Forsite Euro Max Adult Diaper Review

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

 

Summary

The Forsite Euro Max is a high absorbency, cloth-backed diaper produced for Forsite Health. It’s the second major adult diaper release in the Forsite incontinence line after plastic-backed Forsite AM/PM. Whereas the AM/PM is made in China and very similar to many ABDL-focused diapers made in the same factory complex (I’m guessing many of the Rearz products), the Euro Max is fittingly made in Italy and has a lot of similarities to the Medline Extended Wear or Egosan Ultra. During testing, I found this diaper felt a little larger than the others even though it doesn’t appear to be any larger dimension-wise. It has a high quality construction with standing inner leak guards, a durable backsheet and extensive padding, but isn’t quite full featured since it doesn’t have waistbands. The breathable design makes it a good choice for warn weather wear.

Being a Forsite product it’s only really available to those in Canada, with the best pricing found through AgeComfort. However, I believe there are similar diapers available in the US like the Dry Direct by ParentGiving. With the frequent discounts and free shipping on cases, this may well be the most affordable European made diaper sold in Canada, certainly better than anything you’d find in stores and comes at a much better unit price than the Forsite AM/PM. I found it provided a good amount of absorbency consistently taking up to 2 wettings before leakage would be a concern. I expect for many it will provide sufficient protection for day or overnight wear and would recommend it to anyone who doesn’t take issue to diapers with a cloth-like backsheet. Special thanks to Frank for donating the samples used in this review, any help is always appreciated!

Key Features:

• Cloth-like backsheet
• Repositionable tapes
• Standing inner leak barriers
• Wetness indicator
  

Pros:

• Highly breathable/comfortable
• Good absorbency
  
• Moisture impermeable cloth-like material
  

Cons:

• Limited availability outside Canada
  
• A bit of a backsheet gap at the waist

Product Details

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

Packaging

Brand: Forsite
Manufacturer: Imported by AgeComfort Inc.
Origin: Italy
Units Per Bag: 15
Cost Per Unit: $$
Dimensions (L x W x H): 29 cm (11.4") x 15 cm (5.9") x 19 cm (7.5")
Weight: 1.9 kg (4.24 lbs)
Available Sizes: M, L, XL
Advertised Absorbency: Maximum

1.1 Forsite Euro Max Packaging

Diaper

Backsheet: Cloth-like (non-woven)
Wetness Indicator: Yes (blue text down middle, 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
Inner Color: White
Front Waistband: No
Rear Waistband: No
Folded Thickness: 2 cm (0.79")
Folded Length: 22 cm (8.7")
Dry Weight: 133 g (4.7 oz)
Fragrance: No
Diaper Dimensions (L x fW x mW x bW): 76 cm (29.9") x 63 cm (24.8") x 27 cm (10.6") x 62 cm (24.4")
Wing Shape (Front, Rear): Rectangular, Rectangular
Padding Dimensions (L x fW x mW x bW): 63 cm (24.8") x 28 cm (11") x 16.5 cm (6.5") x 29 cm (11.4")
Padding Wing Dimensions (fPW x fPH x bPW x bPH): 5.8 cm (2.3") x 12 cm (4.7") x 6.3 cm (2.5") x 16 cm (6.3")
Padding Wing Shape (Front, Rear): Semicircle, Semicircle
Total Padding Area: 1378 cm² (214 in²)
Tape Spacing (t1 x t2): 5 cm (2") x 12 cm (4.7")
Tape (W x L): 2.5 cm (1") x 4 cm (1.6")

 

1.2 Forsite Euro Max Diaper

Laboratory Absorbency Tests

Total Absorption Volume (after press out): 1217 ml (42.9 oz)
Total Absorption Volume (before press out): 1227 ml (43.3 oz)
Time to Absorb Wettings (first to last): (66 s, 61 s, 95 s, 96 s, 104 s)
Wet Folded Thickness: 4.5 cm (1.8")
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 79%
Total Padding to Absorbency Ratio: 0.88 ml / cm² (0.20 oz / in²)
Press Out Volume: 10 ml (0.35 oz)

Surface Dampness Rating: 6

The Forsite Euro Max showed a very small amount of moisture when tested after the first wetting in the lab test. There was a bit more on the second wetting but it hardly seemed saturated. It was most noticeable after the third wetting. All in all, I feel it performed about average for surface dampness, comparable to the Medline Extended Wear. In real world testing, I didn’t notice much pooling and its breathability went a good way to overcoming the surface dampness. You generally won’t notice the dampness with a single wetting but will likely notice it on the second.

