*For information on how I do reviews see Diaper Test Methodology
Summary
It's been a busy year with plenty of challenges so we kind of lost track of where our reviews were at and when we'd done our previous annual review. I'm happy to announce in this post we'll be sharing our updated 2023 diaper rankings, building on the 2022 top 10 adult diaper rankings. In our previous year's review we had 48 diapers for comparison, with this year's review we're up to 64. Additionally, we reviewed 4 new reusable protective underwear products, building on the previous year's review of Carer incontinence products. Moreover, we completed our first two of a new series of reviews covering incontinence pads: Lindor for Men 5D and Depend for Men Guards. Going forward I'm happy to announce we're adding a publicly available spreadsheet to make it easier for others to compare the findings of our reviews, read on for more info on that.
In this year's rankings we continued to use the same scoring formulas as were used in the 2021 rankings, but followed the 2022 practice of only taking the top product for each brand in the overall rankings. One big development in this year's ranking was the disappointing discontinuation of the ConfiDry 24/7. This diaper had consistently ranked among the top 10 in previous years and was a very unique product, unlike the masses of companies that simply outsource their diaper designs to one or two factories while adding only one or two superficial changes these days. For this year's ranking I've kept the ConfiDry 24/7 in its respective position for each category, but grayed it out and moved other diapers up to form the top 10. Consequently, some of the lists will have 11 diapers. Baring a miraculous recovery, next year's ranking will drop this diaper since it can no longer be purchased.
The top 2 diapers overall continued to be the Seni Super Quatro and BetterDry M10, but this year the ABU Little Kings jumped into spot #3. This year also saw a new diaper top an individual category, with the Molicare Premium Elastic 10D taking the top spot in the category of discreetness.
In the coming year we're planning to review a few new products including booster pads and protective underwear as well as continuing with the pad and pants reviews, diapers and reusable protective underwear. But reflecting on the previous year we received great feedback and support. We'd like to give a special shout out to Carer for providing another excellent set of reusable underwear to review! We'd also like to give special thanks to Brett, Frank, BR Pat, Denis and Corry for their generous donations this past year! Additionally, we've received great suggestions this past year and have greatly grown our review suggestions substantially over the past year.
As a reminder, we have a form to collect suggestions for future reviews here. And for those who'd like to donate for future reviews we've tried to capture as many suggestions as possible in our Amazon wish list below. 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. Also, since some products aren't easily accessible or way overpriced on Amazon we've had some reach out about alternative ways to donate, so this year we introduced a way to donate via PayPal. Any help is always 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. Some high absorbency diapers were tested in the past year, with the Trest Elite Briefs, ABU Little Kings and Forsite Under the Sea diapers bumping previous years' diapers out of the top 10. Rankings narrowed slightly with the higher concentration of high absorbency diapers in the mix. Notably, the Forsite AM/PM and Bambino Karnevalee were bumped just short of the top 10 with these additions.
| 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: 9.36 Absorbency: 2158 ml (76.1 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 1.17 ml/cm2 (0.27 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: yes Stand/Sit Score: 9 Lying Down Score: 10 Used Percent: 72 |
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Score: 9.27 Absorbency: 1891 ml (66.7 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 1.19 ml/cm2 (0.27 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: yes Stand/Sit Score: 9 Lying Down Score: 10 Used Percent: 82 |
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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: 8.17 Absorbency: 1775 ml (62.6 oz) Absorbency Ratio: 0.89 ml/cm2 (0.20 oz/in2) Leg Gathers: yes Inner Leak Guards: yes Stand/Sit Score: 8 Lying Down Score: 9 Used Percent: 79 |
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 three new additions to this year's rankings for comfort: ABU Little Kings, Molicare Premium Elastic Briefs 10D, and Tena Slip Original Maxi. However, the Seni Super Quatro retained its top spot. Bumped just out of the top 10 ranking were the Nexgen Absorbent Plus and Tena PROSkin Flex 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: 9.01 Padding Area: 1584 cm2 (245 in2) Absorbency Time: 77 s Dry Comfort Score: 10 Wet Comfort Score: 10 Surface Dampness Score: 9 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: 8.88 Padding Area: 1187 cm2 (184 in2) Absorbency Time: 76 s Dry Comfort Score: 10 Wet Comfort Score: 10 Surface Dampness Score: 8 Ease of Use Score: 6 |
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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: 8.51 Padding Area: 1091 cm2 (169 in2) Absorbency Time: 45 s Dry Comfort Score: 10 Wet Comfort Score: 9 Surface Dampness Score: 8 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 |
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. Unlike in other categories, none of the top 5 most durable diapers from previous years were replaced by diapers reviewed in the past year. The ABU Little Kings and Trest Elite Briefs made an appearance in this year's ranking, bumping out the Attends Slip Regular Plus 10M.
