Rearz Select Briefs Adult Diaper Review

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

 

Summary

The Rearz Select is a two-taped plastic-backed diaper with a specialized landing zone for attaching and repositioning the tapes. It stands out among other plastic-backed diapers for having only a single tape per side. However, these single tapes are also huge so the amount of tape coverage isn’t too different from those with 4 tapes per side. Like other Rearz products, this one is clearly targeted at the ABDL market and is described as a “vintage” diaper, resembling Pampers from the 80s. Being of an age where I was wearing Pampers in the 80s, that’s an interesting thought, but I’m doubtful this diaper is actually that similar. I think most will find it resembles the diapers produced by most ABDL companies and the custom lines of some smaller distributors that have outsourced production to a few complexes in China. A company can make superficial changes like cut or color, but ultimately, when you’re contracting to the same machines and materials there’s only so much you can do to differentiate it. I found this diaper to be somewhat similar to the NorthShore MegaMax, but not quite as absorbent.

As far as absorbency goes, it actually features one of the lower levels advertised for Rearz products at 3800 ml (128 oz). This is still a massive amount, but like others, it will not hit anywhere close to that level before leaking. In practice I found it would leak after 1~2 wettings, largely due to the swelled mid-padding actually blocking moisture flow to the rear padding. I also found the leak guards on the front and rear get stuck to the topsheet or otherwise seem lower than you’d typically want. This diaper certainly checks the boxes for specialty. It only comes in medium and large sizes and has a very high unit price. For practical use, it’s not realistic for every day wear, but I can also see the aesthetic appeal and I’m sure some will find it fits their needs.

Key Features:

• Plastic backsheet
• Landing zone
  
• Repositionable tapes
• Standing inner leak barriers
• Blue topsheet on wings/leak guards
  

Pros:

• Strong tapes
• High absorbency
  
• Comfortable and durable

Cons:

• Inefficient moisture direct to rear padding
  
• Limited sizing
• Very high unit cost

Product Details

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

Packaging

Brand: Rearz
Manufacturer: Weifang Mimosa Personalcare Technology
Origin: China
Units Per Bag: 12
Cost Per Unit: $$$$
Dimensions (L x W x H): 40 cm (15.8") x 17 cm (6.7") x 22 cm (8.7")
Weight: 2.1 kg (4.6 lbs)
Available Sizes: M, L
Advertised Absorbency: 3800 ml

1.1 Rearz Select Briefs 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: 1
Repositionable Tabs: Yes
Outer Color: White
Inner Color: White with blue leak guards and wings (light blue rectangle in the middle)
Front Waistband: Yes
Rear Waistband: Yes
Folded Thickness: 3.3 cm (1.3")
Folded Length: 22 cm (8.7")
Dry Weight: 175 g (6.2 oz)
Fragrance: No
Diaper Dimensions (L x fW x mW x bW): 82 cm (32.3") x 66 cm (26") x 29.5 cm (11.6") x 65 cm (25.6")
Wing Shape (Front, Rear): Rectangular, Rectangular
Padding Dimensions (L x fW x mW x bW): 62 cm (24.4") x 25 cm (9.8") x 17 cm (6.7") x 33 cm (13")
Padding Wing Dimensions (fPW x fPH x bPW x bPH): 4 cm (1.6") x 12 cm (4.7") x 8 cm (3.2") x 20 cm (7.9")
Padding Wing Shape (Front, Rear): Semicircle, Semicircle
Total Padding Area: 1470 cm² (228 in²)
Tape Spacing (t1): 8 cm (3.2")
Tape (W x L): 6.5 cm (2.6") x 3 cm (1.2")

1.2 Rearz Select Diaper

Laboratory Absorbency Tests

Total Absorption Volume (after press out): 2025 ml (71.4 oz)
Total Absorption Volume (before press out): 2100 ml (74.1 oz)
Time to Absorb Wettings (first to last): (45 s, 54 s, 69 s, 78 s, 78 s, 85 s, 93 s, 77 s, 78 s)
Wet Folded Thickness: 6.5 cm (2.6")
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 96%
Total Padding to Absorbency Ratio: 1.38 ml / cm² (0.31 oz / in²)
Press Out Volume: 75 ml (2.7 oz)

Surface Dampness Rating: 8

The Rearz Select demonstrated strong resistance to surface dampness. During the lab test it didn’t show much in terms of dampness until the fourth wetting. Even then, the paper towel didn’t show significant dampness until the 5th or 6th lab test wetting. That said, it is susceptible to some initial pooling before being absorbed. I didn’t notice the dampness too much during real world testing but did find it tended to pool during wettings too.

