padding to Absorbency Ratio: 0.64 ml / cm2 (0.15 oz / in2)
Press Out Volume: 150 ml (5.3 oz)

Surface Dampness Rating: 7
During the capacity test the Tena Super Stretch didn’t show any signs of dampness after the first wetting but was obviously damp on the second. Normally that would lead me to rate it 6 or lower, but in actual worn tests I found it did a good job at staying dry until it approached the point of saturation after about 2 wettings. I was also impressed with how fast it was at absorption.



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: 733 ml (25.9 oz)
Total Wettings: 2 (1 standing, 1 sitting)
Leaked After Sitting: No
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 80%
Padding to Absorbency Score: 0.58 ml / cm2 (0.13 oz / in2)

Standing-Sitting Rating: 5
The Tena Super stretch was easily able to absorb a wetting while standing and did so relatively quickly with little noticeable dampness. Moreover, it didn’t leak upon sitting shortly afterward. However, it leaked a little through the leg-gathers at the front of the diaper on the second wetting while seated. The leakage was relatively minor but I stopped the test at that because it clearly would have been noticeable on clothing. It was hard to tell if this was a result of moisture permeating through the cloth-like backsheet but I think it was mostly due to it working its way back up through some gaps in the barriers. I feel this diaper likely could have performed better with standing inner leak guards to redirect the flow or for someone without as loose a fit. Even so, if you’re able to change after a single wetting or have a slower dribble incontinence this diaper would be just fine for daily wear.


Lying Down

Total Absorbed Volume: 933 ml (32.91 oz)
Total Wettings: 3
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 93%
Padding to Absorbency Score: 0.74 ml / cm2 (0.17 oz / in2)

Lying Down Rating: 7
The Tena Super Stretch performed very well when tested while lying down. The first wetting was handled without issue and no sign of leakage. The diaper became more noticeably damp by the second wetting but still showed no signs of leakage and even then the breathable design helped alleviate some of the dampness. The diaper clearly became saturated by the third wetting but it initially felt like it may be able to contain it within its structure because there were no obvious pockets for the moisture to escape. However, shortly after the excess moisture did seep through the breathable backsheet near the edge of the rear padding. At the end of the test most of the padding area was used, suggesting a strong wicking ability. Moreover, the final leakage was only modest and I feel this diaper could comfortably take 1~2 wettings while laying down.


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


Daily Wear and Bedwetting

The Tena Super Stretch excels in discretion and is what I would categorize as a moderate capacity diaper. It takes a full wetting without trouble and can give you a good degree of confidence you won’t experience a leak. I was initially skeptical of this because my previous experience with diapers that didn’t have standing inner leak guards was that they leaked like crazy (see Attends Waistband Style Briefs or First Quality Briefs). That was not the case with this diaper, its standing inner leak guards do a great job at preventing leakage. That said, in daytime wear it can leak from the front in weak parts of the leak guards if the padding becomes saturated; this might be less of an issue for those who get a better fit. Ironically, for an amazingly discreet diaper, this diaper may do a better job against bed wetting compared with daytime wear as I found it absorbed more, but the “breathable” sides could be a problem for side-sleepers who often leak from that region (not something I’ve experienced). In my experience this diaper does live up to its breathability in many ways and won’t cause much skin irritation, though oddly enough I found the padding can get a bit warm. The tapes also present a trade off; while they’re super easy to attach/reattach with no concern for misplacing them (a problem in plastic tapes), they have a tendency to slide around over time and make a noise when they do as they scratch the backsheet fabric. As a final note, this diaper took some getting used to, but once I became used to it I found it to be quite comfortable and convenient. If you don’t mind cloth-backed diapers and are looking for something with decent absorbency that’s easy to hide I would certainly recommend giving the Tena Super Stretch a try.


Suitability for Bowel Incontinence: 3

The Tena Super Stretch doesn't appear particularly well suited for managing bowel incontinence. The rear padding area is relatively limited and it has no inner leak guards. The single tape design could also make it more prone to shifting and I'd be a bit concerned about how they handle the weight of a bowel movement. Moreover, the breathable design will make it more susceptible to escaping odors.

 

Wear & Tear Tests


Fitting

The Tena Super Stretch features stretchable sides with single hook and loop (velcro-like) fasteners on each side. These tapes can be placed anywhere on the backsheet and are repositionable in that they can be removed and reapplied multiple times. The tapes are decent quality and can slide around a bit.


