Saturday, 29 January 2022

Nexgen Absorbent Plus Adult Diaper Review

*For more information on how I do reviews see Diaper Test Methodology. For a list of all product reviews see the Product Index.


Summary

The Nexgen Absorbent Plus is a high absorbency adult diaper that was brought to my attention by Night and Day LLC in OC, California. The diaper itself is manufactured by a company called Meddcare, which produces a variety of incontinence products including the Advantage and Absorb Briefs. Special thanks to Night and Day for providing the samples to complete this review. I know the company is working hard to provide the best product experience on the market and has a passion for improving the wearer’s quality of life, which is quite a rarity in this industry these days. These diapers feature a cloth-like backsheet and are designed with breathability at top of mind. They have a form-fitting design with semi-stretchy sides and repositionable tapes. In this review, I’ve tested both the medium and large size of the Nexgen Absorbent Plus and will reflect on the results for both.

In terms of fit, I found the medium was the best fit for me personally with the large still workable but very close to the maximum of what would fit my waist. Because these diapers are form-fitting, the sizing is quite generous in how it conforms to the wearer’s body. During testing I found this diaper to be highly comfortable, with perhaps its biggest advantage being the impressive breathability of the backsheet. I never had a hint of skin irritation while wearing these and feel they could be a good choice for those with sensitive skin. In terms of absorbency they run perhaps at the lower range of the premium diapers on the market. They can easily handle 1~2 wettings, but I found they frequently leaked on the third. In this way the breathable design can somewhat limit absorbency as it also allows moisture an easier path out. In terms of durability I found these diapers to be highly durable (with the exception of the tapes occasionally ripping the backsheet when re-applied). Overall, I would recommend giving these diapers a try when available.

Key Features:

  • Breathable backsheet
  • Standing inner leak barriers
  • Rear waistband
  • Repositionable tapes

Pros:

  • Very comfortable fit
  • Good for skin sensitivity
  • Durable
  • Good absorbency

Cons:

  • Limited availability
  • Backsheet can tear slight when tapes refastened
  • Rear padding surface dampness

 

Product Details

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


Packaging

Brand: Nexgen
Manufacturer: Manufactured for MEDDCARE California
Origin: China
Units Per Bag: 12
Cost Per Unit: $$$
Dimensions M (L x W x H): 34 cm (13.4") x 16 cm (6.3") x 23 cm (9.1")
Dimensions L (L x W x H): 38 cm (15") x 17 cm (6.7") x 26 cm (10.2")
Weight (M,L): 2.0 kg (4.4 lbs), 2.25 kg (5 lbs)
Available Sizes: M, L, XL, XXL
Advertised Absorbency (M/L): Maximum (3300 ml)


1.1 Nexgen Absorbent Plus M/L Packaging

Diaper

Backsheet: Cloth-like (non-woven)
Wetness Indicator: Yes (parallel yellow lines down middle, blue 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 (orange branding print)
Inner Color: White (bright blue rectangle in middle padding)
Front Waistband: No
Rear Waistband: Yes
Folded Thickness (M, L): 3.0 cm (1.2"), 3.3  cm (1.3")
Folded Length (M, L): 22 cm (8.7"), 27 cm (10.6")
Dry Weight (M, L): 142 g (5.0 oz), 175 g (6.2 oz)
Fragrance: No
Diaper Dimensions M (L x fW x mW x bW): 77 cm (30.3") x 66 cm (26") x 29 cm (11.4") x 62 cm (24.4")
Diaper Dimensions L (L x fW x mW x bW): 94 cm (37") x 79 cm (31.1") x 28 cm (11") x 77 cm (30.3")
Wing Shape (Front, Rear): Rectangular, Rectangular
Padding Dimensions M (L x fW x mW x bW): 63 cm (24.8") x 36 cm (14.2") x 16 cm (6.3") x 42 cm (16.5")
Padding Dimensions L (L x fW x mW x bW): 75 cm (29.5") x 37 cm (14.6") x 17 cm (6.7") x 43 cm (16.9")
Padding Wing Dimensions M (fPW x fPH x bPW x bPH): 10 cm (3.9") x 14 cm (5.5") x 13 cm (5.1") x 18 cm (7.1")
Padding Wing Dimensions L (fPW x fPH x bPW x bPH): 10 cm (3.9") x 15 cm (5.9") x 13 cm (5.1") x 18 cm (7.1")
Padding Wing Shape (Front, Rear): Semicircle, Semicircle
Total Padding Area (M,L): 1756 cm2 (272 in2), 2043 cm2 (317 in2)
Tape Spacing (M, L) (t1 x t2): 3 cm (1.2") x 11 cm (4.3"), 8 cm (3.2") x 16 cm (6.3")
Tape (M, L) (W x L): 3 cm (1.2") x 4.5 cm (1.8"), 3.5 cm (1.4") x 4.5 cm (1.8")

