An Introduction to: Incontinence Alarms
Before we review our carefully selected range of Incontinence Alarms for the elderly, it’s definitely worth understanding a little about urinary incontinence.
According to the National Association for Continence there are over 33 million adults in the US that suffer from some type of urinary incontinence or bladder condition. There are 6 categories of incontinence:
- Surgical – a result of a medical procedure
- Overflow – where the volume of urine produced is greater than the capacity of the bladder
- Reflex – the individual is unaware of the need to urinate
- Stress – a result of damage to pelvic muscles
- Urge – unable to get to a toilet on time, a symptom of an overactive bladder
- Mixed – a combination of Stress and Urge incontinence
There are a variety of treatments recommended depending on the type of incontinence, these include Behavioral, Pharmacologic & Surgical.
The 4 devices we’ve chosen are all based on the same three step process to help those with incontinence issues:
- Detection – all the Incontinence Alarms we’ve selected comprise of two parts, firstly the “sheet” or “mat” that include moisture detection strips.
- Alarm – the second part is an external unit connected to the mat by a cable, this will sound an alarm / flash a light (or vibrate in some cases) when moisture is detected.
- Behavioural Training – in some cases, when used regularly, the individual can become aware of the need to urinate before any leakage occurs, thus reducing incontinence events.
Properly cleaning the mat after an incident is important for hygiene purposes. The two types of mat we look at are fabric based (machine washable) and plastic based (wipeable).
Incontinence Alarms: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Well-being
The great advantage of these types of Incontinence Alarms is that the individual is alerted immediately the incident occurs, and won’t be in a situation where the moisture is only noticed when they wake up in the morning. It enables the individual or carer to take the necessary action to insure disruption to sleep is minimized, and that any wet items can be washed and replaced by clean dry clothes & sheets ensuring conditions are sanitary.
In some cases it’s believed that using these devices regularly can help reduce cases of bedwetting by training the individual.
Independence
Incontinence is a sensitive matter, and for many can be both embarrassing and distressing. In the case where behavioural training has a positive outcome, the frequency of bedwetting incidents reduces, and the reliance on family/carers reduces – boosting self confidence and independence. It also has the advantage of letting the individual wear their normal clothes rather than having to wear diapers.
Importantly it removes the need for a carer to proactively carry out regular checks to determine whether there have been any leaks or incontinence events. Other assistive technologies can also be introduced to further improve independence and well-being such as GPS Trackers for the Elderly, Voice Memos and Bath Water Thermometers.
The Shortlist: Incontinence Alarms
The Incontinence Alarms we’ve selected include a range of features and budgets to suit everyone. For your specific needs or features – the comparison summary table will help you narrow down which is the right one for you.
Wet Detective Bedwetting Kit
Wet Detective Bedwetting Kit: Key Features
The Wet Detective Bedwetting Kit is from PottyMD, a Knoxville based company founded in 1979 by fellowship-trained pediatric urologist. They market a variety of incontinence products including a number of books on the subject. They have sold more than 400,000 bedwetting alarms worldwide.
The Wet Detective Bedwetting Kit comes with 2 sensor pads – these are the largest mats in our review – a great feature, ensuring a large surface area of the bed is covered. Another benefit of having two sensor pads, is that in the event of an incident the wet pad can be replaced immediately by a dry clean one with very little fuss or effort.
The top of the sensor pads are made from an absorbent quilted fabric (50% polyester / 50% cotton) – and beneath there is a waterproof backing to prevent moisture reaching the mattress. These can be machine washed up to 300 times.
The main unit houses the flashing LED, respond button and alarm selection from the following: –
- Light Only
- Alert Beep
- Medium Alarm
- Loud Alarm
When the alarm sounds there is a “Respond Button” – this is similar to the snooze button on an alarm clock, and will silence the alarm for 15 minutes.
Wet Detective Bedwetting Kit: What’s in the Box
- Wet Detective Alarm
- 6 foot Cable
- 2 x Reusable sensor pads
- Instruction sheet
Wet Detective Bedwetting Kit: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Includes 2 sensor pads
- 4 alarm settings (Light only, beep, medium alarm & loud alarm)
- Machine washable
- Reusable (up to 300 washes)
- Bright flashing LED light
- Good value
- Swappable
- Designed by a board-certified urologist
- Large mat
- Detachable cable for easy cleaning
- Absorbent 50% polyester / 50% cotton quilted material
- Waterproof backing
Cons
- 2 x AA batteries are not included
- No low battery alert
- No vibration alarm
- Sensitive to sweat moisture which can also trigger the alarm
Wet Detective Bedwetting Kit: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
Setting up the Wet Detective Bedwetting Kit is very simple. Insert 2 x AA batteries, select your preferred alarm, place the mat on the bed, plug the cable into the alarm and the snaps onto the mat. Position the alarm. Done.
If you have any difficulties or questions, you can contact Wet-Stop customer services by phone or email (Monday to Friday, 8am-4.30pm EST).