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: 1050 ml (37 oz)
Total Wettings: (1 standing, 2 sitting)
Leaked After Sitting: No
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 51%
Padding to Absorbency Score: 0.71 ml / cm² (0.16 oz / in²)

Standing-Sitting Rating: 7
The Rearz Select performed well when tested when standing and sitting. The first wetting while standing was absorbed fairly quickly, with limited pooling but much of it spread quickly through the middle padding. After the wetting, the padding in the middle of the diaper was firmer and had swollen quite a bit. Yet, there was still a significant amount of dry padding up the front of the diaper and the rear padding was completely dry. Upon sitting shortly after there was no sign of leakage. On the second wetting while seated, moisture pushed up into the dry front padding and there was temporary pooling before it was wicked across the remaining dry padding. Again there were no leaks at this point and the rear padding remained completely dry while the middle padding swelled further. On the third wetting moisture appeared to be blocked from making it past the middle padding and instead pooled and pushed further up the front of the diaper. Eventually a significant amount made it past the leak guards and escaped through the wings, resulting in a substantial leak. Even at this point, the rear padding was still largely dry and had it been a bit better at wicking moisture toward the back it likely would have absorbed a lot more.

Lying Down

Total Absorbed Volume: 1025 ml (36.2 oz)
Total Wettings: 3
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 57%
Padding to Absorbency Score: 0.70 ml / cm² (0.16 oz / in²)

Lying Down Rating: 7

The Rearz Select proved quite absorbent when tested while lying down. The first wetting was easily absorbed, though with some short-lived pooling. The front padding swelled quite a bit and had a squishy sort of feel, while the rear padding was still quite dry. It was much the same on the second wetting, the front and mid padding swelled considerably and there was initially some pooling. By the time it was all absorbed the padding at the front and middle swelled to the point they started blocking channeling toward the dry rear padding. On the third wetting there was considerable pooling at the crotch of the diaper and it quickly pushed backward up the front padding, resulting in a leak through the front leak guards. There was still a large amount of dry padding at the rear but moisture was unable to channel back because it was blocked by the swelling at the front. I expect this diaper will typically absorb at least 2 wettings while lying down before leakage is a concern. It won’t get close to the theoretical capacity because the swelling at the front will block channeling to the rear so excess moisture is more likely to push out through the front.

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

Daily Wear and Bedwetting

The Rearz Select resembles the numerous other premium-range diapers produced in China, like the NorthShore MegaMax, Total Dry X-Plus or Forsite AM/PM. Those who’ve worn these diapers will recognize the similarities that likely come from being produced in the same factory or complex. It features a thick plastic landing sheet over a relatively thick plastic backsheet that is soft but not particularly flexible. The tapes are ridiculously strong and will hold up to extensive wear and tear with multiple refastenings. It has a very slight honeycomb-like, not unlike the NorthShore MegaMax, but one I found to be far less pronounced. Other similarities include the light-blue rectangle like that of the MegaMax and the wide/flexible dual waistbands. The notable differences in this diaper are its single-tape per side design and the unique bluish coloration of the inner wings and leak guards. Absorbency was also somewhat similar to the others, but a bit on the low side. It’s not that the padding wasn’t absorbent, but more that it was very difficult for moisture to wick through to the rear padding without leaking. I found this to be the case when worn for both bedwetting and daily wear. Most often the padding at the front/mid-section would swell so much that it would act as a sort of dam preventing moisture from channeling through to the rear of the diaper. Even so, the highly absorbent padding was still sufficient to handle 1~2 wettings before leakage would be a concern. I feel the overall absorbency makes it reasonably well suited to overnight wear and perhaps even better suited to daily wear. However, it’s not exactly a diaper you’d be wearing out as it is quite bulky and thus hard to keep discreet. Overall, I was happy with the level of comfort provided and never had any concerns about durability, even after extensive wear. The thickness and type of plastic would probably be a drawback for wear in warm weather, but it was perfect for wear in cooler conditions. Otherwise, I did encounter a minor issue with the inner leak guards getting stuck to the topsheet at the front and rear; I couldn’t tell if this was intentional or a manufacturing defect but typically leak guards run a bit higher up. It’s generally a quality construction, but at the price-point I don’t think it’s well suited for practical purposes and I think most will find it as something of a novelty rather than a go-to diaper for daily needs.

Suitability for Bowel Incontinence: 9

Were it not for the standing inner leak guards that can sometimes be stuck to the topsheet on the diaper, this would be an easy 10 for suitability for bowel incontinence. It has all the right features, with a thick plastic-backsheet, very strong tapes and dual waistbands to keep it snug and reduce odors. The padding is also quite resistant to surface dampness and provides generous rear coverage. It’s quite similar to others like the NorthShore MegaMax or Total Dry X-Plus in this regard.

Wear & Tear Tests

Fitting

The Rearz Select diaper features a plastic backsheet with a large landing zone and a single adhesive tape per side. The two tape design differentiates this from many other diapers, with the Attends Slip Active Fit M10 being the only other plastic-backed diaper with such a tape mechanism tested so far (albeit using double-tape rather than landing zone attachment). The tapes on this diaper are repositionable such that they can be attached, removed and re-attached to any part of the landing zone multiple times. The backsheet plastic and padding in this diaper are quite thick and it features both rear and front waistbands for a snugger fit.