1.2 Nexgen Absorbent Plus M/L Diaper


Laboratory Absorbency Tests

Total Absorption Volume (M, L) (after press out): 1433 ml (50.6 oz), 1675 ml (59.1 oz)
Total Absorption Volume (M, L) (before press out): 1458 ml (51.4 oz), 1700 ml (60 oz)
Time to Absorb Wettings M (first to last): (38 s, 46 s, 49 s, 49 s, 48 s, 52 s)
Time to Absorb Wettings L (first to last): (74 s, 67 s, 82 s, 77 s, 78 s, 76 s, 76 s)
Wet Folded Thickness (M,L): 5 cm (2"), 6 cm (2.4")
Used to Total Padding Ratio (M,L): 66%, 81%
Total Padding to Absorbency Ratio (M/L): 0.82 ml / cm2 (0.19 oz / in2)
Press Out Volume (M/L): 25 ml (0.9 oz)

Surface Dampness Rating: 7

The Nexgen Absorbent Plus performed similarly to the Egosan Ultra when it came to surface dampness. During the lab capacity test there was no indication of surface dampness after the first wetting and only a slight amount on the second. It wasn’t until the 3rd that the dampness became more obvious. This was confirmed during real world testing, with the rear padding being more susceptible to surface dampness than the front padding. However, the overall breathability of this diaper somewhat countered the surface dampness and it didn’t feel as damp as it might otherwise feel when wearing a less breathable equivalent.




2.1 Wet vs Dry Diaper After Capacity Test (M / L)


2.2 Used vs Unused Padding After Capacity Test (M / L)

"Real World" Absorbency Tests

Posture Tests


Standing-Sitting

Total Absorbed Volume (M, L): 1058 ml (37.2 oz), 1225 ml (43.2 oz)
Total Wettings (M/L): (1 standing, 2 sitting)
Leaked After Sitting: No
Used to Total Padding Ratio (M,L): 54%, 62%
Padding to Absorbency Score (M/L): 0.60 ml / cm2 (0.14 oz / in2)

Standing-Sitting Rating: 8
The Nexgen Absorbent plus performed very well during the standing-sitting test. The first wetting while standing wearing the medium version of the diaper was quickly absorbed with no signs of leakage and limited surface dampness. There was no leakage upon sitting. The diaper continued to feel comfortable and breathable. On the second wetting,while seated, there was a bit of initial dampness at the front of the diaper but no sign of leakage. Once absorbed it continued to feel comfortable and breathable, albeit the padding swelled in thickness at the front/mid-section. There was a small amount of leakage on the third wetting through the rear leg gathers, but no sign of leakage at the front. I called the test at that, because it still could have been visible through clothing. Even at this point the diaper didn’t feel at all clammy. By the end of the third wetting the front padding had swollen considerably but there was still a fairly large amount of unused padding at the rear and I felt like the front padding did a better job at resisting surface dampness than the rear. When testing the large size, the first wetting while standing was again absorbed quickly with minimal surface dampness. The second wetting while seated was fully absorbed without leakage as well and with most moisture remaining and being absorbed at the front of the diaper. There was a little dampness around the leg gathers but nothing that led to leakage and the rear padding was completely dry. There was significant leakage through the rear leg gathers on the third wetting and I called the test at that, but the diaper had absorbed a large amount at that point. I noticed sagging more on the large version, but I feel that was mostly due to the fact it was a bit too large for me. I didn’t notice any perspiration through the backsheet during the tests, which sometimes happens when testing cloth-backed diapers. I expect it to absorb 2~3 wettings in daily wear before leakage becomes a concern.


