TotalDry X-Plus/Bambino Bianco Adult Diaper Review

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

 

Summary

The TotalDry X-Plus is a high absorbency plastic-backed diaper with a convenient patterned landing zone and strong, high-quality tapes. This diaper has an advertised absorbency of over 3500 ml (118 oz), though in real world usage it’s more likely to be around half of that, with it being a little better suited to overnight wear. These are imported by a subdivision of "The Bottom Half Group LLC", which also imports the ABDL-oriented Bambino line of products from the same factory. In fact, the Bambino Classico and Bianco are effectively identical to this one. Both are currently manufactured by Weifang Mimosa Personalcare Technology in China, which also appears to be the manufacturer for a number of similar products including the Forsite AM/PM, Rearz Barnyard/InControl Elite Hybrid, ABU PeekABU and Trest Elite Briefs among others.

Due to its landing-zone design this diaper can be refastened multiple times as needed, and if you mess up your initial taping you can always remove them and try again. It also has a pattern with numbers on the landing zone so when you find a fit that works best for you it’s easy to consistently get the same fit the next time it’s applied. The padding on this diaper is exceptionally wide, so it will collapse a bit between the legs but I never noticed any deterioration and the wide padding together with the plastic backsheet/snug leg gathers may make this one of the better diapers on the market for side sleepers.

I’d like to give a special shout out to Frank for donating the sample for this review from our wishlist and providing some helpful information to complete the review! Once again, all help is greatly appreciated as we try to build the most comprehensive comparison of adult diapers on the market. Overall, I found this diaper to be very comfortable and durable. It may not be at the top of my rankings, but I found it was one of the easiest diapers to get a snug fit of those tested so far. If you’ve been struggling to find a diaper that fits you just right, the TotalDry X-Plus is certainly worth a try (the fit is slightly smaller than most diapers of equivalent size).

Key Features:

• Plastic backsheet
• Thick landing zone with helper pattern
• Repositionable tapes
• Dual waistbands
  
• Standing inner leak barriers
  

Pros:

• High absorbency
• Snug fit
  
• Extensive soft padding
  
• Strong tapes + durable

Cons:

• Expensive unit price
  
• No wetness indicator
• Limited sizing available
• Some surface dampness issues

Product Details

For the purpose of this post I will be reviewing and referring to the medium-sized TotalDry X-Plus Diaper. However, other available sizes are listed below:

Packaging

Brand: TotalDry (by Secure Personal Care Products, LLC.)
Manufacturer: Weifang Mimosa Personalcare Technology
Origin: China
Units Per Bag: 12
Cost Per Unit: $$$$
Dimensions (L x W x H): 36 cm (14.1") x 19 cm (7.5") x 24 cm (9.5")
Weight: 1.8 kg (4.1 lbs)
Available Sizes: M, L, XL
Advertised Absorbency: X-Plus (3500 ml+)

1.1 TotalDry X-Plus Packaging

Diaper

Backsheet: Plastic (poly)
Wetness Indicator: No
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 (squiggly purple-lined landing zone)
Inner Color: White
Front Waistband: Yes
Rear Waistband: Yes
Folded Thickness: 3 cm (1.2")
Folded Length: 24 cm (9.5")
Dry Weight: 158 g (5.6 oz)
Fragrance: No
Diaper Dimensions (L x fW x mW x bW): 81 cm (31.9") x 64 cm (25.2") x 34 cm (13.4") x 64 cm (25.2")
Wing Shape (Front, Rear): Rectangular, Rectangular
Padding Dimensions (L x fW x mW x bW): 66 cm (26") x 28 cm (11") x 20 cm (7.9") x 39 cm (15.4")
Padding Wing Dimensions (fPW x fPH x bPW x bPH): 4 cm (1.6") x 15 cm (5.9") x 9.5 cm (3.7") x 20 cm (7.9")
Padding Wing Shape (Front, Rear): Semicircle, Semicircle
Total Padding Area: 1820 cm² (282 in²)
Tape Spacing (t1 x t2): 5.5 cm (2.2") x 14.5 cm (5.7")
Tape (W x L): 4 cm (1.6") x 4 cm (1.6")

 

