FAQs

Enviromental Information and the costs

For the amount of money you would spend on disposable pads in just two months you could buy enough washable pads to last you a year or more with potential savings of approximately £150 per year (if using 3 pads a day) or £300 per year (if using 6 pads a day).

For washable pants with a built in pad potential savings range from £88 to £262 a year or more depending on the number used per day and the price paid.

Disposables
In May 2004, WEN carried out a review of disposable stress incontinence products available on the high street. All the products were of the press on pad variety (similar to a sanitary towel) and were displayed in the same section.

Each brand came in several levels of absorbency. As the absorbency level increased the number of pads in the pack decreased, however the pack price tended to remain the same. Therefore the cost of each individual pad increased as the absorbency increased.

Prices were exclusive of VAT.

Those pads that were designated as being for light/mild/slight stress incontinence were included in the calculation of the average price of a pad.

The average price for disposable pads = 15.5p each

Washable Products
The prices quoted exclude VAT. The products are either sold as zero rated VAT or VAT is not charged if customers complete a simple VAT Exemption Declaration.

The prices quoted exclude postage and packaging as this varies between companies and depends on how many products are ordered.

Laundry costs have also been excluded as washable products can simply be added to the normal household wash.

Washable pads
Washable pads were not found to be available on the high street. Three types of pad that can be used with ordinary snug fitting underwear were found to be available by mail order or the internet.

The average price for washable pads = £2.45 each

Washable pants with built in pad
Although some types of washable pants with built in pad are available through retail outlets the majority are only available by mail order or the internet. Prices vary considerably depending on the size and make, but start from as little as £4.29. It should also be noted that many suppliers offer a reduced price on multiple purchases.

The average price for washable pants with built in pad = £8.99 each

Cost comparison for disposable versus washable continence products
A set figure on the number of pants or pads used per day is not available as this depends on many factors including the severity and frequency of incontinence and users personal preference and habits. Calculations have been based on two different levels of use:

Three pants or pads are used a day and a 3 day supply (i.e. 9) of washable protection is purchased.

Six pants or pads are used a day and a 3 day supply (i.e. 18) of washable protection is purchased.

No. used per day No. used per year Cost per year@ average 15.5p each
Disposable pads 3 1095 £169.73
6 2190 £339.45

No. used per day No. needed for 3 day supply Cost per year@ average £2.45 each Savings per year
Washable pads 3 9 £22.05 £147.68
6 18 £44.10 £295.35

No. used per day No. needed for 3 day supply Cost of lowest priced pant per year@ £4.29 each Savings per year
Lowest cost washable pants with built in pad 3 9 £38.61 £131.12
6 18 £77.22 £262.23

No. used per day No. needed for 3 day supply Cost per year@ average £8.99 each Savings per year
Average cost washable pants with built in pad 3 9 £80.91 £88.82
6 18 £161.82 £177.63

If products are used for more than one year the savings are even greater.

These calculations assume that washable products are replaced after a year. Some products are guaranteed for 100 washes while others are guaranteed for up to 300 washes. With a three day wash cycle these products might last for up to three years.

with kind thanks to www.wen.org.uk - women's environmental network