| 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: 8.80 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: 8.79 Tape Area: 80 cm2 (12.4 in2) Dry Durability Score: 9 Wet Durability Score: 10 Shake Test: 2 Topsheet Deterioration: 8.45% Backsheet Deterioration: 7.14% 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: 8.72 Tape Area: 90 cm2 (14 in2) Dry Durability Score: 9 Wet Durability Score: 9 Shake Test: 3 Topsheet Deterioration: 4.70% Backsheet Deterioration: 6.44% 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 |
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. This years ranking was the most significant of all categories as the Molicare Premium Elastic Briefs 10D took top spot above the Tena Slip Active Fit Maxi, which had topped the ranking since 2020. The Tena Slip Original Maxi and Duchesse Med Flexi Slip also took spots in the top 10, bumping out the Medline Extended Wear Briefs, Tranquility Smartcore, and Nexgen Absorbent Plus.
| Diaper | Scoring |
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Score: 7.84 Profile Discretion Score: 9 Noise Score: 10 Odor Reduction Score: 7 Dry Weight: 112 g (4 oz) Folded Length: 21 cm (8.3") Wet Folded Thickness: 4.5 cm (1.8") Average Rise Above Waist: 0.33 cm (0.13") Dry Folded Thickness: 1.8 cm (0.7") |
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Score: 7.59 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: 7.42 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: 7.38 Profile Discretion Score: 7 Noise Score: 10 Odor Reduction Score: 10 Dry Weight: 142 g (5 oz) Folded Length: 24 cm (9.5") Wet Folded Thickness: 5 cm (2") Average Rise Above Waist: 4.5 cm (1.8") Dry Folded Thickness: 1.8 cm (0.7") |
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Score: 7.30 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: 7.25 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: 7.22 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: 7.22 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: 7.20 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: 7.11 Profile Discretion Score: 8 Noise Score: 10 Odor Reduction Score: 7 Dry Weight: 100 g (3.5 oz) Folded Length: 21 cm (8.3") Wet Folded Thickness: 4 cm (1.6") Average Rise Above Waist: 4.9 cm (1.9") Dry Folded Thickness: 2.5 cm (1") |
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. However, to give a more balanced ranking, this years review again is limited to the best of each brand like it was in the 2022 rankings. 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, ABU PeekABU, Tena Slip Original Maxi, 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 were a few notable changes in the rankings compared to the 2022 rankings. Notably, the ConfiDry 24/7 appears to have been discontinued over the past year. I've left its relative position in the rankings, but grayed it out since I will no longer consider it for the top 10. For the first time in 2 years there were some changes in the top 5 rankings, with the high absorbency ABU Little Kings and Trest Elite Briefs pushing into 3rd and 5th place in the overall rankings. While the well-rounded Molicare Premium Elastic 10D inched into 7th spot with a nearly identical ranking to the NorthShore Supreme Briefs. The gap between the top of these 10 and bottom as well as the total difference between the top and bottom rated diapers remained roughly the same as last year. This was expected as the number of reviews done relative to the total number of reviews decreases. Once again, the Seni Super Quatro topped this list with a score of 8.56 and the Attends Care Waistband came in at the bottom of the list with a score of 4.03. 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: 8.56 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: 8.53 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. I've had mixed feedback on more recent versions of this diaper, but generally its still viewed positively. More recently it's been more difficult to purchase these in certain locales, so hopefully any supply chain issues will be resolved soon. |
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Score: 8.32 The ABU Little Kings was the top addition to this list from the 2023 reviews. This diaper is clearly geared toward the ABDL market, but is a high quality cloth-backed diaper with a wide tape landing zone, very high absorbency and detailed designs. This is really a premium diaper in every sense and impractical for regular use given its very high unit price, but if you're looking for something playful this diaper certainly fits the bill. |
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Score: 8.32 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: 8.28 The Trest Elite Briefs are another new addition to this list. These diapers advertise a ridiculous level of absorbency. In reality you'll get far less than advertised but still enough to put them among the most absorbent diapers on the market. These diapers are very thick but quite comfortable and feature a plastic backsheet with a tape landing zone. | |
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Score: 8.00 The ConfiDry 24/7 appears to be a case of the right diaper, but wrong management. It was easily the best North American diaper when it was actually being produced. Sadly, it appears production and distribution efforts failed and its no longer being produced. |
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Score: 7.89 The NorthShore Supreme diaper continued to maintain a top 10 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: 7.89 The Molicare Premium Elastic Briefs was the only affordable diaper to enter the top 10 list this year. It's not the top in any particular category, but overall showed strong performance. I should note that the small and medium sizes have substantial differences and this is based specifically on the small size. This diaper has a snug breathable fit and provides a great degree of discretion. |
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Score: 7.86 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: 7.66 The Attends Slip Regular Plus continues to keep 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: 7.65 The Forma-Care X-Plus has continued to round the top 10 overall rankings after entering the previous year. 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. |
Diaper Rankings Spreadsheet
Over the past few years I've received lots of requests for making the data collected from these reviews more accessible. To make it easier to analyze the rankings in their entirety I've created a publicly accessible spreadsheet with key metrics for comparison. The diaper names in the right column all link to their respective reviews and you can use a predefined "Filter View" to sort it by the category you're most interested in (see the image below). I'll only note that the current "Diaper Area" metric is currently missing some data from the wings so I've highlighted it in red. This will be corrected when I have time to go back and capture the necessary metrics.
2023 Adult Diaper Rankings Spreadsheet
