In 2012, a council headed by the National Association for Continence (NAFC), which included manufacturer, government agency, nursing and family caregiving representatives, recommended national quality performance standards for absorbent products with the goal of reducing wasteful costs and improving care for residents.
The recommendations cover the following eight characteristics:1. Rewet rate – a measure of a product’s ability to withstand incontinent episodes between changes
2. Rate of acquisition – a measure of the speed at which urine is drawn away from the skin
3. Retention capacity – a measure of a product’s capacity to hold fluid
4. Sizing options
5. Safety
6. Presence of a closure system
7. Breathable zones
8. Performance of elastics
Manufacturers undoubtedly use these characteristics to guide them in product research and development. Our vendor partner First Quality®, for example, recently introduced their new Breezers360°™ Briefs, which are named for their 360° Breathable Zones™.
Thanks to these types of standards, then, new and innovative products can be developed that help healthcare facilities provide the best quality of life and care for their residents.