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: 1092 ml (38.5 oz)
Total Wettings: (1 standing, 2 sitting)
Leaked After Sitting: No
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 91%
Padding to Absorbency Score: 0.79 ml / cm² (0.18 oz / in²)

Standing-Sitting Rating: 8
The Forsite Euro Max performed decently when tested for standing and sitting. The first wetting while standing was fully absorbed with no signs of leakage and minimal surface dampness. There were no obvious signs of pressout or leakage upon sitting shortly afterward. The second wetting overwhelmed the front padding and resulted in some moisture overrunning it and running below the wings as well as making it further into the rear padding. There was brief, but substantial pooling, yet somehow it no moisture actually made it outside of the diapers body and there were no obvious leaks so I continued the test. Once absorbed, the front padding had certainly swelled and there was a bit more dampness at the rear but the diaper still felt comfortable and breathable. After a more extended amount of time sitting I did notice more leakage through the rear leg gathers and by the third wetting it has clearly hit capacity so I stopped the test at that. All in all, I feel this diaper will comfortably manage 1~2 wettings for daily wear before leakage is a concern, but you’ll have to watch out on the second wetting and there can be some pressout leakage after a while.

Lying Down

Total Absorbed Volume: 967 ml (34.1 oz)
Total Wettings: 2
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 94%
Padding to Absorbency Score: 0.70 ml / cm² (0.16 oz / in²)

Lying Down Rating: 8

The Forsite Euro Max proved quite absorbent when tested while lying down. The first wetting was quickly and easily absorbed. I did notice a bit more dampness compared to the Seni Super Plus or Duchesse Flexi Slip, but not so much to seriously detract from its comfort and after it was absorbed it wasn’t particularly noticeable. There were no signs of leakage after the first wetting and it felt like it was widely distributed through the padding. The second wetting came very close to full absorption without leakage. The front padding swelled but moisture was very effectively redirected toward the rear and the rear padding was completely consumed. Even so, there was still a small leak through the rear leg gathers, and given it was enough so as to stain bedding I decided to end the test at that point. At the end of the test the padding was almost completely saturated so it was clear there wasn’t much more room for absorption. I ended the test at that, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this diaper could occasionally manage 2 wettings without any leakage while lying down as the overall volume of absorption was impressive. When worn for bedwetting, I expect this diaper will frequently manage 1~2 wettings without leakage and should be reliable for most people’s needs.

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

Daily Wear and Bedwetting

The Forsite Euro Max proved to be a great, well-rounded cloth-backed diaper during testing. I was impressed with the quality of its materials and the level of comfort provided in daily and overnight wear. The main issue I encountered was a tape issue when applying the diaper, but I never had much issue with them during actual wear. I feel this could easily be improved by ensuring the tape landing zone is properly fastened to the backsheet so it doesn’t get pulled off when you’re pulling the tapes. Fortunately, it’s easy to avoid this when you know it’s coming by taking care to separate the blue part of the tab from the landing zone underneath. When tested for bedwetting I found it more than enough for my typical needs, often waking up and being unsure if I had even wet the previous night without checking the wetness indicator. It will take 1~2 wettings if worn for bedwetting and the leak guards performed surprisingly well in terms of redirecting moisture away from the wings. It was similarly performant during daily wear and I have high confidence it will also take up to 2 wettings without leakage, even when seated. One standout feature that I found particularly helpful with daily wear was the highly impermeable backsheet. Many cloth-like backsheets have issues with moisture “sweating” through, but in this diaper I never noticed any perspiration from the backsheet. Even with that, the diaper was also exceptionally breathable and I never noticed any clamminess or had any skin issues with wear; best of both worlds. Overall, for its price point this diaper provides great value for the quality and absorbency you get, and with perhaps waistbands and a few tape improvements it could be right up there with the premium Seni diapers.

Suitability for Bowel Incontinence: 7

I rank the Forsite Euro Max in line with the Egosan Ultra when it comes to suitability for managing bowel incontinence. It has a generous area of rear padding and the backsheet is particularly moisture-resistant compared to other cloth-backed diapers. The tapes hold decently even if far from the strongest on the market. It also features strong inner leak guards. However, I feel it could be susceptible to odors as the fit at the waist leaves a substantial gap, which could be improved with waistbands.

Wear & Tear Tests

Fitting

The Forsite Euro Max has a cloth-like backsheet with fasteners that are a mix of hook & loop and adhesive tape material. I found it to be a similar construction to the Medline Extended Wear, but wider overall with very similar tapes. The tapes were reasonable quality and held well when they stuck, but I found sometimes the clear sticky part of the bottom of the tape would be pulled off with the blue and white tab making it impossible to pull apart (it’s best to take care when removing tabs for fastening).