1.2 TotalDry X-Plus Diaper

Laboratory Absorbency Tests

Total Absorption Volume (after press out): 1667 ml (58.8 oz)
Total Absorption Volume (before press out): 1742 ml (61.5 oz)
Time to Absorb Wettings (first to last): (70 s, 57 s, 63 s, 84 s, 83 s, 96 s, 84 s)
Wet Folded Thickness: 5 cm (2")
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 97%
Total Padding to Absorbency Ratio: 0.92 ml / cm² (0.21 oz / in²)
Press Out Volume: 75 ml (2.7 oz)

Surface Dampness Rating: 4

Much like the Forsite AM/PM or Rearz Barnyard/InControl Elite Hybrid, the TotalDry X-Plus struggled with surface dampness. Even on the first wetting during the lab test there were some signs of dampness and a substantial amount afterward. In real world testing, I also found it has a tendency for pooling and pressout. Generally dampness was manageable and not too noticeable with a single wetting, but became uncomfortable with any subsequent wettings.

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: 1142 ml (40.3 oz)
Total Wettings: (1 standing, 2 sitting)
Leaked After Sitting: No
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 92%
Padding to Absorbency Score: 0.63 ml / cm² (0.14 oz / in²)

Standing-Sitting Rating: 8
The TotalDry X-Plus performed well on the standing-sitting capacity test. The first wetting was completely absorbed without leakage and there was no sign of pressout upon sitting thereafter. At this point the mid-padding swelled a bit but there was still a substantial amount of dry padding up the front and rear. The second wetting was again fully absorbed without leakage, there was quite a bit of initial pooling and it came close to leaking through the front leak guards but eventually was fully absorbed. At this point the front padding was mostly saturated while the rear padding was still dry. On the third wetting there was significant pooling and a substantial leak as moisture pooled up toward the wings and also pressed out through the leg gathers.At this point almost all the padding was saturated except for a very small amount of dry padding at the rear. It’s safe to say this diaper has a maximum capacity of around 2 wettings for daily wear. I have trouble believing it could make it to 3 without leakage. This is a bit less than I was expecting but probably still reasonable for most people if the price point is worth it.

Lying Down

Total Absorbed Volume: 1217 ml (42.9 oz)
Total Wettings: 3
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 95%
Padding to Absorbency Score: 0.67 ml / cm² (0.15 oz / in²)

Lying Down Rating: 8

The TotalDry X-Plus performed similar to the standing-sitting test when tested while lying down. The first wetting was fully absorbed without leakage, but I did notice temporary pooling. The pooling could be a concern for those who sleep on their side. Eventually the padding captured all the moisture and the dampness was barely noticeable. On the second wetting there was also significant pooling pushing up the front of the diaper and near the wings. I was a bit worried it might leak out through the wings but if any moisture did make it into the sides the plastic backsheet prevented it from escaping. Eventually it was evenly distributed through the padding with no sign of leakage and the surface dampness wasn’t too noticeable. On the third wetting there was substantial pooling near the rear leg gathers and the padding felt quite saturated. Surprisingly, there was only a small amount of leakage even though the pooling took a long time to absorb into the padding. This was a noticeable difference from the standing-sitting test, where I believe the pressure from sitting resulted in a significant leak. In this test the leak guards did an excellent job at keeping the pooling at bay. For this reason I feel the TotalDry X-Plus would be better suited to bedwetting rather than daily wear (though with the pooling you’d need to be careful if you’re a side-sleeper who wets more than once per night). I expect it will take 2~3 wettings before leakage is a concern when worn while lying down.