Lying Down

Total Absorbed Volume (M,L): 1108 ml (39.1 oz), 1375 ml (48.5 oz)
Total Wettings (M/L): 3
Used to Total Padding Ratio (M,L): 65%, 68%
Padding to Absorbency Score (M,L): 0.63 ml / cm2 (0.14 oz / in2), 0.67 ml / cm2 (0.15 oz / in2)

Lying Down Rating: 7

The Nexgen Absorbent Plus performed quite well when tested while lying down. When the medium version of the diaper was tested there was no sign of leakage after the first wetting and surface dampness was limited and mostly subsided. There was more noticeable surface dampness near the leak guards after the second wetting but nothing leaked out. This moisture persisted for a while but the diaper still remained soft and breathable. There was what felt like a little bit of backsheet perspiration near the leg gathers, though not as much as some cloth-backed diapers. Finally on the third wetting, there was a moderate amount of leakage between the rear leg gathers.Surprisingly there was still some bits of unused rear padding and a substantial amount of front padding, so the diaper likely could have absorbed more had it wicked to those areas. When laying down the medium should generally be able to manage 2 wettings without leakage. The large size of the diaper performed similarly. The first wetting was easily absorbed with little sign of dampness. The second was also easily absorbed, though with a slight amount of surface dampness on the second wetting. There was substantial leakage on the third wetting but it had absorbed a fair amount by that point and more than was found in the medium size. Once again, there was still some unused padding at the rear and front of the diaper. On average, I’d expect the Nexgen Absorbent Plus large to handle 2~3 wettings before leakage.

 

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


Daily Wear and Bedwetting

The Nexgen Absorbent Plus performed quite well when tested for daily wear and bedwetting. It was easily among the top performers for comfort and may well be the most skin friendly diaper I’ve tested to date. In terms of absorbency it wasn’t quite as absorbent as some of the premium diapers on the market, but it provided a good level of protection and proved to be quite durable. One thing I noticed during testing was that the front padding was particularly absorbent, whereas the rear padding was less so and I noticed more surface dampness at the rear. I feel this makes the Nexgen Absorbent Plus perhaps better suited for daily wear when the absorbent part of the padding may be more likely to dampen. Even so, it performed quite well when worn for bedwetting and I never woke up to leakage. When testing for daily wear I did find that it could sometimes come a bit loose, but for the most part the tapes held up when dry and it was more of a concern when wet. I also found that sometimes when adjusting the tapes bits of the backsheet cloth can be torn off, but it didn’t have any effect on the underlying waterproof layer so leaks were avoided. Otherwise, this diaper proved highly durable and could handle up to about 2 wettings before leakage might be a concern in daily wear. The backsheet that runs over the padding is a nice change from many cloth-backed diapers, which often perspire small amounts of moisture. I didn’t notice any perspiration in this diaper, but I did find that some moisture could get through the leak guards resulting in a bit of dampness around the edges nearest the wearer’s leg diaper when wet. When worn for bedwetting I feel this diaper can handle about 1~2 wettings depending on how much is absorbed by the front padding. I never experienced any leaks but I did notice a bit of rear surface dampness in the mornings (not so much to wake me up). One night I think I accidentally pulled the tapes too tight and at some point during the night one of them tore from the backsheet. Also, I’m not typically a side sleeper, but one thing that might be a challenge with this for side sleepers is that any moisture that makes it through the diaper’s breathable wings can wick through the sides if it ends up getting directed to them. In terms of comfort these diapers have a very light breathable feel to them and I never noticed so much as a hint of skin irritation when testing them. I would highly recommend these for people who are susceptible to skin irritation, likewise I expect they’d be a great choice in warmer weather.


Suitability for Bowel Incontinence: 7

The Nexgen Absorbent Plus seems reasonably well suited for bowel incontinence. It features generous standing inner leak guards and a rear waistband for containment. It also features a substantial amount of rear padding with a fair amount of space between the skin and padding as well. The primary disadvantage is that the breathable cloth-like backsheet material can allow the escape of odors.


Wear & Tear Tests


Fitting

The Nexgen Absorbent Plus has a cloth-like backsheet with hook & loop type fasteners. The fasteners are of high quality and maintain a good grip, but can pull bits of the backsheet off when adjusting. They can be reapplied multiple times anywhere on the backsheet to assist in getting a proper fit.