3.1 Tena Super Stretch Fastener
 

Ease-of-Use Rating: 7
The Tena Super Stretch diaper runs a little on the large size, it only comes in two sizes M/R and L/XL; there’s no S/M like in many other products. The advertised waist size for fit starts at 33”. In my case I was able to make it fit and you could probably make it fit down to a 28 or 29” waist without overlapping the tapes; but it may not be as tight as it should be for optimal performance. Otherwise this diaper is relatively easy to use, the tapes can be repositioned easily but it may take some practice to find the right fit.

3.2 Tena Super Stretch Fit


Comfort


Comfort Rating (dry): 8
The Tena Super Stretch has fully breathable sides and reasonably soft padding. I figured this would help keep the diaper a bit cooler in warm conditions, but it was still a little warm during testing. The breathable sides stayed cool but the diaper’s padding felt warm, perhaps due to the padding being relatively warm compared with the sides. The diaper can be expected to hold its form, but I found during testing the bottom of the tapes can become loose and scratch the wearer's legs if you’re not careful (this may be less of an issue for those with a tighter fitting). Another potential problem for those with a looser fitting is that the front wings of the diaper have a habit of folding inwards without anything pulling them back. The padding coverage is somewhat small, ignoring the looser fit (which I can’t fault the diaper too much on as I was pushing the lower limit of its sizing) I found it very comfortable when worn dry, but it wasn’t among the top performers I’ve ranked for comfort.


Comfort Rating (wet): 8
Some diapers become more comfortable when wet, for the Tena Super Stretch this may have been partially true. While this diaper does have some surface dryness issues on the second wetting, it remains dry and comfortable after the first. You wouldn’t really notice the wetting after it was absorbed, it would just feel a little softer. Moreover, the first wetting will soften the somewhat rigid padding structure. Otherwise, the breathability of this diaper is more apparent when it's wet and I’ve never experienced clumping or significant padding deterioration when worn wet. While some low-mid range plastic-backed diapers can have a clammy feeling after 1 or 2 wettings, that certainly isn’t the case with the Tena Super Stretch.

3.3 Tena Super Stretch Topsheet and Backsheet


Durability

Dry Padding Deterioration Proportion: 3.8% (topsheet), 5.8% (backsheet)
Shake Deterioration Test: 2 shakes to deterioration


Durability Rating (dry): 8
The Tena Super Stretch diaper demonstrated good resilience to deterioration in the dry durability test. In this test it was worn for nearly 10 hours under modest activity and while there was some padding deterioration it was relatively minor and mostly connected to the edges of the padding. Although the tapes have a tendency to move they didn’t seem to lose any stickiness through this time. The wetness indicator showed no signs of dampness throughout the test. This is the first cloth-backed diaper I’ve tested so I don’t have a good reference diaper, but it feels like perhaps a slightly less durable Tena Slip Active Maxi (PE).


Durability Rating (wet): 7
The Tena Super Stretch wet durability was about the same as its dry durability and again similar to that of the Tena Slip Active Maxi (PE). During testing there were no signs of significant padding failure when wet in spite of a fair amount of activity. For an active wearer I suspect slipping tapes would be more of an issue, but I didn’t deduct from this score in that respect as it doesn’t advertise as being for active wear. I was a little surprised by its poor performance in the shake test and I probably would rank it an 8 if it weren’t for that because it wasn’t carrying a huge amount of weight. That said, in a realistic setting I feel this is a diaper you can count on to hold together for a reasonable amount of time after a wetting.


3.4 Tena Super Stretch Dry Test Deterioration


Discretion Tests


Profile

Front Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 3 cm (1.18"), 4.5 cm (1.77")
Back Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 6 cm (2.36"), 4 cm (1.57")
Side Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 4 cm (1.57"), 3 cm (1.18")

Profile Discretion Rating: 9
The Tena Super Stretch is very easy to conceal under clothing. The only notable aspect that would standout is its relatively high rise above the waistline. Otherwise, it easily fit under normal clothing and would likely work for all but the tightest fitting pants. Given it’s mid-range absorbency it feels like a safe bet where discretion is a top priority.


4.1 Tena Super Stretch Jeans Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear (right)

4.2 Tena Super Stretch Sweatpants Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear (right)


Noise

Noise Rating: 9
I was torn whether to give this diaper a 9 or a 10 for its noise discretion rating. It was the quietest diaper I’ve tested so far, but I still feel there are some cloth-backed diapers I haven’t yet tested that will prove to be quieter. For that reason I gave it a 9, but rest assured this diaper is incredibly quiet and would be very easy to conceal in that regard. The only obvious noise seemed to come from the hook and loop fasteners rubbing the fabric when sitting up/down. Also this diaper will be very loud during a change because pulling the fastener makes a distinct tearing noise (I didn’t factor this into my rating).