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

Daily Wear and Bedwetting

The TotalDry X-Plus could best be described as somewhere in the middle of the lot for premium diapers. It’s not the most absorbent on the market, but highly comfortable and durable. I found the material to be very similar to the Forsite AM/PM and maybe even the Rearz diapers. Like the Forsite and Rearz diapers, this diaper has a perforated topsheet and soft, thick padding. It also features a large landing zone at the front made of a thicker plastic. During daily wear I found this diaper to be a little on the bulky side, but also more susceptible to pressout leakage than I might otherwise want for a diaper on its thickness. It will easily manage a single heavy wetting without any sign of pressout of dampness, but there’s more of a risk of pressout on the second wetting and it’s sure to leak on the third. In that way I feel it’s not as well suited to daily wear than you’d get from a more discreet but similarly absorbent diaper like the Tena Slip Active Fit Ultima, and for this reason, I feel it’s best suited to overnight wear. That said, it does have one big advantage in daily wear with tapes that are easy to re-attach multiple times and never seem to lose their strength. It also has padding that almost never clumps or tears, even when wet. Surprisingly, it’s also pretty good at heat dispersion (maybe a result of the low density padding?), so much so I think it’d be fine in warmer weather, but maybe not middle-of-summer level heat. When worn overnight, pressout is less of a concern and the very wide padding and snug leak guards make it particularly effective for managing bedwetting. I never had any issues or saw signs of leakage when worn for bedwetting. Aside from that, in general I did find it to be a bit prone to surface dampness as well as pooling immediately after a wetting. However, I never had any issues with skin irritation, with the only minor source of discomfort being where the landing zone meets the leg gathers in the front. For those interested in giving it a try, this diaper fits on the smaller side so it’s best to go up a size if you’re in the upper half of the sizing measurements. If you like the Rearz or Forsite diapers, then you’re certain to like this one. It's of high comfort and quality, but would be best bought if on sale since the standard pricing feels a bit on the high side for the level of absorbency.

Suitability for Bowel Incontinence: 10

I’m giving the TotalDry X-Plus a perfect score for its ability to manage bowel incontinence. It has strong, generous standing inner leak guards with good elastic leg gathers and wide waistbands. The tapes and plastic backsheet are also among the best on the market for durability, making it perfect for containment. These are also a little more economical than the similar Trest Elite or Forsite AM/PM for managing bowel incontinence. Overall, I can’t think of any reason this diaper wouldn’t be perfectly suited for this purpose.

Wear & Tear Tests

Fitting

The TotalDry X-Plus features dual waistbands, repositionable tapes (with a numbered landing zone), standing inner leak guards and a wide area of padding. Almost everything you could ask for in terms of diaper features. It also has a soft, plastic backsheet that easily flexes to fit the wearer’s body. It’s very similar in construction to the Forsite AM/PM, yet I’d say the sizing runs a bit smaller and more compact while the padding is less dense.

3.1 TotalDry X-Plus Fastener

 

Ease-of-Use Rating: 9

I found the TotalDry X-Plus to be very easy to use. I never had any issues getting a snug fit and, when tape readjustments were needed, it was easy to make them without fear of damaging their adhesion. The landing zone design of this diaper means tapes can be reapplied in a completely different placement than they were initially applied. Moreover, the TotalDry X-Plus features a helpful pattern on the landing zone so when you learn the spatial position of your best fit it's easy to consistently re-achieve the same fit. I couldn’t find many things I’d consider deficiencies in this diaper for ease-of-use, but a few things that come to mind include its lack of a wetness indicator and the strength required to remove the tapes. For those who have difficulties with their grip removing the tapes could potentially be an issue. While in a care environment the lack of a wetness indicator could be problematic. For those reasons I can’t quite give it a perfect score, but this diaper easily ranks near the top in terms of ease-of-use, particularly for those who don’t require assistance.

3.2 TotalDry X-Plus Fit

 

Comfort

Comfort Rating (dry): 8

When it comes to dry comfort I rank the TotalDry X-Plus similar to the Forsite AM/PM. They both have a very similar construct. The padding is generally quite soft, perhaps even a bit fluffier than the Forsite AM/PM given its lower density. The primary backsheet material is a soft plastic, yet not quite on the level of softness you’d get from the Attends Slip Regular Plus or Tena Slip Active Fit Maxi. I found the main source of discomfort in this diaper to be the plastic landing zone. While the landing zone wide and convenient it’s also very firm and can rub against the skin a bit near the front leg gathers. Otherwise, the padding is soft and doesn’t clump or tear at all. Even with its tendency to fold, given its width, I have no real complaints about the padding. Also, I was surprised that this diaper never felt particularly warm, suggesting the design may be fine for warmer weather, but perhaps not hot weather. I think a softer landing zone would make this diaper much better in terms of comfort, but otherwise it should be perfect for bedwetting or those who are less active.

