*For information on how I do reviews see Diaper Test Methodology
Summary
With 26 adult diaper reviews completed over the past year and a half we have far more to assess than were available for the 2020 top 10 adult diaper rankings. Compared to last year's rankings only the BetterDry/Crinklz, iD Expert Slip Maxi (PE), Tena Slip Active Fit Maxi and ConfiDry 24/7 were able to hold their ground in the overall rankings that account for absorbency, comfort, durability and discretion. However, many of the diapers that fell down in overall rankings still held up in the individual categories.
For this year's rankings we will be using the same scoring formulas as were used in the 2020 rankings with a slight tweak to the weightings in the durability scoring (see figure 1.1). We've also left the Tena Slip Active Fit Maxi out of the rankings this time due to its similarity to the Tena Slip Active Fit Ultima with the Ultima being a little more absorbent. Our rankings aim to provide a high degree of objectivity while still accounting aspects that are harder to capture like comfort.
Over the next year we have some exciting new high absorbency adult diaper reviews planned including some ABDL favorites. We will also start reviewing a more diverse set of products including booster pads and protective underwear so expect additional categories in next year's rankings. Product suggestions can now be made via our suggestion form. These user suggestions will soon be listed on a suggestion tracking page and updated as they progress for review. If there's interest, we're hoping to accelerate certain product reviews via donation as we've started breaking into more expensive review categories.
 |
| 1.1 New Durability Score Formula |
Absorbency Ranking
The absorbency ranking is based on the same scoring formula described in the 2020 top 10. The formula accounts for average absorption during testing, the amount absorbed per area of padding as well as other characteristics that improve performance in this regard. It produces a score between 1-10 with higher scores indicating better absorbency performance.
| Diaper | Scoring |
|---|---|
|
Score: 9.68 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 |
|
|
Score: 8.87 Absorbency: 1492 ml (52.6 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 1.33 ml/cm2 (0.30 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: yes Stand/Sit Score: 8 Lying Down Score: 9 Used Percent: 93 |
|
|
Score: 8.65 Absorbency: 1475 ml (52.0 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 1.08 ml/cm2 (0.25 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: yes Stand/Sit Score: 9 Lying Down Score: 9 Used Percent: 96 |
|
|
Score: 8.47 Absorbency: 1449 ml (52.1 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 1.01 ml/cm2 (0.23 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: yes Stand/Sit Score: 8 Lying Down Score: 8 Used Percent: 86 |
|
|
Score: 8.47 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 |
|
|
Score: 8.07 Absorbency: 1299 ml (45.8 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 0.99 ml/cm2 (0.22 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: yes Stand/Sit Score: 8 Lying Down Score: 9 Used Percent: 95 |
|
|
Score: 7.80 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 |
|
|
Score: 7.77 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 |
|
|
Score: 7.67 Absorbency: 1350 ml (47.6 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 0.73 ml/cm2 (0.17 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: yes Stand/Sit Score: 9 Lying Down Score: 8 Used Percent: 86 |
|
|
Score: 7.34 Absorbency: 1208 ml (42.6 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 0.76 ml/cm2 (0.17 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: yes Stand/Sit Score: 8 Lying Down Score: 8 Used Percent: 90 |
Comfort Ranking
The comfort ranking is also based on the 2020 rankings formula. This formula accounts for aspects of performance like surface dampness and breathability. It also accounts for scoring on comfort in dry and wet states and padding softness.
