*For information on how I do reviews see Diaper Test Methodology
Summary
Seasons greetings! Now coming on three years since we began reviewing adult diapers we've completed 48 reviews, nearly doubling the number of reviews used to determine the 2021 top 10 adult diaper rankings. Additionally, we've done our first review of reusable protective underwear, giving a completely different product perspective. Many of the diapers that ranked highly in our previous review continued to take the overall top 10 ranking with the Seni Super Quartro, BetterDry/Crinklz, Tena Slip Active Fit Ultima and ConfiDry 24/7 continuing to dominate the top spots. However, there were substantial shifts in the individual ranking categories for Absorbency, Comfort, Durability and Discretion with more specialty diapers tested in the previous year.
For this year's rankings we will be using the same scoring formulas as were used in the 2021 rankings but we now only take the top product for each brand to fill out our overall rankings to reduce repetition. We've also merged similar product lines of differing absorbency like the Tena Slip Active Fit Maxi and Tena Slip Active Fit Ultima in the individual ranking categories. However, for this review we've included a table at the bottom with a direct comparison of the ratings for every product reviewed. I understanding this isn't a perfect solution to compare statistics but hopefully it will make product comparisons at least a little easier for the time being. We've received a lot of feedback around making these statistics more accessible and when I have the time and funds available promise I do plan on building out a website to make these comparisons much easier.
We were hoping to review some more diverse products this year like boosters and protective underwear, but have been surprised by the number of adult diapers on the market and prioritized those first, so maybe next year. Moreover, these reviews take a surprising amount of time/effort so we really appreciate the feedback we've received over the previous year! We also want to give a special shout out to Night and Day LLC and Carer for providing the Nexgen diapers and reusable underwear samples used in this year's reviews!
Since we launched our suggestion form last year we've received a number of great suggestions. We've managed to get through quite a few of them, but some have proven to be quite expensive or nearly impossible to order from Canada. If anyone is interested in helping contribute to our next reviews we've compiled some Amazon wish lists that include the review suggestions or similar products. Alternatively, if you'd like to help support our reviews at no cost simply use our Adult Diapers affiliate link when you make your next purchase of incontinence supplies through Amazon. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
p.s. Amazon.ca has the best shipping rates here, but relatively limited product selection, apologies if there are shipping costs on the others
Amazon Germany Review Suggestions Wish List
Amazon France Review Suggestions Wish List
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. Rankings narrowed further this year with the review of more high absorbency ABDL oriented diapers, but a few of the products from last year's review retained a spot in the top 10. Notable runners up include the Drylife SlipSuper, Abena Abri-Form M4 and NorthShore MegaMax.
| Diaper | Scoring |
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Score: 9.47 Absorbency: 2158 ml (76.1 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 1.14 ml/cm2 (0.26 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: yes Stand/Sit Score: 9 Lying Down Score: 10 Used Percent: 80 |
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Score: 9.45 Absorbency: 2075 ml (73.2 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 1.07 ml/cm2 (0.24 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: yes Stand/Sit Score: 10 Lying Down Score: 10 Used Percent: 79 |
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Score: 9.42 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 |
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Score: 8.82 Absorbency: 1834 ml (42.6 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 1.14 ml/cm2 (0.26 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: yes Stand/Sit Score: 9 Lying Down Score: 9 Used Percent: 76 |
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Score: 8.66 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 |
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Score: 8.44 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 |
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Score: 8.26 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 |
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Score: 8.24 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 |
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Score: 8.16 Absorbency: 1609 ml (56.7 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 0.89 ml/cm2 (0.20 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: yes Stand/Sit Score: 9 Lying Down Score: 9 Used Percent: 72 |
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Score: 8.06 Absorbency: 1572 ml (55.4 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 0.85 ml/cm2 (0.19 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: yes Stand/Sit Score: 9 Lying Down Score: 9 Used Percent: 86 |
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. There were four new additions to this year's rankings for comfort but the Seni Super Quatro retained its top spot. Close runners up included the Forma-Care X-Plus, Prevail Air Overnight, and Molicare Slip Maxi.