Comfort Rating (wet): 7

I rank the TotalDry X-Plus similar to the Forsite AM/PM or Abena M4 when it comes to comfort when wet. This diaper has similar issues with surface dampness and pooling, particularly compared with the Forsite AM/PM. For the most part, this isn’t an issue on the first wetting, since it does a good job at wicking through the padding and dampness is only marginally noticeable. However, by the second wetting there will usually be some initial pooling and afterward it’s susceptible to pressout moisture whereby moisture comes up through the backsheet when sitting. Otherwise, I found this diaper to remain fairly comfortable when wet. The backsheet feels surprisingly light and breathable to the point I didn’t notice much sweat or clamminess. The tapes are also very strong and in spite of the width of the padding, I didn’t notice nearly as much sagging in this diaper compared with the Forsite AM/PM. I suspect that may be partly due to the lighter padding and lesser thickness, but on the flip side it was more susceptible to surface dampness.

3.3 TotalDry X-Plus Topsheet and Backsheet

Durability

Dry Padding Deterioration Proportion: 12.8% (topsheet), 10.5% (backsheet)
Shake Deterioration Test: 3 shakes to deterioration

Durability Rating (dry): 9
I rank the TotalDry X-Plus the same as the Forsite AM/PM when it comes to dry durability, due to the very similar build. The dry durability test results skewed slightly toward the Forsite AM/PM with more deterioration in the TotalDry X-Plus (perhaps because the padding in this diaper is a bit less dense). Even so there was no real deterioration in critical parts of the padding, it all happened as a result of the already very wide padding collapsing in between the legs. I don’t feel this type of deterioration has a very significant impact on the comfort or performance of the diaper so I don’t weigh it as heavily as the numbers might imply. The tapes also give this diaper a strong edge for dry durability since they have a very strong grip and can be refastened and repositioned multiple times with no risk of loosening.

Durability Rating (wet): 9

The TotalDry X-Plus is remarkably durable when wet. Again, like the Forsite AM/PM, the padding will collapse a bit between the legs but it doesn’t tear or clump. Moreover, the incredibly strong tapes can be refastened multiple times and are unphased by the extra weight when wet. This diaper is slightly more compact with a less bulky feel than the Forsite AM/PM, so perhaps better suited for more active wear, albeit with a bit less absorbency. I can’t see this diaper ever failing when wet, but pressout surface dampness would be a lingering concern after 2 wettings.

3.4 TotalDry X-Plus Dry Test Deterioration

Discretion Tests

Profile

Front Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 2.5 cm (1"), 3 cm (1.2")
Back Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 7.5 cm (3"), 5 cm (2")
Side Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 4 cm (1.6"), 4 cm (1.6")

Profile Discretion Rating: 4

The TotalDry X-Plus doesn’t hold much back, this diaper has a wide padding that has a tendency to fold in or outward resulting in diaper bulges. This makes this diaper particularly difficult to hide under clothing. It doesn’t have the densest padding so it may be possible to somewhat collapse it under meshpants. Additionally, the rise on this diaper goes quite high above the waistline. Overall, it probably is better suited for bedwetting or wear around the house if discretion is important.

4.1 TotalDry X-Plus Jeans Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear (right)

4.2 TotalDry X-Plus Sweats Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear (right)

 

Noise

Noise Rating: 6

The TotalDry X-Plus performed similar to the Trest Elite and Bambino Karnevalee diapers. The backsheet itself is surprisingly flexible, even if not the softest on the market. I rarely noticed any noise from the actual backsheet. The primary contributor to the noise in this diaper is the thick plastic-landing zone. It frequently produces a crinkling noise with movement, particularly when getting up or sitting down.

4.3 TotalDry X-Plus Noise Profile

Odor Reduction

Odor Reduction Rating: 8
The TotalDry X-Plus does a decent job at suppressing odors. It has no observable fragrance itself, but I rarely noticed odors while testing this diaper. I feel that owes largely to its design with the snug fitting waistbands and leg gathers together with the plastic-backsheet material. The padding itself doesn’t appear particularly apt for odor reduction given its tendency for surface dampness, but it does seem to have some degree of odor reduction built-in.

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