| Diaper | Scoring |
|---|---|
|
Score: 9.44 Padding Area: 1435 cm2 (222 in2) Absorbency Time: 42 s Dry Comfort Score: 10 Wet Comfort Score: 10 Surface Dampness Score: 9 Ease of Use Score: 10 |
|
|
Score: 9.13 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 |
|
|
Score: 8.88 Padding Area: 1120 cm2 (174 in2) Absorbency Time: 48 s Dry Comfort Score: 10 Wet Comfort Score: 10 Surface Dampness Score: 8 Ease of Use Score: 7 |
|
|
Score: 8.78 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 |
|
|
Score: 8.71 Padding Area: 1840 cm2 (285 in2) Absorbency Time: 41 s Dry Comfort Score: 10 Wet Comfort Score: 8 Surface Dampness Score: 7 Ease of Use Score: 7 |
|
|
Score: 8.54 Padding Area: 1594 cm2 (247 in2) Absorbency Time: 46 s Dry Comfort Score: 9 Wet Comfort Score: 9 Surface Dampness Score: 8 Ease of Use Score: 7 |
|
|
Score: 8.35 Padding Area: 1261 cm2 (195 in2) Absorbency Time: 41 s Dry Comfort Score: 10 Wet Comfort Score: 8 Surface Dampness Score: 7 Ease of Use Score: 7 |
|
|
Score: 8.19 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 |
|
|
Score: 7.98 Padding Area: 1367 cm2 (212 in2) Absorbency Time: 42 s Dry Comfort Score: 8 Wet Comfort Score: 8 Surface Dampness Score: 8 Ease of Use Score: 8 |
|
|
Score: 7.90 Padding Area: 1315 cm2 (204 in2) Absorbency Time: 44 s Dry Comfort Score: 8 Wet Comfort Score: 8 Surface Dampness Score: 8 Ease of Use Score: 8 |
Durability Ranking
| Diaper | Scoring |
|---|---|
|
Score: 9.53 Tape Area: 45 cm2 (7.0 in2) Dry Durability Score: 10 Wet Durability Score: 10 Shake Test: 12 Topsheet Deterioration: 0.55% Backsheet Deterioration: 1.38% Waistband: rear |
|
|
Score: 9.37 Tape Area: 60 cm2 (9.3 in2) Dry Durability Score: 10 Wet Durability Score: 10 Shake Test: 4 Topsheet Deterioration: 0.58% Backsheet Deterioration: 2.61% Waistband: front/rear |
|
|
Score: 9.08 Tape Area: 40 cm2 (6.2 in2) Dry Durability Score: 10 Wet Durability Score: 10 Shake Test: 3 Topsheet Deterioration: 0.53% Backsheet Deterioration: 1.09% Waistband: rear |
|
|
Score: 8.98 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 |
|
|
Score: 8.93 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 |
|
|
Score: 8.91 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 |
|
|
Score: 8.41 Tape Area: 50 cm2 (7.8 in2) Dry Durability Score: 9 Wet Durability Score: 8 Shake Test: 6 Topsheet Deterioration: 1.71% Backsheet Deterioration: 2.33% Waistband: rear |
|
|
Score: 8.21 Tape Area: 56 cm2 (8.7 in2) Dry Durability Score: 9 Wet Durability Score: 8 Shake Test: 2 Topsheet Deterioration: 1.63% Backsheet Deterioration: 1.66% Waistband: none |
|
|
Score: 8.21 Tape Area: 48 cm2 (7.4 in2) Dry Durability Score: 9 Wet Durability Score: 8 Shake Test: 3 Topsheet Deterioration: 2.10% Backsheet Deterioration: 1.99% Waistband: rear |
|
|
Score: 8.15 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 |
Discretion Ranking
The discretion ranking formula remains unchanged from the 2020 top adult diapers formula. This ranking measures overall discretion. It accounts for the bulkiness of the diaper, how noisy it is, whether it is prone to odors and how far it rides above the waistline. To a lesser extent it accounts for the fact that less absorbent diapers will be more discreet when dry but will be glaringly obvious if they leak.
| Diaper | Scoring |
|---|---|
|
Score: 7.62 Profile Discretion Score: 9 Noise Score: 9 Odor Reduction Score: 10 Dry Weight: 158 g (5.6 oz) Folded Length: 25 cm (9.8") Wet Folded Thickness: 6 cm (2.4") Average Rise Above Waist: 4 cm (1.6") Dry Folded Thickness: 2 cm (0.79") |
|
|