3.1 Rearz Select Briefs Fastener

 

Ease-of-Use Rating: 8

The Rearz Select diaper is generally quite user friendly. I had no trouble getting a snug fit with this diaper in spite of it having only a single tape per side (many adult diapers go with 2 tapes per side as that design makes it easier to form a moisture seal). The tapes in this diaper are quite wide and, being repositionable, can easily be adjusted if you don’t get the proper fit the first time. The diaper will hold in place without shifting or sagging even after extended wear. However, it may not be well suited for a care environment as it doesn’t include any sort of wetness indicator. I’ve also had some issues with the standing inner leak guards being stuck to the padding when opening a new diaper to apply. It also may be difficult for those with a weak grip to remove the tapes as they have a very firm grip once applied.

3.2 Rearz Select Briefs Fit

Comfort

Comfort Rating (dry): 8

The Rearz Select was quite comfortable during dry wear, though not quite the best on the market. The padding and backsheet are reasonably soft, as are the leak guards. But I did find the landing-zone somewhat stiff. The tapes hold up incredibly well and it doesn’t sag or slip at all. Yet at the same time it’s hard to get a truly snug fit (perhaps a side-effect of the single tape design?). I didn’t find the leg gathers to be the softest and I felt a bit of friction during wear. Moreover, the thick plastic backsheet could make it a struggle for heat dissipation in warm weather, although the thick padding would also reduce the clamminess. If you’re a fan of the Forsite AM/PM or Trest Elite Briefs, then you’ll probably find this diaper similar in terms of comfort.

Comfort Rating (wet): 9

The Rearz Select is somewhat similar to the NorthShore Megamax in terms of wet comfort. I found it to be a little less resistant to surface dampness but still among the better performers. The biggest issue is that it can have a lot of initial pooling before moisture is absorbed into the padding. Interestingly, the padding in this diaper becomes firmer and swells considerably when wet. However, the tapes are incredibly strong and this minimizes the amount of sagging that might otherwise be experienced. I found it continued to have a snug fit when wet and it remained quite comfortable. Perhaps the biggest consideration for wet comfort, like dry comfort, might be for wear in warm weather where I feel this diaper could overheat with its thick padding and particularly thick backsheet.

3.3 Rearz Select Briefs Topsheet and Backsheet

Durability

Dry Padding Deterioration Proportion: 10.1% (topsheet), 8.5% (backsheet)
Shake Deterioration Test: 4 shakes to deterioration

Durability Rating (dry): 9
The Rearz Select proved highly durable in spite of its single tape design. The tape is strong, almost to a fault (it can be tough to remove), but it has a generous amount of space in the landing zone. I found it similar to the NorthShore MegaMax in this regard, however I didn’t have the same issue with it occasionally tearing out bits of the backsheet. Naturally it sits a little loose, but doesn’t loosen up at all with wear and I didn’t notice any sort of sagging. The padding proved highly durable, though not the best on the market, it was still among the top performers with deterioration only really occurring in non-core parts of the padding. Even after extended wear I didn’t notice anything in the way of clumping or tearing in the padding. Even so, this diaper may be a bit bulky for active wear even if it could potentially handle it.

Durability Rating (wet): 9

The Rearz Select has all the features to make for a very durable diaper and wet performance was similar to dry performance. The padding, rather than deteriorating when wet, tends to get firmer and perhaps even more resistant to clumping/tearing when wet. This may be because the swelling solidifies it between the topsheet and backsheet or a property of the actual padding. The tapes are among the strongest I’ve seen in the market, again similar to the NorthShore MegaMax. They simply won’t budge and it keeps the diaper from sagging even when under considerable wet weight.

3.4 Rearz Select Briefs Dry Test Deterioration

Discretion Tests

Profile

Front Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 5 cm (2"), 4 cm (1.6")
Back Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 5.5 cm (2.2"), 6 cm (2.4")
Side Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 6.5 cm (2.6"), 6.5 cm (2.6")

Profile Discretion Rating: 5

The Rearz Select diaper is hardly the most discreet on the market but not quite as obvious as others like the Rearz Barnyard. The front will swell considerably when wet, but when dry it actually sits quite flat and won’t be too hard to hide under looser clothing. However, the rear forms quite a bulge that will be difficult to hide under most clothing. For the level of absorbency provided, you can find far more discreet diapers like the Tena Slip Active Fit Ultima that would be better for out-of-the-house wear.

4.1 Rearz Select Briefs Jeans Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear (right)

4.2 Rearz Select Briefs Sweats Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear (right)

 

Noise

Noise Rating: 6

The Rearz Select diaper is hardly the quietest diaper on the market. I found when walking with this diaper the noise wasn’t particularly noticeable but sitting, standing or any other abrupt movement made it quite obvious with a very noticeable crinkling noise. With proper outer wear it could be minimized but it would be tough to completely hide it with the resistance given by the thick padding.

4.3 Rearz Select Briefs Noise Profile

Odor Reduction

Odor Reduction Rating: 8
I found the Rearz Select to be quite good at resisting odors. It has a lot of features that help like a plastic-backsheet and dual waistbands. It also is quite resistant to surface dampness to aid in reducing the formation of odors. I rarely noticed any odors from this diaper and feel it’s among the better performers in this regard. My only hesitation is that it doesn’t have as snug a fit at the legs as some others that could result in the escape of odors.

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