How to Create an Emergency Incontinence Kit for Home & Travel
By: Jane Clarke
02 April 2025
Accidents happen and you never know exactly when you may need to change your incontinence aid and freshen up. For you to feel confident and avoid feelings of embarrassment, it’s a good idea to make a personal continence care plan, so you can go about your daily life with peace of mind and dignity, knowing you’re equipped to handle any situation.
This article offers some helpful tips for managing your incontinence both at home and while travelling.
Managing Incontinence at Home
- Creating a safe bathroom environment – Creating an accessible bathroom at home, can be done independently. Key considerations are ensuring easy access to the toilet, along with adequate lighting for any evening trips to the bathroom. You may also find it helpful to keep essential items in the rooms where you spend most of your time, such as spare clothes, wipes, pads, or portable urinals. Having these items within reach, allows for quick access and helps prevent messes.
- Choosing the right incontinence products – There are many washable and disposable continence aids available in various shapes, sizes, and absorbencies to suit your individual needs. In addition, there are protective products that can keep your surrounds clean and hygienic, such as mattress protectors, chair protectors, and absorbent floor mats. Skincare is also important; by using barrier creams and gentle cleansers, you can protect your skin from urine and faeces, while cleansing wipes are a quick and easy way to stay fresh while on the go.
- Maintaining privacy while managing incontinence – For many people, preserving dignity while managing incontinence is very important. While it’s helpful to discuss your medical needs with those closest to you, that doesn’t mean that everyone in your household needs to be aware of your personal hygiene routine.
- Use room deodorisers
- Tie used incontinence pads in opaque, scented disposal bags
- Dispose used products in an outdoor household waste bin when possible
- Use a dedicated nappy or incontinence bin if necessary. Never flush pads or wipes, as they can cause blockages.
Emergency Continence Kit for Travelling
Incontinence can feel isolating, leading some people to avoid leaving their familiar environment in fear of accidents. However, being prepared with your personalised incontinence care plan can boost confidence, allowing you to travel and enjoy social events like everyone else. In your emergency kit include:
- Spare pads
- Wipes
- Nappy bags
- Spare underwear or change of clothes
- Hand sanitiser
- Spare catheters if you use these
- Odour control products
For those with complete loss of bladder or bowel control, opt for a highly absorbent continence aid when going out and pack a spare change of clothes with a plastic bag for containment. When choosing clothing, consider easy access designs and avoid zips and buttons which can be hard to undo in a rush. Dark colours will also conceal wet patches in case of leaks.
Additional Tips for Travelling with Incontinence.
- Surface protectors – Along with your essential continence supplies, disposable surface protectors can be invaluable while travelling. They can be used on seats or mattresses in case of leaks, saving you from clean up hassles. They also work well in public toilets if you need a clean surface.
- Public Toilets – Before heading out, locate the nearest public toilets at your destination to reduce the risk of accidents. If you’re unsure about restroom availability, consider portable toileting options, there are convenient portable urinal designs for both men and women. Alternatively, you may want to use a more absorbent continence aid for extra reassurance.
- Travelling long distance – For longer journeys, consider your travel schedule and toilet availability. For example, if you’re flying you could book an aisle seat close to a bathroom, inquire about accessibility, and keep supplies in your hand luggage. If traveling by car or bus, it’s a good idea to let the driver know you need scheduled toilet stops. You could research rest stops in advance or ask about planned stops once you board.
- Intermittent catheter users – Stick to your usual catheterisation schedule and be sure to carry spare catheters with you in case of delays or cancellations. Depending on your destination, it’s also a good idea to carry wipes, hand sanitiser, and ready-to-use hydrophilic catheters in case of unsanitary conditions. Lastly, a medical certificate or travel certificate from your product provider can explain why you’re carrying equipment and prompt officials to handle matters discreetly.
- Packing smart – Make sure you pack enough supplies or consider having products shipped directly to your destination if you’ll be away for an extended period. If you need extra luggage allowance for incontinence products, or you’re carrying medical equipment such as catheters and hand sanitiser on flights, a travel certificate from your doctor or product provider may help to ensure a smoother trip.
Final Thoughts
Whether at home or on the go, these tips can help you manage incontinence with ease and confidence. Remember, preparation brings peace of mind, prevents hassles, and can make your travel so much more enjoyable, allowing you to live life to the full
Jane Clarke
Continence Nurse Consultant
Jane is a Continence Nurse Consultant with over 25 years of experience. She has worked in public health, private enterprise, and industry spheres, and has achieved a Masters in both Nursing and Business Administration. Jane is passionate about health equity and education. In her spare time Jane loves spending time in nature and exploring new places with her family.