3.1 Nexgen Absorbent Plus M/L Fastener

 

Ease-of-Use Rating: 7

The Nexgen Absorbent Plus is quite user friendly with a rear waistband and repositionable tapes. It’s form fitting with fairly stretchy sides so with proper adjustment it’s easy to get a snug/comfortable fit. Moreover, the tapes have a very good grip and resist loosening. However, I’ve found that the tapes can tear off bits of the backsheet and sometimes can be difficult to open if the tape shifted onto the backsheet during manufacture. With the tapes being repositionable it’s easy to make adjustments, but sometimes I struggled to get the right initial fit and they came on a bit loose. Not factored into the rating was that the bag can be a bit tricky to open because it doesn’t have an easy tear panel. Aside from that, this diaper has a wetness indicator that changes from yellow to blue and together with its outstanding skin protection I feel this diaper would work great in a care setting. 

3.2 Nexgen Absorbent Plus M/L Diaper Fit

Comfort


Comfort Rating (dry): 10

The Nexgen Absorbent Plus is among the most comfortable diapers on the market. It reminds me a bit of the Attends Premier Overnight, but I found this diaper to be even more comfortable than that one. It feels very light and breathable to wear with an incredibly soft topsheet and backsheet. The rear waistband keeps things nice and snug and, in spite of having hook & loop tapes I never had an issue with the tapes coming loose and scratching my legs, unlike others with a similar structure like the Lille SupremFit. Perhaps the only issue is that it can feel a bit loose to wear if you’re not careful in your tape adjustment, particularly for daily wear. But I found the tapes to hold exceptionally well when properly placed so I wouldn’t hold that against it. Aside from that the backsheet is high quality and I never noticed any chafing, even whilst very active. Overall, I have no complaints, this diaper is about as comfortable as they get when it comes to dry comfort.


Comfort Rating (wet): 8

The Nexgen Absorbent Plus continued to be very comfortable when wet. It wasn’t the best for resisting surface dampness but still better than many others. The big differentiator was that this diaper is very resistant to clamminess and retains a high degree of breathability even when wet. I didn’t notice substantial padding clumping or tearing, though I did notice the rear padding is more susceptible to surface dampness than the front padding (particularly around the leg gathers), in this way it was similar to the Egosan Ultra. It does form a bit of a diaper bulge when wet and you’ll want to make sure the tapes are in a good spot, otherwise it will sag. Fortunately the tapes have a good grip and can be adjusted to keep the diaper from sagging. I noticed more sagging when wearing the large, but that’s because it was clearly too big for me. Once again, this diaper can comfortably be worn while active or overnight. I’d give it a 10 for comfort when wet if it were a little better for resisting surface dampness and the leak guards/leg gathers were a little more resistant to dampness.

3.3 Nexgen Absorbent Plus M/L Topsheet and Backsheet


Durability

Dry Padding Deterioration Proportion (M, L): 9.2%, 6.9% (topsheet), 8.9%, 8.7% (backsheet)
Shake Deterioration Test (M/L): 4/5 shakes to deterioration


Durability Rating (dry): 8
When it came to dry wear durability the Nexgen Absorbent Plus performed very well. There was very little padding deterioration in any of the core areas of padding. Most deterioration happened as a result of padding collapsing in the midsection. There was a little tearing of the backsheet when adjusting the tapes. The tapes are very sticky but they can pull some of the cloth-like material from the backsheet. Aside from that, the backsheet and tapes will hold out well and, when dry, it is unlikely to sag if properly fit. Overall, there isn’t much more to ask for and I feel this diaper could easily be worn for active wear, but reducing the backsheet tearing on tape adjustment would make it even better.


Durability Rating (wet): 8

The Nexgen Absorbent Plus was slightly less durable when wet, but still held up decently. The padding isn’t susceptible to clumping or tearing and I didn’t notice any substantial deterioration. I did notice a bit of sagging, though it was reduced after readjusting the tapes. The tapes have the same issues as in the dry state, possibly more so since the weight of the diaper can cause them to pull more. It does have a tendency to swell, yet it held together well during the shake test. Again, I feel this Nexgen diaper will perform well when worn for active wear; the tapes don’t have the best hold of diapers tested so far but were particularly good for the cloth-backed category.