| Diaper | Scoring |
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Score: 9.31 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 |
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Score: 9.03 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 |
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Score: 8.89 Padding Area: 1823 cm2 (282 in2) Absorbency Time: 56 s Dry Comfort Score: 9 Wet Comfort Score: 10 Surface Dampness Score: 9 Ease of Use Score: 8 |
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Score: 8.77 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 |
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Score: 8.72 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 |
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Score: 8.63 Padding Area: 1611 cm2 (250 in2) Absorbency Time: 85 s Dry Comfort Score: 9 Wet Comfort Score: 10 Surface Dampness Score: 9 Ease of Use Score: 9 |
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Score: 8.59 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 |
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Score: 8.43 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 |
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Score: 8.33 Padding Area: 1756 cm2 (272 in2) Absorbency Time: 47 s Dry Comfort Score: 10 Wet Comfort Score: 8 Surface Dampness Score: 7 Ease of Use Score: 7 |
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Score: 8.26 Padding Area: 975 cm2 (151 in2) Absorbency Time: 61 s Dry Comfort Score: 10 Wet Comfort Score: 9 Surface Dampness Score: 7 Ease of Use Score: 10 |
Durability Ranking
In this year's durability ranking we've reused the adjusted formula from the 2021 durability rankings. This formula accounts for how much padding is destroyed after extended wear/tear, how well the tapes hold up and whether the padding is prone to clumps or tears. Interestingly enough most of the diapers from last year's review retained their durability ranking, with a bit of movement near the bottom of the list. Also of interest is that there seems to be some correlation between absorbency and padding durability, but it didn't apply universally and the premium European diapers generally held up best.
| Diaper | Scoring |
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Score: 9.44 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 |
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Score: 9.25 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 |
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Score: 8.96 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 |
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Score: 8.89 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 |
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Score: 8.87 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 |
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Score: 8.77 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 |
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Score: 8.57 Tape Area: 40 cm2 (6.2 in2) Dry Durability Score: 9 Wet Durability Score: 9 Shake Test: 5 Topsheet Deterioration: 6.16% Backsheet Deterioration: 6.56% Waistband: front/rear |
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Score: 8.50 Tape Area: 64 cm2 (9.9 in2) Dry Durability Score: 9 Wet Durability Score: 9 Shake Test: 2 Topsheet Deterioration: 7.79% Backsheet Deterioration: 4.69% Waistband: front/rear |
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Score: 8.46 Tape Area: 45 cm2 (7 in2) Dry Durability Score: 9 Wet Durability Score: 9 Shake Test: 2 Topsheet Deterioration: 5.63% Backsheet Deterioration: 3.25% Waistband: front/rear |
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Score: 8.31 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 |
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. The top discretion rankings tend to be lower than other areas because of competing attributes. For instance, plastic-backed diapers tend to be better at reducing odors, yet the plastic-backsheet contributes to more noise. There was some notable movement on this list compared with last year, with the Egosan Ultra, Lille SupremFit Maxi and Attends Slip Regular Plus just barely being bumped from the top 10.
| Diaper | Scoring |
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Score: 7.63 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 (0.8") |
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Score: 7.46 Profile Discretion Score: 8 Noise Score: 10 Odor Reduction Score: 9 Dry Weight: 116 g (4.1 oz) Folded Length: 24 cm (9.5") Wet Folded Thickness: 4.5 cm (1.8") Average Rise Above Waist: 5.1 cm (2") Dry Folded Thickness: 2 cm (0.8") |
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Score: 7.34 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 cm (0.8") |
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Score: 7.29 Profile Discretion Score: 8 Noise Score: 10 Odor Reduction Score: 7 Dry Weight: 100 g (3.5 oz) Folded Length: 21.5 cm (8.5") Wet Folded Thickness: 5 cm (2") Average Rise Above Waist: 3.6 cm (1.4") Dry Folded Thickness: 1.5 cm (0.6") |
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Score: 7.27 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") |
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Score: 7.26 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") |
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Score: 7.24 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") |
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Score: 7.01 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") |
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Score: 6.86 Profile Discretion Score: 8 Noise Score: 9 Odor Reduction Score: 7 Dry Weight: 100 g (3.5 oz) Folded Length: 23 cm (9.1") Wet Folded Thickness: 5 cm (2") Average Rise Above Waist: 5.3 cm (2.1") Dry Folded Thickness: 2.3 cm (0.9") |
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Score: 6.74 Profile Discretion Score: 7 Noise Score: 10 Odor Reduction Score: 7 Dry Weight: 142 g (5 oz) Folded Length: 22 cm (8.7") Wet Folded Thickness: 5 cm (2") Average Rise Above Waist: 4.7 cm (1.8") Dry Folded Thickness: 3 cm (1.2") |
Overall Top 10 Ranking
This year's top 10 overall ranking again follows the formula used to calculate the top 10 from 2020 and 2021. The formula combines scores for absorbency, comfort, durability and discretion to produce an overall ranking. One thing we've changed in this year's ranking is that we've limited this ranking to only the best of each brand. This is intended to reduce any biases and give readers a greater diversity of diapers to evaluate in case a particular brand isn't available locally or has an awkward sizing. Notable, the Seni Super Plus, Tena Slip Active Fit Maxi, Tena PROskin Flex Maxi, NorthShore MegaMax and Attends Premier Briefs Overnight also attained scoring that would put them among these top 10 but were not the top performers under their specific brands. Once again, the value you find in these rankings will depend on your personal needs and preferences, if a particular product aspect is of high importance to you then you may find the rankings above more useful to suit your needs.