4.3 Tena Super Stretch Noise Profile

Odor Reduction

Odor Reduction Rating: 8
Like many other Tena adult diapers, the Super Stretch did a great job at resisting odors. I’m not sure if there’s something in the padding that helps neutralize them but it feels like that must at least be a factor as this diaper didn’t have waistbands or a structure that was particularly resilient to retaining odors. My primary concern with this diaper was its tendency for surface dampness, which might happen in 1~2 wettings. I feel if worn for longer this could lead to odors, but otherwise odors should be easily concealed in normal circumstances.


Want to give the Tena Stretch Super a try?

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Wednesday 23 September 2020

Certainty Adult Diapers Review

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

Summary

The Certainty Adult Diaper is a relatively cheap low-medium plastic-backed absorbency diaper from Thailand. What’s interesting about the branding on Asian diapers like this is that they don’t seem to have the North America/European stigma around naming. These are labeled Certainty Adult “Diapers” on the package as opposed to “Briefs”, which avoids confusion with their similar protective underwear product. This diaper has got to be one of the most comfortable I have ever tried when dry and is amazing at reducing heat; however, the same can’t be said when it’s wet as it has a serious surface dampness problem.


In terms of features this diaper provides a decent set for its very cheap unit cost. It includes a tape landing zone in the front with helpful markings to consistently get a good fit. It also had decent leg gathers and leak guards. The padding has a broad area of coverage and the tapes and backsheet are of decent quality, though it can be somewhat noisy. Acquiring this diaper outside of Asia can be a problem as overseas resellers are few and far between (don’t confuse it with the similarly named Walgreens “Certainty” brand, which is probably even less absorbent). If you want to try an incredibly comfortable diaper and don’t care as much about total absorbency I’d highly recommend this one, but it’s probably not the best if you’re a frequent heavy wetter.

Key Features:

  • Plastic-backing
  • Tartan repositionable tape landing zone
  • Standing inner leak barriers
  • Wide padding coverage

Pros:

  • Incredibly comfortable
  • Breathable/good for warm weather
  • Very affordable pricing

Cons:

  • Slow absorption rate
  • Issues with surface dampness
  • Tapes can lose stickiness after multiple re-attachments


Product Details

For the purpose of this post I will be reviewing and referring to the medium-sized Certainty Adult Diapers diaper. However, other available sizes are listed below:


Packaging

Brand: Certainty
Manufacturer: DSG International
Origin: Thailand
Units Per Bag: 10
Cost Per Unit: $$
Dimensions (L x W x H): 25 cm (9.8") x 19 cm (7.5") x 22 (8.7")
Weight: 0.88 kg (1.9 lbs)
Available Sizes: M, L
Advertised Absorbency: Regular


1.1 Certainty Adult Diapers Packaging


Diaper

Backsheet: Plastic (Poly)
Wetness Indicator: Yes (blue print "certainty", fades when wet)
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 (checkered blue tape landing zone)
Inner Color: White
Front Waistband: No
Rear Waistband: No
Folded Thickness: 2.0 cm (0.79")
Folded Length: 28 cm (11")
Dry Weight: 92 g (3.25 oz)
Fragrance: None
Diaper Dimensions (L x fW x mW x bW): 83 cm (32.7") x 65 cm (25.6") x 31.5 cm (12.4") x 63 (24.8")
Wing Shape (Front, Rear): Rectangular, Rectangular
Padding Dimensions (L x fW x mW x bW): 66 cm (26") x 34 cm (13.4") x 17 cm (6.7") x 44 cm (17.3")
Padding Wing Dimensions (fPW x fPH x bPW x bPH): 8.5 cm (3.4") x 12 cm (4.7") x 13.5 cm (5.3") x 16 cm (6.3")
Padding Wing Shape (Front, Rear): Semicircle, Semicircle
Total Padding Area: 1758 cm2 (272 in2)
Tape Spacing (t1 x t2): 4 cm (1.6") x 12 cm (4.7")
Tape (W x L): 2.5 cm (1") x 3.5 cm (1.4")


1.2 Certainty Adult Diaper


Laboratory Absorbency Tests

Total Absorption Volume (after press out): 648 ml (22.9 oz)
Total Absorption Volume (before press out): 658 ml (23.2 oz)
Time to Absorb Wettings (first to last): (44 s, 93 s, 108 s)
Wet Folded Thickness: 3.0 cm (1.2")
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 78%
Total Padding to Absorbency Ratio: 0.37 ml / cm2 (0.08 oz / in2)
Press Out Volume: 10 ml (0.35 oz)

Surface Dampness Rating: 2
The Certainty Adult Diaper failed its surface dampness test on the very first wetting; it didn’t even try to stay dry. Also apparent was its very slow absorption time. In the lab test it performed worse than the Depend Protection with Tabs, but in real world testing I found it to be comparable. It can only confidently take a single wetting and it feels very damp immediately after, but after maybe 10~20 minutes of wear the dampness will become less noticeable.