3.4 Nexgen Absorbent Plus M/L Dry Test Deterioration

Discretion Tests


Profile

Front Rise Above Waistline M (Jeans, Sweatpants): 6 cm (2.4"), 5 cm (2")
Front Rise Above Waistline L (Jeans, Sweatpants): 13 cm (5.1"), 13 cm (2.1")
Back Rise Above Waistline M (Jeans, Sweatpants): 6 cm (2.4"), 4 cm (1.6")
Back Rise Above Waistline L (Jeans, Sweatpants): 10 cm (3.9"), 4.5 cm (1.8")
Side Rise Above Waistline M (Jeans, Sweatpants): 4 cm (1.6"), 3 cm (1.2")
Side Rise Above Waistline L (Jeans, Sweatpants): 8 cm (3.5"), 5 cm (2")

Profile Discretion Rating: 7

The Nexgen Absorbent Plus has a bit of a bulge in the rear padding so you may prefer to wear it under meshpants or regular underwear. I wouldn’t say that’s a must, especially if wearing looser clothing because it has a fairly discreet profile, comparable to the Egosan Ultra. With consideration for the outfit, this is a diaper I feel one could comfortably wear when out of the home.

4.1 Nexgen Absorbent Plus M/L Jeans Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear (right)

4.2 Nexgen Absorbent Plus M/L Sweats Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear (right) 


Noise

Noise Rating: 10

The Nexgen Absorbent Plus diaper is amongst the quietest on the market, comparable to the Seni Super Quatro or Medline Extended Wear. When worn during the day I rarely noticed any noise coming from the diaper regardless of whether it was wet or dry. Even in a quiet room this diaper is unlikely to produce noticeable noise and if it does it will most likely sound no different than the regular rustling of clothing. Worn under meshpants or underwear it will be completely silent.

4.3 Nexgen Absorbent Plus Noise Profile
 

Odor Reduction

Odor Reduction Rating: 7
The Nexgen Absorbent Plus performed similarly to the Egosan Ultra when it came to odor reduction. It performed similarly in terms of resisting surface dampness, with best performance observed for daily wear, less so with overnight wear. The rear waistband was helpful for keeping odors down but the breathable sides, while great for the skin, are susceptible allowing odors through. That aside, this diaper has no obvious fragrance and among the better cloth-backed diapers with respect to odor reduction.


Want to give the Nexgen Absorbent Plus a try?

You can find the full line of Nexgen products at the Night and Day Store.


Friday, 3 December 2021

NorthShore MegaMax Adult Diaper Review

*For more information on how I do reviews see Diaper Test Methodology. For a list of all product reviews see the Product Index.


Summary

The NorthShore MegaMax is a high absorbency adult diaper sold by the incontinence supplier NorthShore. It’s the second of their “in house” line of products, introduced after the NorthShore Supreme and advertised as more absorbent, but comes with a higher price. In this way it follows a trend of companies like Rearz or Forsite importing from China to market as in house. But in contrast to the Rearz, Forsite or Bambino diapers, the MegaMax has a considerably different construct, suggesting a different manufacturing process. The exterior is similar to those diapers with a firm plastic landing zone. However, its padding is thinner and has a honeycomb-like texture. The topsheet is also far more resistant to surface dampness than those other diapers, while the waistbands are wider. The backsheet comes in several additional colors including blue, pink, black and tie-dye (of all things).

The sizing of this diaper runs large and in my review, following the recommended sizing I went with a small rather than the usual medium. The sizing is comparable to the ConfiDry 24/7, which now has me curious about how the small size of that diaper would fit. Overall, I found this diaper to be comfortable and surprisingly breathable, but it fell short when it came to absorbency, largely as a result of the topsheet repelling moisture causing leakage through the sides. The theoretical capacity of this diaper is certainly much greater than observed in testing, perhaps closer to the lab test result. Also, it’s marketed as a medical diaper, but it comes at a very high unit cost and after testing both I feel the NorthShore Supreme provides a better value. That said, perhaps with some design improvements it could be a great diaper for long duration wear.

Key Features:

  • Plastic backsheet
  • Tape landing zone
  • Standing inner leak barriers
  • Dual waistbands

Pros:

  • High level of absorbency
  • Comfortable fit
  • Very strong tapes
  • Wide waistbands
  • Strongly resistant to surface dampness
  • Durable padding

Cons:

  • Very high unit cost
  • Topsheet pooling
  • Tapes can be hard to remove

 

Product Details

For the purpose of this post I will be reviewing and referring to the small-sized NorthShore MegaMax Diaper. However, other available sizes are listed below:


