Male incontinence pads: types, wrapping methods and precautions [2026]

English translation of an article originally published in Japanese on May 6, 2019. Read the Japanese original (Japanese). Product information and dates refer to the original article. Images and manufacturer videos may contain Japanese.

Male incontinence insert pads include designs that wrap around the penis and designs that require no wrapping. Choose according to urine volume, time between changes, posture and movement, and skin condition, rather than sex alone. This article illustrates the types of male incontinence insert pads, how to choose them, and the steps for triangular and cup folds. It also explains precautions when using male pads.

What are male pads?

Products include rectangular pads assembled into a tube and wrapped around the penis, as well as pads shaped to enclose the male genitals.

Advantages of male pads

Limiting the spread of urine toward the buttocks

Products that enclose the penis are sometimes used to limit urine spreading toward the buttocks. Leakage can still occur depending on positioning, fit and urine volume, so check the skin as well. If there are wounds or pressure injuries on the buttocks, discuss care with a healthcare professional.

Male pads: Points to note

May restrict movement

Tape-fastened adult diapers are often used with both an incontinence insert pad and a male pad. With large urine volumes, male pads can leak through gaps at the tip or toward the abdomen, which can lead to more pads being layered than necessary. Overlapping pads at the front add bulk and can affect posture and movement.

Frequent changes are necessary

Wrapping a pad around the penis leaves much of its absorbent surface unused and requires frequent changes. Male pads are not recommended when changes cannot be made for long periods.

The penis may slip out

Hiroshi Yagi

If the penis is short, it may not touch the absorbent core, allowing urine to overflow toward the abdomen or groin. Movement can also cause the penis to shift and slip out of a triangular fold. In that case, consider using an incontinence insert pad in the usual way instead of a triangular fold.

The waterproof backing touches the skin

The waterproof backing touches the skin around the genitals. This may contribute to skin problems, so take particular care if the pad is not changed frequently.

Do not cut a hole to prevent slipping

Some people cut holes in ordinary incontinence insert pads. Do not do this, as the material inside can stick to the genitals. Some products designed for men already have an opening.

Male pad products

Here are several male pads with distinctive features offered by different manufacturers.

Attento Super Absorbency Incontinence Insert Pad for Men

Shaping the pad into a cone encloses the penis. Products are available both with and without standing leak guards.

Reference Attento Super Absorbency Incontinence Insert Pad for MenDaio Paper official website

Salva Super Incontinence Insert Pad for Men

An opening allows the penis to be inserted and held in place, helping prevent shifting. There is no need to cut a hole in the pad.

Reference Salva Super Incontinence Insert Pad for MenHakujuji official website

Salva Overnight for Men

This product has a pouch shape and a manufacturer-stated absorbency guide of approximately 5 voids. Decide when to change it based on urine volume, fit, leakage and skin condition.

Reference Salva Overnight for MenHakujuji official website

Attento Overnight One-Pad Reassurance, No-Wrap Pad for Men

In addition to the usual standing leak guards, this pad has inner guards. It encloses the scrotum as well and can be used without wrapping.

Reference Attento Long-Wear Reassurance Pad, Double Block TypeDaio Paper official website

Hiroshi Yagi

Many other products are also available.

Male incontinence insert pads by manufacturer: retail and institutional products [2026]

How to wrap a male pad

There are several ways to wrap a male pad. Here is a basic method.

STEP.1

Fold one edge back toward the waterproof backing

This helps avoid discomfort from the waterproof backing touching the skin.

STEP.2

Fold diagonally upward from near the center

STEP.3

Fold the other side diagonally upward

Let the tips overlap slightly.

Finished

Another wrapping method: the cup fold

This method folds the end inward to form a base. It can reduce leakage slightly through the gap at the tip. Creating a base also adds bulk.

Differences from ordinary incontinence insert pads

Hiroshi Yagi

Male and unisex pads differ slightly in shape. Male pads are more compact and shaped to enclose the genitals.

Summary

A pad wrapped around the penis needs frequent changes. This method is unsuitable for large volumes per void or long periods without changes. If it leaks, apply an incontinence insert pad in the usual way.

Incontinence Insert Pads: Types, Selection, Absorbency and Layering Precautions [2026]

Hiroshi Yagi

The triangular fold is one specialized way to apply a pad. First try the basic method of applying an incontinence insert pad. If persistent leakage continues despite this, consider a triangular fold. Choose a male pad according to the situation, rather than simply because the wearer is male. Use terms such as “triangular fold” instead of colloquial Japanese expressions such as chin-maki, otoko-maki or inbu-maki (penis, male or genital wrapping).