Score: 7.49 Profile Discretion Score: 9 Noise Score: 9 Odor Reduction Score: 10 Dry Weight: 108 g (3.8 oz) Folded Length: 26 cm (10.2") Wet Folded Thickness: 3 cm (1.18") Average Rise Above Waist: 5.3 cm (2.1") Dry Folded Thickness: 2.0 cm (0.8") |
|
|
Score: 7.21 Profile Discretion Score: 7 Noise Score: 10 Odor Reduction Score: 10 Dry Weight: 158 g (5.6 oz) Folded Length: 25 cm (9.8") Wet Folded Thickness: 5 cm (2") Average Rise Above Waist: 3.8 cm (1.5") Dry Folded Thickness: 2.7 cm (1.06") |
|
|
Score: 7.10 Profile Discretion Score: 8 Noise Score: 9 Odor Reduction Score: 9 Dry Weight: 100 g (3.5 oz) Folded Length: 21 cm (8.3") Wet Folded Thickness: 5 cm (2") Average Rise Above Waist: 5.8 cm (2.3") Dry Folded Thickness: 2.5 cm (1") |
|
|
Score: 7.09 Profile Discretion Score: 9 Noise Score: 9 Odor Reduction Score: 8 Dry Weight: 117 g (4.13 oz) Folded Length: 23 cm (9.1") Wet Folded Thickness: 4.5 cm (1.8") Average Rise Above Waist: 5.2 cm (2") Dry Folded Thickness: 2.3 cm (0.9") |
|
|
Score: 6.87 Profile Discretion Score: 8 Noise Score: 10 Odor Reduction Score: 7 Dry Weight: 150 g (5.3 oz) Folded Length: 24 cm (9.5") Wet Folded Thickness: 5 cm (2") Average Rise Above Waist: 3.6 cm (1.4") Dry Folded Thickness: 2.3 cm (0.9") |
|
|
Score: 6.54 Profile Discretion Score: 7 Noise Score: 9 Odor Reduction Score: 7 Dry Weight: 127 g (4.5 oz) Folded Length: 24 cm (9.5") Wet Folded Thickness: 5 cm (2") Average Rise Above Waist: 3.9 cm (1.5") Dry Folded Thickness: 1.9 cm (0.8") |
|
|
Score: 6.53 Profile Discretion Score: 8 Noise Score: 6 Odor Reduction Score: 10 Dry Weight: 142 g (5 oz) Folded Length: 25 cm (9.8") Wet Folded Thickness: 6 cm (2.4") Average Rise Above Waist: 5.2 cm (2") Dry Folded Thickness: 2.3 cm (0.9") |
|
|
Score: 6.49 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") |
|
|
Score: 6.47 Profile Discretion Score: 8 Noise Score: 9 Odor Reduction Score: 5 Dry Weight: 92 g (3.3 oz) Folded Length: 26 cm (10.2") Wet Folded Thickness: 3 cm (1.2") Average Rise Above Waist: 6.3 cm (2.5") Dry Folded Thickness: 1.7 cm (0.7") |
Overall Top 10 Ranking
The top 10 overall ranking again follows the formula used in the top 10 ranking from 2020. This formula combines the scores for the above 10 rankings and produces a new score that averages them. It gives a little more weighting to absorbency and a little less to discretion. You may notice some difference in the scoring between this and last year's rankings, that is because some of the metrics use relative scoring so as more products are added the top and/or bottom performances may change (e.g. if a diaper with less absorbency than any tested in the previous year it will nudge up the rankings of the others relatively). How valuable you find this ranking will depend on your own personal preference and, if one aspect is of high importance to you, the rankings above may be more helpful in finding the product that best meets your needs.
This year the Seni Super Quatro and BetterDry/Crinklz were virtually a tie for first, with the Seni diaper gaining a slight edge in the non-absorbency categories. The Tena Slip Active Fit Ultima retained last year's 3rd rank given to the Tena Slip Active Fit Maxi (the Maxi was not included in this year's rankings but would have ranked 7th with a score of 7.96 here, had it been included again). There was far less of a difference between the bottom and top score in this year's rankings as there are now many more diapers to compare against. The Seni Super Quatro topped the list with a score of 8.69, while the Prevail Air Overnight inched into the bottom with a score of 7.40. Outside of the top 10, the Attends Care Waistband diaper retained the worst rating with an overall score of 4.10.