Packaging

Brand: NorthShore
Manufacturer: China Hengyuan Group Co., Ltd
Origin: China
Units Per Bag: 10
Cost Per Unit: $$$$
Dimensions (L x W x H): 29 cm (11.4") x 17 cm (6.7") x 25 cm (9.8")
Weight: 1.95 kg (4.3 lbs)
Available Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
Advertised Absorbency: Maximum (12 hours)


1.1 NorthShore MegaMax 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
Inner Color: White (bright blue rectangle in middle padding)
Front Waistband: Yes
Rear Waistband: Yes
Folded Thickness: 3.0 cm (1.2")
Folded Length: 24 cm (9.5")
Dry Weight: 183 g (6.5 oz)
Fragrance: No
Diaper Dimensions (L x fW x mW x bW): 80 cm (31.5") x 63 cm (24.8") x 34 cm (13.4") x 62 cm (24.4")
Wing Shape (Front, Rear): Rectangular, Rectangular
Padding Dimensions (L x fW x mW x bW): 69 cm (27.2") x 30 cm (11.8") x 20 cm (7.9") x 37 cm (14.6")
Padding Wing Dimensions (fPW x fPH x bPW x bPH): 5 cm (2") x 12 cm (4.7") x 8.5 cm (3.4") x 19 cm (7.5")
Padding Wing Shape (Front, Rear): Semicircle, Semicircle
Total Padding Area: 1823 cm2 (283 in2)
Tape Spacing (t1 x t2): 3.5 cm (1.4") x 13 cm (5.1")
Tape (W x L): 5 cm (2") x 5 cm (2")

1.2 NorthShore MegaMax Diaper


Laboratory Absorbency Tests

Total Absorption Volume (after press out): 1917 ml (67.63 oz)
Total Absorption Volume (before press out): 1942 ml (68.5 oz)
Time to Absorb Wettings (first to last): (35 s, 42 s, 60 s, 63 s, 63 s, 63 s, 60 s, 60 s)
Wet Folded Thickness: 6.5 cm (2.6")
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 68%
Total Padding to Absorbency Ratio: 1.05 ml / cm2 (0.24 oz / in2)
Press Out Volume: 25 ml (0.9 oz)

Surface Dampness Rating: 9

The NorthShore MegaMax performed very well when it came to surface dampness. During lab testing there was no apparent surface dampness in the first 3 wettings and no substantial surface dampness until the 6th wetting. I couldn’t give it a perfect score because I do account for the fact a significant amount of moisture was repelled by the topsheet and could result in a lot of temporary surface dampness. Its performance was backed up in real world testing, even when wet this diaper rarely felt damp and it deserves a spot among the top performers in this regard.




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: 1267 ml (44.7 oz)
Total Wettings: (1 standing, 2 sitting)
Leaked After Sitting: No
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 57%
Padding to Absorbency Score: 0.70 ml / cm2 (0.16 oz / in2)

Standing-Sitting Rating: 8
The NorthShore MegaMax easily absorbed the first wetting while standing with minimal pooling. The padding swelled a bit, but the surface of the diaper remained comfortable and dry. There was no sign of leakage upon sitting shortly afterwards. The second wetting was again fully absorbed but there was noticeable pooling as the topsheet initially repelled moisture before it eventually settled. There was no leakage at this point and once the pooling subsided the padding continued to remain dry and comfortable. On the third wetting enough moisture was able to pool at the front that a small amount was able to escape from the sides and I ended the test at that. There certainly was enough absorbency left to handle more wettings, but when the topsheet repels moisture so readily it becomes prone to leaks. I believe this size will generally take 2~3 wettings in daily wear before leakage becomes a concern.


Lying Down

Total Absorbed Volume: 1367 ml (48.2 oz)
Total Wettings: 3
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 59%
Padding to Absorbency Score: 0.75 ml / cm2 (0.17 oz / in2)

Lying Down Rating: 8

The NorthShore MegaMax performed quite well when tested while lying down. The first wetting was easily absorbed with no signs of leakage and minimal surface dampness. Afterward any moisture was barely perceivable. The second wetting was again easily absorbed with little in the way of surface dampness (though there was some brief pooling), by this point the diaper’s padding around the crotch/mid-section had swelled substantially. Still, it felt like it had a lot more capacity to go. The diaper was perfectly comfortable at this point. The third wetting was a bit of a surprise, the front padding repelled a substantial amount of moisture allowing some to pool and push out through the sides eventually leaking from outside the rear leg gathers. I wasn’t expecting it to leak so early because it did seem like it had a lot of absorbency remaining. However, it was consistent with what was absorbed in the lab absorbency test. The topsheet does a great job at stopping pressout surface moisture, but it also repels moisture that should be getting absorbed, this became more of a problem as the padding swelled creating less space to distribute excess moisture. After the leakage the diaper continued to remain comfortable, but the wearer would have ended up with wet bed sheets. There was also still a substantial amount of unused rear padding.

