How to Use Underpads for a Bedridden Patient

Is the hardest part of caring for someone in bed the lifting, or the washing that never seems to end?

Underpads help with the washing. A pad lies on top of the bed sheet, under the hips. When it gets wet or soiled, you change one pad instead of the whole bed. That saves time, water and soap.

This guide shows you how to place, check and change an underpad for a person who stays in bed. It is written for family carers at home. Your nurse or doctor knows your patient best, so follow their advice first.

What to have ready

• Clean underpads, 60 x 90 cm
• Disposable gloves
• Wipes, or warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth
• A clean towel
• A bin bag
• Clean clothes, or a fresh diaper if the person uses one

Keep everything on one tray or shelf near the bed. At 2 am you will thank yourself.

How to place an underpad under a person in bed

If the person can lift their hips

1. Tell them what you are about to do.
2. Wash your hands and put on gloves.
3. Ask them to bend their knees and lift their hips a little.
4. Slide the pad under the hips with the soft top facing up.
5. Smooth out any folds. Use the adhesive tape to help hold the pad in place.

If the person cannot move much: the roll method

1. If the bed height adjusts, raise it to a height that is kind to your back.
2. Gently roll the person onto their side, facing away from you. Ask a helper to steady them if you can.
3. Roll half of the pad up lengthwise. Lay the flat half on the bed and tuck the rolled half close to their back.
4. Roll the person back over the rolled part onto their other side.
5. From the other side, pull the rolled half through and flatten it.
6. Roll the person onto their back. Check that the pad sits under the hips with no folds.

Never lift or turn someone alone if it feels unsafe. Ask a nurse to show you the roll method once. It gets easier with practice.

How to change a wet or soiled underpad

1. Wash your hands and put on fresh gloves.
2. Roll the person to one side as above.
3. Roll the used pad inwards, wet side inside, toward their back.
4. Clean the skin gently from front to back. Pat it dry with a clean towel.
5. Lay a fresh pad on the clean side, rolled half against the used one.
6. Roll the person over both. Remove the used pad and pull the new one flat.
7. Put the used pad in the bin bag. Do not flush it.
8. Take off your gloves and wash your hands.

When to check and change

There is no single rule. Change the pad as soon as it is wet or soiled. A good habit is to check at set times, such as morning, after meals, before sleep and once at night if you are up. Check too whenever the person tells you or you notice a smell.

Planning your supply? See how many underpads you need a day, a week or a month.

Simple skin care tips

• Keep the skin clean and dry.
• Pat the skin dry. Do not rub hard.
• Change wet pads promptly. Do not leave a wet pad against the skin.
• Change the person’s position as often as the nurse advises.
• Look at the skin on the hips, bottom and heels every day.
• Ask a nurse or doctor about any red skin, broken skin or sores.

Common mistakes and better ways

Night changes without waking the whole house

Before you sleep

• Lay a fresh pad, gloves, wipes and a bin bag within reach.
• Leave a small light on, or keep a torch by the bed.
• Put a fresh pad under the person just before they sleep.

During the night

• Speak softly and tell them what you are doing.
• Change only what is wet. Leave dry bedding alone.
• Roll the used pad inwards and tie the bin bag in the morning.

A calm, quick change helps everyone get back to sleep sooner.

Do you need underpads and adult diapers?

Some families use both at night. The diaper catches leaks at the body. The underpad protects the bed if the diaper leaks. Read underpads or adult diapers: which one do you need to decide what fits your home.

Getting the right underpads

Sternmed Premium Medical Underpads are 60 x 90 cm with a soft, breathable top and adhesive tape. On the packet, Sternmed lists 900ml+ ultra absorption and antibacterial protection.

Buy a packet of 10 for KSh 800 to start. If you change several pads a day, a bale of 100 for KSh 8,000 keeps you stocked for longer at the same KSh 80 a pad.

Caring for an older parent? Our guide to underpads for elderly care at home covers the sofa, the wheelchair and the night routine. If you are thinking about a proper care bed, see our hospital bed price guide.

Order Sternmed underpads today

Buy a packet of 10 for KSh 800 or a bale of 100 pads for KSh 8,000. We deliver to all 47 counties and confirm the delivery cost before dispatch. Pay by M Pesa after we confirm your order.

Prefer to talk? WhatsApp us or call 0702 962504. A real person replies.

You are doing hard, loving work. Take breaks when you can and ask for help when you need it.

Questions people ask

Which side of an underpad faces up?

The soft top faces up, toward the person. The other side lies on the bed sheet.

Where on the bed should the underpad go?

Under the hips and bottom, on top of the bed sheet. That is where most leaks land.

Can one person change an underpad alone?

Often yes, with the roll method, if the person can be turned safely. If they are heavy or in pain, get a second person and ask a nurse to show you how.

How often should I change an underpad?

As soon as it is wet or soiled. Check at set times through the day and night so a wet pad is not left for long.

Can underpads prevent bedsores?

An underpad is not a treatment. It helps keep the bed clean and dry. For bedsores, ask a nurse or doctor about turning, skin care and the right mattress.

Can I reuse an underpad once it dries?

No. Sternmed underpads are single use. Throw each one away after use.

Should the underpad go under or over the bed sheet?

Over the sheet, so the person lies on the soft top. Some families also put a mackintosh or mattress cover under the sheet.