There was less movement than expected in this year's overall ranking when compared to the 2021 rankings. Likely, at least in part, due to the way I prioritized the earlier reviews. The top 5 remained unchanged owing to their strong performance in all categories. Nevertheless, there were two new additions to this year's top 10 ranking with the ABU PeekABU coming tied with the Drylife SlipSuper for 6th place and the Forma-Care X-Plus M4 bumping its way to 9th. There was far more movement below the top 10 with all the new reviews bumping previous poor performers further down the list. The gap between the top of these 10 and bottom further narrowed this year, while the total difference between the top and bottom rated diapers remained the same. Once again, the Seni Super Quatro topped this list with a score of 8.57 and the Attends Care Waistband came in at the bottom of the list with a score of 4.04. These scores were adjusted slightly lower from last year's scores as the addition of new diapers stretched previously established scales in areas like absorbency, reducing the relative scoring of the others.
| Diaper | Scoring |
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Score: 8.57 The Seni Super Quatro once again came in at the top spot. This diaper may not be the most absorbent, but when comfort, durability and discretion are factored in this one is hard to beat overall. It's cloth-backed, but it's well worth a try if you're willing to give it a chance. Product consistency appears to be very good in the Seni lineup, more so than many others on the market. |
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Score: 8.54 The BetterDry/Crinklz diaper retained it's spot at second place. When tested in 2020 this diaper proved exceptionally absorbent but also comfortable and somewhat discreet for a diaper of its absorbency. That said, readers have informed us of some quality issues in more recent batches. We've also learned the leak guards on this diaper, as well as many others, can break down when exposed to diaper rash cream. I'm hoping the quality issues are just a supply chain blip, but I'll provide an update when I get my next batch. For now, maybe start with a bag before buying a case. |
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Score: 8.33 The Tena Slip Ultima is a more absorbent version of the popular Tena Slip Maxi. It features the same smooth-comfortable plastic-backsheet and a surprisingly discreet design. As far as plastic-backed diapers, it may well be the most comfortable on the market. There are very few trade-offs in this diaper and it would be perfectly fine for a day out. |
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Score: 8.00 The ConfiDry 24/7 has proven quite polarizing over the last few years. There have been reports of bad batches in the past, but recent feedback has been quite positive. One interesting finding from one of our readers regards its durability against diaper rash creams. Whereas many others had durability issues the ConfiDry was one of the few to keep its form against the chemicals in those products. I'm happy to see ConfiDry weathered the storm, if you want something truly different this would be a great choice. |
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Score: 7.90 The NorthShore Supreme diaper made it to the top five ranks last year and retained its position in this years rankings. It's similar to the Drylife SlipSuper or iD Slip Maxi (PE) but with a bit more absorbency. This diaper proved highly durable and comfortable. Some have found its padding to be a bit firm but it makes up for it in other aspects. It also runs more compact in sizing like many premium European diapers. |
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Score: 7.87 The Drylife SlipSuper is a great all around diaper and surprisingly affordable when it's 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. |
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Score: 7.87 The ABU PeekABU is a new addition to the top 10 list and was essentially tied with the Drylife SlipSuper for 6th place. This diaper makes no effort to be discreet, but packs a very high absorbency as well as ranking relatively high in terms of comfort and durability. However, it also comes at a very high price. |
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Score: 7.67 The Attends Slip Regular Plus keeps its spot as the top Attends diaper on the market. It's comparable to the Tena Slip line of products. It's backed 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. |
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Score: 7.66 The Forma-Care X-Plus is a new entry to the top 10 overall rankings from this past year's review. This diaper has a distinctive blue backsheet with a soft, comfortable padding. This diaper is plastic-backed but quite good at heat distribution and the plastic is smooth, similar to the Tena Slip products. |
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Score: 7.60 The iD Expert Slip Maxi (PE) just barely made this year's list with some strong competition from more absorbent but less durable/discreet diapers. This diaper is similar to the Drylife SlipSuper and is highly durable. Unfortunately, it's difficult to find these days and may well be discontinued (this was reviewed in 2020). |
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