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


Daily Wear and Bedwetting

The NorthShore MegaMax performed reasonably well when tested for daily wear and bedwetting. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting in terms of total absorption. It absorbed a decent amount before leaking, but leaked when there was still plenty of untouched padding.The total absorption in the lying down and standing-sitting test was similar and both could be expected to handle up to 3 wettings before significant leakage becomes a problem. In both cases the reason they leaked was because the padding repelled moisture from entering so much that it pooled and pushed out the sides before it could be fully absorbed. Initially, I thought this was a fluke but I noticed it in all tests done, including the capacity test (in that case I just ignored it to push it to the point of significant surface dampness after a 10 minute wait time). I will again mention that I tested the “small” version of this diaper rather than my usual medium because the sizing of this diaper runs very large (like the ConfiDry 24/7), but even then I’m not sure the pooling issue would be that much better with a medium. Perhaps I got a bad batch, but based on the marketing I kind of expected it to absorb twice as much. There were other problems too. The tapes held remarkably well, but almost to a fault because they proved very difficult to remove. This would be problematic for those with a weak grip. In this way, this diaper may be better suited for those who are double incontinent or perhaps bedwetting, but not for daily wear for people who can still sometimes make it to the bathroom in time. I also noticed a rash developed after 2 nights of wear for bedwetting. I found that surprising given how well it performed for padding surface dampness, but perhaps some moisture made it out the sides. Aside from that, this diaper is incredibly comfortable, it seems quite resistant to trapping heat and feels surprisingly breathable for a diaper with a plastic backsheet. The backsheet is a smooth/soft plastic that isn’t prone to chafing. It also has an impressively durable padding that won’t readily clump or tear and ranks among the top performers for resisting surface dampness once a wetting has been fully absorbed. In terms of daily wear or bedwetting I feel this diaper could theoretically handle 4~6 wettings were it not for the pooling issue, but as it is I’d be hesitant to push it beyond 3.


Suitability for Bowel Incontinence: 8

The NorthShore MegaMax diaper is fairly well suited for bowel incontinence. It has very wide waistbands at the front/rear and a plastic backsheet to better contain odors. There’s a generous amount of rear padding, standing inner leak guards and quite a bit of extra space at the rear for containment. That said, the leak guards aren’t the strongest you’ll find and pooling could be an issue. I rank it similar to the Attends Slip Regular Plus in this regard.


Wear & Tear Tests


Fitting

The NorthShore MegaMax has a plastic backsheet with a special landing zone for the tapes, similar to the Forsite AM/PM or Carnation diaper. The tapes are of high quality and have a very strong grip. They can be refastened multiple times if placed over the landing zone, but in practice I found them very difficult to remove because of how strongly they grip the surface.

3.1 NorthShore MegaMax Fastener

 

Ease-of-Use Rating: 8

The NorthShore MegaMax is quite user friendly, I was surprised by how easy it was to attain a snug fit in this diaper. It features front and rear waistbands, which help a lot with fitting and has a smaller snugger fit compared with some of the larger high absorbency diapers like the ConfiDry 24/7 or Rearz Barnyard. The caveat is that I followed the recommended waist size for myself of small on these vs medium on those two (the actual sizing on these is similar to the ConfiDry 24/7). The refastenable landing zone is also quite convenient as it makes it easy to adjust the tapes or detach when needed. However, the tapes can be difficult to remove once they’ve been attached, they hold incredibly well but could be a struggle for a caregiver or someone with arm weakness to remove. Aside from that, the only other downside in terms of ease-of-use is the lack of a wetness indicator, which could make it more challenging to use in a care environment.

