Dealing with incontinence can be stressful, especially when it comes to protecting furniture, car seats, and other frequently used surfaces. Accidents happen, but with the right strategies and products, you can safeguard your home and vehicle while maintaining comfort and dignity for an older adult.
From washable pads to waterproof seat covers, there are many practical solutions to prevent stains, odors, and damage. In this article, we share helpful tips and product recommendations to help you manage incontinence with confidence and ease.
Incontinence Protection for Furniture and Cars
When an older adult is living with incontinence, furniture is likely to get soiled even if they always wear incontinence briefs – leaks can happen, despite everyone’s best efforts.
Cleaning furniture can be tough, and odors can get stuck deep inside non-washable cushions.
It’s not reasonable to get a new couch or recliner chair every time it gets too stained or smelly.
Solve this problem by investing in some incontinence protector pads to prevent damage to recliner chairs, couches, and even car seats.
We found reusable incontinence pads and covers that are discreet, stylish, comfortable to sit on, and make cleanup easier and faster – Just toss them in the wash!
Incontinence Protectors for Furniture
The first thing to do for anything that’s upholstered is to spray on a fabric protector like this one.
Then add a water-resistant cover, like these:
- $38 Easy-Going Sofa Slipcover Reversible Sofa Cover Water Resistant – comes in a variety of colors and sizes
- $30 Ameritex Waterproof Nonslip Recliner Cover
- $28 TAOCOCO 100% Waterproof Recliner Chair Cover
Keep in mind that these covers are generally not completely waterproof, so they will likely work well for light leaks but might not do as well for heavy ones.
If heavier leaks happen often, consider adding another layer (or two) of waterproof pads either above or below the water-resistant cover, like these:
- $20 Ameritex Waterproof Blanket for Furniture – many reviews say this pad is indeed waterproof, comes in a variety of colors, and sizes
- $18 Sures Waterproof Chair Pads
- $18 RMS Washable & Reusable Incontinence Chair Pad
- $17 Non-Slip Absorbent Washable Incontinence Pad
You might also want to keep a couple of extra chair pads on hand. It’s easy to throw them on any unprotected surfaces, just in case your older adult wants to sit somewhere different.
Incontinence Protection for Wheelchairs or Chairs
For wheelchairs or other chairs, add a waterproof pad to the seat. Buy two to double up for added protection or get more to cover all their favorite seats.
Some options:
- $18 Sures Waterproof Chair Pads
- $18 RMS Washable & Reusable Incontinence Chair Pad
- $17 Non-Slip Absorbent Washable Incontinence Pad
Incontinence Protection for Car Seats
It’s equally essential to protect car seats from accidents and leaks so you don’t have to worry when driving with your older adult.
Some options:
- $24 lebogner Waterproof Car Seat Cover – universal fit, variety of colors
- $30 Leader Accessories Waterproof Seat Cover – universal fit, variety of colors
- $26 HAPYFOST Waterproof Front Seat Cover
For heavier leaks, you could also add a waterproof chair pad like these on top of the car seat cover:
- $18 Sures Waterproof Chair Pads
- $18 RMS Washable & Reusable Incontinence Chair Pad
- $17 Non-Slip Absorbent Washable Incontinence Pad
Recommended for you:
- Incontinence Pads for Beds: Layers Work Best
- Incontinence Care: 9 Tips for Caregivers
- 3 Top Benefits of a Daily Routine for Seniors
All prices quoted were checked shortly before publication. Prices and availability change often and might not match what is found online. This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through an affiliate link on our site, we may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. For more information, see How We Make Money.
About the Author
Connie Chow
Connie was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also knows how important support is — especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.