| Diaper | Scoring |
|---|---|
|
Score: 8.69 The Seni Super Quatro eked out the top spot. This diaper provides a great combination of comfort, absorbency, durability and discretion. It's cloth-backed so it may not be a winner for everyone, but it's well worth a try if you're willing to give it a chance. It's a shame it isn't easier to find at a reasonable price (at least not around here). |
|
|
Score: 8.68 The BetterDry/Crinklz diaper was by still the winner for absorbency and but dropped down the ranks in terms of comfort and discretion compared to last year. Even so, it still had good all around performance in those areas. If you prefer plastic-backed diapers it doesn't get much better than the BetterDry. I recently used this during some COVID-era travel and was surprised how well it blended under my clothing. |
|
|
Score: 8.44 The Tena Slip Ultima demonstrated why it is rated above the Maxi. It's a very similar diaper overall but the bit of extra absorbency gives it a edge. It topped the discretion category due to its snug profile and smooth backsheet, which is amazing for a diaper with this much absorbency. |
|
|
Score: 8.12 The ConfiDry 24/7 held its own over the previous years ranking. Though, it should be noted that I haven't tested since there may have been some changes to this diaper. It really showed its strength in terms of absorbency and comfort (particularly for bedwetting). This is an incredible diaper and I highly recommend giving it a try. |
|
|
Score: 8.03 The NorthShore Supreme diaper was a new addition to this list. In a lot of ways it's similar to the Drylife SlipSuper or iD Slip Maxi (PE) but with more absorbency. This diaper proved highly durable and comfortable. It runs more compact like many premium European diapers. |
|
|
Score: 7.98 The Drylife SlipSuper is a great all around diaper and surprisingly affordable when its available. Its padding is a little on the stiff side, though it softens when wet. This diaper is a tank when it comes to durability and held its own in terms of absorbency. |
|
|
Score: 7.77 The Attends Slip Regular Plus feels like a competitor to Tena Slip line of products. It's back with a very smooth/comfortable plastic and provides a great combination of durability and discretion. It feels well suited to active wear and where it can be found the pricing seems reasonable. |
|
|
Score: 7.73 The Attends Premier Briefs Overnight one of only 3 North American diapers to make the top 10 list, the others being the ComfiDry 24/7 and Prevail Air Overnight. It's also one of only 3 cloth-backed diapers to make the list. This Attends diaper was easily among the most comfortable when tested in its dry state. It also performed surprisingly well in terms of absorbency for a more "mainstream" brand. |
|
|
Score: 7.71 The iD Expert Slip Maxi (PE) is not well known but stands out for its fantastic durability and snug profile. It's pretty hard to find, but comes at a decent price where it is available. |
|
|
Score: 7.40 The Prevail Air Overnight was a bit of a surprise on this list. It's hardly the most absorbent diaper, but well ahead of the least absorbent diapers. It's cloth-backed and very durable and comfortable. It may have been far from a winner in any particular category but it performed consistently across them all. |
hello.i am from England .do you have a Mailing list by E.mail.i do not see any subscribe on your blog by e.mail , i am disabled .i have BOTH Bladder and Bowel problems/long list of health issues .my blog.http;//mark-kent.webs.com twitter.supersnopper MARK
ReplyDeleteHi Mark, I'm sorry to hear about your health issues. I hope this blog has been helpful to you. I have a YouTube channel that you could subscribe to (https://www.youtube.com/c/DiaperMetrics). It includes links to the blog posts in the description when new reviews are posted. I've also added a widget to the blog that will allow you to get email notifications. Unfortunately, it currently only shows on the web view of the blog but I'm working on trying to get it into the mobile view as well.
Deletethanks for the reply .i have subscribed you on youtube and your blog look forward too your next one .DO YOU do this BECAUSE yOU HAVE A bLADDER/Bowel problem .just wondering.i take part in a lot lot Research .ON ONE OF THESE I TOOK PART IN ,IT WAS ABOUT.Nappies/Diapers .this took place for TWO MONTHS all sorts Pads was sent to me .i would write all down like Leaks Rate them Weigh the Pads..i. Live in England.MARK
ReplyDeleteThanks Mark! I have a neurological condition that leads to frequency and occasional leaks during the day as well as bedwetting among other things. I don't have bowel incontinence, but I have had some very close calls in the last few months. I try my best to assess how products will work for all cases. I've never heard of such a research program here, but I'm located in Canada.
Deletemorning it is here.when how old was you when you was diagnosed with bladder Problem.have you had any Bullying.i had a LOT .i would say that I am OLDER than You .been there had that done.had this happen, MARK
ReplyDeleteHello Mark! I've only developed this condition as an adult and have a good support network so fortunately I haven't experienced much bullying. I'm in my 30s, so I guess not that young. Hope you're doing well!
DeleteGood afternoon!
ReplyDeleteThis is a lot of great information so thanks for sharing! I was curious if you had ever used the Seni Super Plus briefs? And if so, what your opinion is of those?
Been a bedwetter for many years (30s now) and I have been using them for a few years now and they are great but I’m always curious how they rate against others diapers.
Thanks, happy to hear these reviews have been helpful!
DeleteI haven't tried the Seni Super Plus before, but I do have a bag and plan to evaluate them in an upcoming review.
Can you make a table page where you can sort on values like weight, max absorbtion and, I think, most importantly ml/cm2. Because, that is basically the 'holding' capacity. Lots of SAP will result in a high number there and those with fluff only or low SAP.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback! I do have plans to revamp the review organization to make it sortable and easier to compare. For now I've prioritized producing more reviews, but when I have more time I'll get back into reorganizing them to make them easier to compare.
Delete