3.2 NorthShore MegaMax Diaper Fit

Comfort


Comfort Rating (dry): 9

The NorthShore MegaMax provides a high degree of comfort. The padding is reasonably soft, though not the softest on the market. The backsheet is quite comfortable, with the only exception being the hard plastic landing zone. It fits snugly and the parts of the backsheet that come into contact with the skin are of a skin friendly material. It felt surprisingly breathable for a diaper with a plastic backsheet and absorbent padding. With that in mind, the padding is a little thinner than you might expect, quite a bit thinner than that of the ConfiDry 24/7. Also of note with regards to the padding is that it’s very resistant to clumping and tearing and adheres quite well to the backsheet. The waistbands are exceptionally wide and flexible/comfortable against the skin. I can’t say this diaper is the most comfortable I’ve ever tried, but it’s not far off and I put it on par with the Attends Slip Regular Plus.


Comfort Rating (wet): 10

The NorthShore MegaMax is among the top performers for wet comfort (ignoring initial pooling after a wetting). The topsheet appears to repel moisture from coming back up to the wearer’s skin and the padding remains fairly firm without clumping or tearing, similar to the BetterDry/Crinklz or Drylife SlipSuper. The tapes hold strong so you don’t get the degree of sagging you would in many other high capacity diapers. The padding does have a tendency to swell but I didn’t find that took away much from the comfort. In fact the padding may even become more comfortable when wet as it softens a bit like other diapers with a similar padding construct. You’re unlikely to notice much clamminess with this diaper, overall I have no complaints.

3.3 NorthShore MegaMax Topsheet and Backsheet


Durability

Dry Padding Deterioration Proportion: 6.7% (topsheet), 12.4% (backsheet)
Shake Deterioration Test: 4 shakes to deterioration


Durability Rating (dry): 8
The NorthShore MegaMax performed very well when it came to dry durability. The padding is highly resistant to clumping or tearing, but it does collapse inward a bit at its midsection. At the end of the dry durability test there was a fair amount of deterioration but none in any of the core padding so the impact it would have on absorbance wouldn’t be significant. The tapes hold together ridiculously well, once they’re fastened you won’t need to worry about them coming loose, but if you pull them or misplace them they can easily tear bits of the backsheet. The honeycomb-shaped padding does a very good job at adhering to the backsheet, which is another big plus for this diaper. I feel it could easily be worn for active wear though it is a bit big.


Durability Rating (wet): 9

The NorthShore MegaMax performed strongly when it came to wet durability. It was perhaps similar to the BetterDry/Crinklz in this regard, but slightly short of the Drylife SlipSuper or NorthShore Supreme diapers. The padding on this diaper is remarkably resilient and even though the padding somewhat collapsed during the shake test, part of it still remained and did not seem to want to budge. During active wear the padding swelled quite a bit when wet but did not show significant signs of clumping or tearing when wet. It seems well constructed to stay in place and retains a degree of firmness. There were no issues with the tapes during testing, if anything they held a bit too strong because they proved difficult to remove. I feel this diaper could be well suited to active daily wear, it’s very hard to see it coming loose or the padding falling apart while active.

3.4 NorthShore MegaMax 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): 6 cm (2.4"), 4 cm (1.6")
Side Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 3.5 cm (1.4"), 2.5 cm (1")

Profile Discretion Rating: 6

The NorthShore MegaMax is far from the most discreet diaper on the market in terms of profile. However, it’s not the thickest either and slightly easier to conceal than the Forsite AM/PM or Abena M4 for comparison. It will produce an obvious diaper bulge at the front and rear of the diaper, but it also fits snug against the body and is very resistant to sagging. This makes it a little easier to conceal with the aid of underwear or meshpants to hold it in place.

4.1 NorthShore MegaMax Jeans Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear (right)

4.2 NorthShore MegaMax Sweats Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear (right) 


Noise

Noise Rating: 5

The NorthShore MegaMax is surprisingly quiet. This is characteristic of diapers that do a good job at keeping the padding attached to the backsheet. The main problem is that, like the Forsite AM/PM, the plastic landing zone on this diaper is a different material that’s more prone to noise. If it weren’t for that I’d score this diaper around an 8 in terms of the amount of noise it produces.

4.3 NorthShore MegaMax Noise Profile
 

Odor Reduction

Odor Reduction Rating: 8
The NorthShore MegaMax performed decently from an odor reduction perspective and I rarely noticed odors. It has the benefit of some very wide waistbands and padding resistant to surface dampness as well as a plastic backsheet. However, I didn’t find it quite as odor resistant as the Tena Slip Ultima or Seni Super Quatro.


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