Comparing Disposable and Traditional Bed Pads: Whats Best for Your Facility?

Bed pads are a great option to keep someone comfy and clean in bed. Bed pads provide extra absorbency in case of any spills or accidents to ensure the person will stay dry and comfortable. But there are so many to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find out which type of bed pad is best for you. This article lays out the pros and cons of the two types of bed pads. We will discuss why standard bed pads are still so critical, which one is cheaper, break down bed pads on our environment, and compare how much liquid both hold too. Hopefully by the end, you will have done a better job than I have on figuring out which bed pad is going to be best suited for you. 

Bed Pads: Good and the Bad | Nursing Supplies

Disposable bed pads are commonly used in places such as hospitals and care facilities. Obvious cause why human beings like them a lot is that they are very clean to operate. These pads were designed for single use. You discard them once they have been used. It means no on messy cleaning or they don’t have to be washed afterwards, this is very useful for busy places where time matters. They don't take up much space as they come in neat little compact packages so it is easy to take out what you need. 

That said, there are disadvantages to disposable bed pads. A primary concern is that they can be costly, particularly if you use many of them on a regular basis in your facility. If you depend on best disposable bed pads, the costs can skyrocket over time. And, the disposable bed pads are wasteful, and bad for our planet. These pads are often made of plastic and other synthetic materials that don’t break down easily and can take years to decompose in landfills. Another problem is that some brands of disposable pads might be less absorbent than others. That can create leaks and lead to discomfort for the person wearing them.” Also, they tend to be too hot or uncomfortable for some users because they are made with plastic and are not really soft and breathable for those with sensitive skin. 

The Importance of Good Old Bed Pads

Now, let’s cover traditional bed pads. Conventional bed pads are polyester or other naturally derived sweaters. Unlike disposable pads, these can be washed and reused repeatedly. While they are a little more time consuming and work to clean when done, they are the more economical option for areas that will need to have them in frequent use. Using eco-friendly alternatives like these pads cost little over time as you only wash and reuse them instead of throwing them away every month like one would do with a traditional pad. 

Another thing that’s great about traditional bed pads, is that they are usually much more comfortable for the user. These are made of breathable materials with air circulation that will make the person utilizing them cool and comfortable. This is very useful for those with sensitive skin, as traditional pads are less likely to irritate. And since they are made of natural materials, traditional bed pads are also generally more eco-friendly than disposable ones. They make less trash, and can be reused many times. Lastly, traditional bed pads tend to be more absorbent than disposable under bed pads. In other words they can contain more liquid before they reach saturation, preventing the user from becoming damp and uncomfortable for longer periods of time. 

Which Bed Pad Costs Less? 

In fact, when trying to determine which bed pad is the least expensive, it varies entirely based on individual needs. If you don’t need to use bed pads as often or you work in a tight budget facility, disposable bed pads may be the more practical option. Well they are only people use them sometimes. Yet, if you are using waterproof bed pad regularly, you'll probably save money in the long run by using traditional bed pads that can be washed and reused. Not having to keep buying new disposable pads again and again. Also, as we discussed above, traditional bed pads typically absorb more fluid than disposable pads. This may mean there is a reduced need for traditional pads to cover the same amount of ground, which also leads to cost-saving scenarios. 

How Disposable Bed Pads Impact the Environment? 

So much in the world of disposable bed pads comes down to their effects on our planet, one of their chief disadvantages. They generate a lot of waste because they are designed for one-time use only and then discarded. This waste may take several decades to years to settle on the landfills and may also harm our environment. Disposable bed pads are also made using petroleum and other non-renewable resources. This means their production can have a bad effect on the environment. By contrast, the classic bed pads are made from natural material, and as you can reuse them many times, they are an all the more eco-pleasing alternative. Using common pads reduce the waste and reduces impact on the environment. 

Liquid absorption capacity, comparing with disposable and regular bed pad

Lastly, here is a breakdown of how much liquid each type of pad can hold. Disposable and traditional pads aim to protect the individual wearing them from leaks and accidents. But disposable bed pads often have a lower absorbency level than traditional bed pads—but that isn’t always the case. What that means is that they have a greater capacity for liquid before they become saturated. This means a traditional bed pad can provide a more pleasant experience for the user, ensuring they stay dry and less concerned about leaks. 

To summarize, choosing between disposable and reusable bed pads comes with lots to consider. Disposable bed pads can be convenient, easy to use, and right up your alley; however, they can become expensive, and they may have disastrous consequences for the environment. Alternatively, regular bed pads can be more work to clean and more expensive overall, but they are generally much more comfortable and absorbent. ANPA supplying the full range of traditional Bed Pads -204s in 4 colour options. This is why picking the right bed pad means that you can ensure comfort and care for the ones who need it the most.