1. What is it?
A Disposable Underpad (also called a bed pad, chux pad, or incontinence pad) is a single-use absorbent sheet designed to protect beds, stretchers, chairs, or other surfaces from urine, body fluids, or spills.
Commonly used in hospitals, nursing homes, home care, and during patient transport.
Provides hygienic protection, reduces laundry, and helps maintain comfort for bedridden or incontinent patients.
Unlike bed sheets or mattress covers, underpads are absorbent rather than just a surface barrier.
2. Materials
| Material | Layers & Features | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Top layer: Non-woven / Soft Tissue | Soft, breathable, skin-friendly | Comfortable for patients, prevents skin irritation |
| Absorbent core: Fluff pulp / SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer) | Quickly absorbs liquids and locks them away | Urine, body fluids, minor spills |
| Bottom layer: PE / Plastic Film | Waterproof, prevents leakage to mattress or chair | Protects beds, stretchers, wheelchairs |
| Optional adhesive strips | Prevents underpad from slipping | Bed or stretcher use |
GSM / Thickness:
Absorbent core: 50–100 gsm fluff pulp + SAP
Backing: 15–50 μm PE film
Overall thickness: 3–8 mm depending on size and absorbency
3. Sizes
Standard hospital bed: 60×90 cm, 60×120 cm
Large / bariatric bed: 90×180 cm
Chair / wheelchair: 40×50 cm, 50×60 cm
Infant / pediatric: 30×40 cm, 40×50 cm
4. Use For
Hospitals & Clinics
Protect beds, stretchers, and trolleys from body fluids
Used in wards, ICUs, maternity, and surgical prep
Home Care / Elderly Care
For bedridden or incontinent patients
Helps maintain hygiene and reduce laundry
Ambulance / Patient Transport
Quick protection for stretchers during transport
Infants / Pediatrics
Diaper backup or changing tables
Spa / Beauty / Massage
Optional layer to absorb oils, lotions, or water
5. Variants
| Variant | Feature | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Flat disposable underpad | Economical, standard protection | Hospitals, home care, emergency use |
| Fitted / adhesive underpad | Stays in place, prevents slipping | Wheelchairs, stretchers, hospital beds |
| Extra-absorbent / bariatric underpad | High SAP content, larger size | Heavy incontinence, bariatric patients |
| Infant / pediatric underpad | Small, soft | Diaper backup, baby care |
| PE-laminated / waterproof top sheet | Prevents leakage | ICU, maternity wards, surgical prep |
6. FAQs
Q1. How is it different from a mattress cover?
Underpad: Absorbent, placed on top of bed or chair for temporary protection
Mattress cover: Full mattress encasement, protects entire mattress from fluids
Q2. Can it protect against urine?
Yes, absorbent core + waterproof backing prevents leaks
Q3. Can it be reused?
No, single-use only to maintain hygiene
Q4. Who typically uses underpads?
Hospitals, nursing homes, home caregivers, ambulances, spas (optional)
Q5. What sizes are standard?
Most common: 60×90 cm for hospital beds, smaller sizes for chairs or infants
Summary:
A Disposable Underpad is a single-use, absorbent, waterproof sheet used to protect beds, stretchers, and chairs from urine or other body fluids. It's essential for patient hygiene, infection control, and comfort in hospitals, home care, and emergency settings.