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: 808 ml (28.5 oz)
Total Wettings: 2 (1 standing, 1 sitting)
Leaked After Sitting: No
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 97%
Padding to Absorbency Score: 0.46 ml / cm2 (0.10 oz / in2)

Standing-Sitting Rating: 5
The Certainty Adult Diaper performed fine for a low range diaper during the standing-sitting test. It took a full wetting while standing without any sign of leakage, but like the Depend Protection with Tabs the moisture pooled for a while and wasn’t immediately absorbed by the padding. It felt very damp for several minutes before it was absorbed, yet the structure did a good job at containing it. There was no leakage upon sitting, although I expect had I sat shortly after the initial wetting it would have leaked due to all the unabsorbed moisture. On the second wetting the diaper clearly became saturated to the point it could no longer absorb moisture, but surprisingly there was very little initial leakage. I ended the test on the second wetting because there was some leakage and the diaper clearly couldn’t take more at the front and wasn’t effectively wicking to the back where there was still some dry padding. It’s fair to say the Certainty diaper could easily take a wetting either seated or standing, but it should be changed shortly before the next.


Lying Down

Total Absorbed Volume: 708 ml (25 oz)
Total Wettings: 2
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 80%
Padding to Absorbency Score: 0.40 ml / cm2 (0.09 oz / in2)

Lying Down Rating: 3
The Certainty diaper had no trouble absorbing the first wetting in spite of a lot of initial surface dampness. I attribute this to the large padding surface area, effectively wicking the moisture around. After first wetting the padding became quite soft but didn’t quite clump. After a few minutes most of the dampness was absorbed and the diaper felt only slightly damp. On the second wetting there was again very noticeable surface dampness and the diapers structure and large padding surface area initially held off leakage, but shortly afterwards it started leaking through the back. This experience was very similar to that of the Depend Protection with Tabs diaper and I don’t have confidence this diaper can take more than a single wetting laying down without some sort of leakage.

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


Daily Wear and Bedwetting

Certainty Adult Diapers are like the Depend Protection with Tabs in Southeast Asia, perhaps even more widely used as they seem to be on par or better for sales than the protective underwear products based on shelf stocking in Thailand. In terms of performance for day and night wear it’s generally similar with a few important differences. During testing I was very impressed with how well it dissipated heat and little I sweat while wearing it even during warmer weather. This is definitely a plus in a hot climate and surely would reduce skin irradiation. This diaper is also ridiculously comfortable (especially for having a plastic backsheet) and often barely noticeable. However, the overall absorbency is somewhat lacking and it can only be expected to handle a single wetting without leakage whether seated or lying down. For many I feel this diaper would be better suited for daytime usage as it should be changed before a second wetting might occur. It also struggles a bit with surface dampness, with the padding slow to absorb and frequently releasing excess moisture when wet. Aside from that, it would probably be a great diaper for those with fecal incontinence because the bottom has a large pocket of space and the breathability could be particularly beneficial in that case. In terms of features, this diaper has the typical landing zone commonly seen in Asian diapers and is well constructed with decent leg gathers and leak guards. This diaper might be cheap, but it has an interesting balance of pros and cons and may suit some better than others.

Suitability for Bowel Incontinence: 7

The Certainty Adult Diaper is reasonably well suited for dealing with bowel incontinence. It has a plastic backsheet and extensive rear padding coverage. The tapes hold up well in the landing zone and the inner leak guards seem decent. While I don't feel it comes to the top of this ranking, I'd certainly rank it in the upper half of diapers that can handle bowel incontinence.

Wear & Tear Tests


Fitting

The Certainty Adult Diaper features two tapes per side with a refastenable/repositionable landing zone in the front. Unlike the double tape mechanism this means you can move the tape to a different position if you get it wrong the first time and will still be able to reattach it later if needed. The tapes are of decent quality and will be very sticky on the first attachment but will lose some of the grip if re-attached multiple times.