- REST EASY: Wet Detective provides excellent results for adults or children with incontinence, nightly accidents and bladder leakage, or bedwetting children.
- HOW IT WORKS: The alarm/monitor unit sits at bedside while connected to the waterproof pad. The comfortable pad lies underneath the user.
- SOUNDING ALARM: Includes alarm unit and removable cable, 4 alarm settings: light only, medium alarm, alert beep and loud alarm, as well as a flashing LED response light. No wires to attach to user's apparel. Uses 2 AA batteries (not included).
Guardian Bedside Bedwetting Alarm
Guardian Bedside Bedwetting Alarm: Key Features
The Guardian Bedside Bedwetting Alarm is the first product we look at that is sold by One Stop Bedwetting.
The Guardian Bedside Bedwetting Alarm is particularly suited to those individuals who are heavy sleepers or suffer auditory accommodation, i.e. someone who gets accustomed to a sound, and won’t be woken by it. The unit achieves this by cycling through 8 different loud alarm tones whenever an incident occurs, vibrating and a synchronized flashing LED light.
The additional benefit of the vibration mode is that it can be more discrete if you’d prefer others were not alerted to the event.
There are three programmes available to alert the individual: –
- Sound (cycle through all 8 alerts), synchronized light & vibration
- Sound (cycle through all 8 alerts) & synchronized light only
- Vibration & synchronized light only
The unit comes with a useful table stand for easy positioning of the alarm – up to 10 feet from the sensor pad.
The comfortable 100% cotton mat is a reasonable size, and can be washed up to 300 times before needing replaced. It’s reversible which means that you can turn it over and continue using it – but I would personally recommend removing it and washing before you continue to sleep on it for sanitary and hygiene reasons.
Guardian Bedside Bedwetting Alarm: What’s in the Box
- Guardian Bedside Bedwetting Alarm
- Stand
- Reusable Mat
- 10 foot cord
- 3 x AAA batteries
- User manual & registration card
Guardian Bedside Bedwetting Alarm: Pros and Cons
Pros
- 3 alert modes
- 8 alert tones to prevent auditory accommodation
- Vibration alert
- Reversible 100% cotton mat
- Machine washable
- Reusable (up to 300 washes)
- Bright flashing LED light
- Includes table stand
- Batteries included
- Detachable cable for easy cleaning
Cons
- More expensive than some others
- Comes with one mat only (but individual pads can be purchased separately)
- No low battery alert
Guardian Bedside Bedwetting Alarm: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
Installing the Guardian Bedside Bedwetting Alarm on your bed is very straightforward. Insert the included 3 x AAA batteries into alarm unit, place the mat on the bed, plug the cable into the alarm and the snaps onto the sensor pad, select one of the 3 alert modes. place the alarm on the included stand – and you’re ready.
One Stop Bedwetting have a variety of instructional videos and help articles if you run into difficulties. You can also contact their US support team by phone or email, 9am-5pm PST, Monday to Friday.
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- THE MOST COMFORTABLE BEDWETTING ALARM - Guardian alarm unit with 8 alert tones and strong vibration is placed on the bedside that is attached to a comfortable soft reversible cotton mat placed on the bed directly.
- FAST DETECT TECHNOLOGY - Reversible cotton mat sensor has a large detection area that detects the first drop of urine and alerts the user to use the bathroom. Slowly within a few weeks It trains the user to get up before the bedwetting accident.
- COMPLETE ENURESIS SOLUTION - a bedwetter can sleep directly on the mat while the alarm unit is placed on the bedside with an included stand; a cotton mat sensor connects to the alarm unit through a detachable cord so there are no wires on your body.
Chummie Pro Bedside Bedwetting Alarm
Chummie Pro Bedside Bedwetting Alarm: Key Features
The Chummie Pro Bedside Bedwetting Alarm is the second device sold by One Stop Bedwetting.
The distinguishing feature of the Chummie Pro Bedside Bedwetting Alarm is the Intelliflex mat. Instead of a machine washable fabric sensor pad, this comes with a plastic based (intelliflex) mat. The greatest advantage here is the speed at which you can reuse the pad – you don’t need to put it in the washing machine or tumble dry it – you remove it and wipe it with a clean damp cloth – making it reusable in a matter of minutes.
The alert features are very similar to those of the Guardian Bedside Bedwetting Alarm also sold by One Stop Bedwetting, these include a combination of silent (vibrate), synchronized flashing LED light & 8 variable alert tones.
Unlike fabric based sensors that you can sleep directly on top of, you need to place this under a bed sheet.
The Guardian Bedside Bedwetting Alarm comes in three colors: green, pink & blue and for convenient positioning of the alarm there is a bedside stand included.