3.1 Forsite Euro Max Fastener

Ease-of-Use Rating: 7

I rank the Forsite Euro Max similar to the Medline Extended Wear when it comes to ease-of-use although the strengths and weaknesses were slightly different. I found the Forsite Euro Max felt a bit thicker and more robust but its sizing was about average, comparable to the sizing of the Medline Extended Wear. They both have near identical tapes, yet the tapes on this diaper seemed to hold out better than the Medline Extended Wear in my case; but I had to remove some marks for easy-of-use because I frequently made the mistake of pulling the tape and the plastic sheet it adhered to together and when that happens it’s quite easy to ruin the tape. To consistently apply this tape you need to make sure you pull at the seam between the blue part of the tape and the wing while holding the material it’s fastened to. This will ensure only the adhesive upper part of the tab comes off to be applied on the backsheet. Without this flaw I’d likely rank it above the Medline Extended Wear for ease-of-use and I found it quite easy to get a snug fit. Otherwise, it has a decent wetness indicator that fades when wet and is highly skin friendly. With a few minor tweaks like waistbands and tape improvements it may even challenge the Seni Super in this regard.

3.2 Forsite Euro Max Fit

 

Comfort

Comfort Rating (dry): 9

I rank the Forsite Euro Max highly when it comes to dry comfort. This diaper is highly breathable with a soft padding and backsheet that doesn’t chafe against the wearer’s skin. I rank it similar to the Tranquility Smartcore in this regard. Unlike the similar Medline Extended Wear I didn’t have as many issues with this diaper coming loose/sagging during wear, but I never found its fit to be completely snug either. The backsheet waistline, above the padding, tends to sit open with a large gap (though perhaps it’s not a bad thing for airflow). Otherwise, I didn’t notice substantial clumping or tearing in key parts of the padding and the diaper did a good job at keeping its form during wear.

Comfort Rating (wet): 9

The Forsite Euro Max ranks among the better performers when it comes to wet comfort. Although it does have some surface dampness issues that keep it from ranking at the very top, it does a great job at retaining its breathability and I never felt this diaper to be particularly clammy. I was happy with the way it held its snug fit and the tapes never gave way to weakness when testing while wet (not counting some of the issues with initial attachment). It retained its general resistance to clumping and tearing so I never had any issues with that. With a bit more protection against surface dampness and perhaps a slightly snugger fit I’d rank this diaper at the top with regards to wet comfort.

3.3 Forsite Euro Max Topsheet and Backsheet

Durability

Dry Padding Deterioration Proportion: 7.1% (topsheet), 11.6% (backsheet)
Shake Deterioration Test: 3 shakes to deterioration

Durability Rating (dry): 7
I rank the Forsite Euro Max above average when it comes to dry durability. During testing there was a bit more padding deterioration than I’d expect for the more premium lines of diapers, but little was in core areas for absorbency. I also rank it slightly lower than I might otherwise rank it due to the issues with initially applying the tapes and how they can sometimes remain stuck to the tape landing zone. With that said, this diaper held up very well when tested for dry wear. I never had it come loose on me and was able to reapply the tapes multiple times and they continued to retain their adhesiveness. Although it’s a little bulky, I feel this diaper could be a great choice for daily wear and have confidence that it could even be used during moderate levels of activity.

Durability Rating (wet): 7

The Forsite Euro Max was about as durable in its wet state as it was in its dry state. When wet, the padding does become a little firmer, but otherwise is similarly resistant to clumping/tearing. I also didn’t have any issue with the tapes coming loose under the additional weight. It didn’t perform quite as well on the shake test, but I haven’t found that to be a useful measure. On the plus side, I never noticed any perspiration through the backsheet and the material held up well against multiple refastenings.

3.4 Forsite Euro Max Dry Test Deterioration

Discretion Tests

Profile

Front Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 4 cm (1.6"), 4 cm (1.6")
Back Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 7.5 cm (3"), 3.5 cm (1.4")
Side Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 4 cm (1.6"), 2 cm (0.8")

Profile Discretion Rating: 7

I found the Forsite Euro Max to be about average when it came to profile discretion. It certainly can be hidden with careful placement of mesh pants or underwear and loose fitting pants over top. However, the diaper bulge is likely to appear with snugger fitting clothing, particularly at the rear. The padding at the crotch has a relatively low rise so I generally found that easier to conceal.

4.1 Forsite Euro Max Jeans Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear (right)

4.2 Forsite Euro Max Sweats Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear (right)

 

Noise

Noise Rating: 10

The Forsite Euro Max is right up there with the best when it comes to noise discretion. I never noticed any significant noise from this diaper during wear and it’s highly unlikely anyone would hear it when out and about. This held true in both its wet and dry state. Moreover, the tapes are very quiet to attach and remove so changes could also be concealed when necessary.

4.3 Forsite Euro Max Noise Profile

 

Odor Reduction

Odor Reduction Rating: 7
The Forsite Euro Max does a decent job at preventing odors but I wouldn’t rank it among the top of the list. Again it seems similar to the Medline Extended Wear or Egosan Ultra in this regard. The padding is generally good at odor retention but it’s relatively weak when it comes to preventing surface dampness, which can contribute to odors. Moreover, I noticed a substantial gap at the waist of the diaper from which odors can escape, since it doesn’t have waistbands.

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