3.1 Certainty Adult Diaper Fastener


Ease-of-Use Rating: 9
The Certainty diaper is very easy to use due to its snug fit design and helpful landing zone pattern. The leg gathers and leak guards will fit to the wearers form when applied with minimal interference. The tape landing zone is useful for those who self-apply and carers alike because it has a checkered pattern with numbers to be used for tape alignment. This means once you find the perfect fit you can consistently reproduce it by noting the location of the tapes. The tapes may wear out a bit after multiple re-attachments and this diaper doesn’t have a waistband, but otherwise it’s about as easy to use as they get. Note, this doesn’t account for the ease-of-use of the diaper’s packaging, which is harder than most because it doesn’t have any easy tear panels.

3.2 Certainty Adult Diaper Fit

Comfort


Comfort Rating (dry): 10
The Certainty diaper may be the most comfortable I have ever tried when worn dry. I really wouldn’t have expected it from a cheap plastic-backed diaper. The padding has a very soft quilt pattern and extensive padding coverage and even the inner part of the backsheet is soft and breathable. This diaper feels particularly well suited to hot weather, which probably makes sense given its origin, and dissipates heat rapidly. I’ve given it top marks for dry comfort, but with the caveat that if it’s worn dry for an extended period of time the padding may start to break down and it will be less comfortable.


Comfort Rating (wet): 5
Unlike in its dry state the Certainty diaper is far from comfortable when wet. The padding while super soft doesn’t retain moisture well and surface dampness and clumping may be apparent from the first wetting. It does eventually wick through the diaper and it becomes a little more comfortable at that point, but a large wetting could leave it feeling very saturated. I don’t believe this to be a diaper you’d want to spend any extended amount of time in while wet. It’s somewhat similar to the Depend Protection with Tabs, although I feel the padding is a little looser in the Certainty diaper, but with better breathability and heat dissipation I rank it slightly higher.


3.3 Certainty Adult Diaper Topsheet and Backsheet


Durability

Dry Padding Deterioration Proportion: 8.7% (topsheet), 14.4% (backsheet)
Shake Deterioration Test: 4 shakes to deterioration


Durability Rating (dry): 5
The Certainty diaper had some obvious durability issues with the padding pretty easily becoming detached from the backsheet (fig 3.4). This led to parts of the padding tearing when worn dry over around 8 hours. The thinness of the padding also resulted in the wetness indicator fading due to involuntary post void dribbling. Even so, the padding wasn’t damaged to the point that it couldn’t absorb a full wetting so I can hardly rank this diaper among the lower performers when it comes to dry durability. One thing to note is that the tapes will weaken considerably if refastened multiple times, yet it’s unlikely you’ll ever hit that point in a realistic day use scenario.


Durability Rating (wet): 5
With respect to wet durability the Certainty diaper wasn’t much different than in its dry state. There was some clumping and tearing but not enough to render it completely ineffective. It had about average performance in the shake test. The tearing occurs about where it might be expected for a diaper with thin padding with one tear at the front and another at the back as the padding in the middle sags down. I wouldn’t recommend this diaper for active wear, but for light wear around the house of minor bedwetting it should be fine.


3.4 Certainty Adult Diaper Dry Test Deterioration


Discretion Tests


Profile

Front Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 3 cm (1.18"), 4.5 cm (1.77")
Back Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 7 cm (2.76"), 7 cm (2.76")
Side Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 8.5 cm (3.35"), 8 cm (3.35")

Profile Discretion Rating: 7
Certainty Adult Diapers feature an extensive area of padding but the padding itself is relatively thin and will not easily be seen under clothing. The only exception would be for thinner clothing when underwear or mesh pants aren’t worn over the diaper, in this case the width at the diaper’s bottom may be apparent. The diaper also rises a fair amount above the typical pant waistline. 


4.1 Certainty Adult Diaper Jeans Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear (right)

4.2 Certainty Adult Diaper Sweatpants Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear (right)


Noise

Noise Rating: 6
The Certainty Adult Diaper’s padding can easily become loose from the backsheet and this leads to an obvious crinkling noise when worn while walking. Otherwise the plastic backsheet material isn’t inherently noisy and it may be possible to mask when worn under underwear or mesh pants to keep the padding snug with the backsheet.

4.3 Certainty Adult Diaper Noise Profile


Odor Reduction

Odor Reduction Rating: 6
The structure of the Certainty diaper does a good job at resisting the escape of odors. However, the padding does a poor job at retaining surface dampness and consequently the formation and release of odors. During my tests I rarely noticed any smells, but if worn wet for any extended period of time I wouldn’t count on others not noticing the smell.