Chummie Pro Bedside Bedwetting Alarm: What’s in the Box
- Chummie Pro Bedside Bedwetting Alarm
- Intelliflex mat & sleeve
- 10 foot cord
- Bed-side stand
- Snap-on clip
- Progress chart
- User manual
- 2 x AAA batteries
- Achievement certificate & registration card
Chummie Pro Bedside Bedwetting Alarm: Pros and Cons
Pros
- 2 volume levels
- Available in 3 colors (pink, blue & green)
- 8 alert tones to prevent auditory accommodation
- 32 alert permutations for maximum treatment efficacy
- Vibration alert
- 2 x Bright flashing LED light
- FDA registered
- CE safety certified
- Includes table stand
- Batteries included
- Low battery alert
- Detachable cable for easy cleaning
- Quickly cleaned for use using a damp cloth (cannot be machine washed)
Cons
- Small 21″ x 17″ mat
- Expensive
- Cannot use soap or detergent to give a sanitary clean
- Some may find the material uncomfortable to sleep on
Chummie Pro Bedside Bedwetting Alarm: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
Fitting the Chummie Pro Bedside Bedwetting Alarm to the bed is an easy process. The included 2 x AA come preinstalled in the unit, place the mat on the bed, plug the cable into the alarm and the snaps onto the Intelliflex mat, select alarm tone by pressing the 3 way switch and finally adjust the volume to your preference. The Chummie Pro is now ready to be used.
If you do run into difficulties then One Stop Bedwetting have a variety of instructional videos and help articles. You can also contact their US support team by phone or email, 9am-5pm PST, Monday to Friday.
- BEDSIDE BEDWETTING ALARM – Complete bedwetting system comprised of a patented loud microprocessor controlled alarm placed on bedside and a large urine detection bed mat placed below the sheets.
- COMPLETE SYSTEM - Perfect bedside bedwetting alarm for children, teens, adults and deep sleepers and those who do not want to wear wired alarms on their body and enjoy a natural night’s sleep
- ONE DROP DETECTION MAT – Unique 21"x17" IntelliFlex mat comes with a 10 foot long cord for maximum comfort; mat detects urine in seconds to awaken the user after a bedwetting accident
GleenMed Wired Caregiver Alarm
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GleenMed Wired Caregiver Alarm: Key Features
The No products found. is from Gleen™ who specialize in integrated elderly healthcare systems – selling a variety of alarms and sensors. We’ve selected the GleenMed Wired Caregiver Alarm with wetting sensor pad.
This shares a similar approach to the Chummie Pro Bedside Bedwetting Alarm in that it comes with a wipe clean sensor pad rather than a machine washable fabric mat. But unlike the Chummie Pro who recommend you do not use any cleaning disinfectants, the EVA foam material used by GleenMed can be cleaned using standard non corrosive detergents – although they also recommend you to replace the pad every 6 months.
The buttons used to control the volume and alarms are hidden behind the rear cover to prevent any tampering or someone accidently turning the device off. A feature we’ve not seen on other devices that we like is an alert that will sound if the sensor pad is accidently disconnected from the alarm unit. Surrounding the alarm is a rubberized edge to protect from any bumps or small drops.
4 alarms modes are available:
- Normal alarm
- Melody 1
- Melody 2
- Silent (4 x LED flashing lights)
Combined with 2 volume options of 85dB and 100dB to make sure heavy sleepers are alerted. There are three status LEDs to indicate battery, alert & connection status.
One final feature that differentiates the Gleen from the other devices in our review are the multiple mounting options available – particularly useful if the alarm is at risk of being knocked over. These include: a velcro strap, wall mounting screws/anchors and a magnetic bracket.
GleenMed Wired Caregiver Alarm: What’s in the Box
No products found.- GleenMed Caregiver Wired Alarm
- Sensor Pad (21.5” x 16.5”)
- Built-in magnetic bracket
- 2 x Screws
- 2 x Wall anchors
- Velcro strap
- User Manual
GleenMed Wired Caregiver Alarm: Pros and Cons
No products found.Pros
- 3 LED status indicators
- 4 LED alert lights
- 4 alarm modes
- Rubber surround for protection
- 2 volume levels (85dB & 100dB)
- Internal tamper proof buttons
- Pad made from EVA foam for comfort
- Cable removed alert
- 3 mounting options
- Can be cleaned quickly using standard cleaning disinfectants (non-corrosive)
- Detachable cable for easy cleaning
- Does not require machine washing
Cons
- Small 21.5 x 16.5 sensor pad
- Batteries not included
GleenMed Wired Caregiver Alarm: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
Setting up the No products found. is an simple task taking only a couple of minutes. The alarm requires 3 x AA batteries – open the rear cover and install these, and before you seal the unit select one of the 4 alert sounds and volume (as well as turning the device into the ON position) – these are hidden when the cover is reattached to prevent any tampering. Place the mat on the bed, plug the cable into the alarm and the snaps onto the EVA Foam sensor pad. Finally attach the alarm using one of the 3 methods (velcro, magnetic or secured with screws).The GlenMed is now good to go.
For any difficulties, Gleen support can be contacted via their website.
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Conclusion
The two that stood out for us were the Wet Detective – the combination of having a 2nd sensor pad included for a quick swap the large pad surface area made it our favorite. We were also impressed by the Chummie Pro – the ability to have the pad wiped down and ready for use minutes after an event made it a worthy contender.