Travelling with Incontinence: Tips and Checklist17 April 2023 | Admin Incontinence is a common condition that can affect men, women and kids but can be embarrassing and awkward to deal with, especially whilst travelling. Whether you’re travelling by car, plane, or train, living with incontinence can pose challenges to your journey. But don’t let potential bladder leakage issues hold you back! With a little preparation, a few tricks and tips and the right mindset, you can still enjoy travelling even with incontinence. In this article, we’ll share our top tips for travelling with incontinence, as well as a checklist of essential incontinence products to pack for your trip. Here's our 5 top tips for travelling with incontinence: 1. Plan Ahead 2. Pack Incontinence Supplies 3. Carry an emergency kit 4. Wear comfortable clothes 5. Practice Relaxation Techniques 
Before you hit the road, it’s important to research toilets and facilities that you can use along the way in case of any incontinence episodes. Make a list of rest stops, motorway service stations, and other public toilets that you can visit. You can also download apps such as 'where is public toilet' or 'Flush' to find public toilets in your area. Knowing where you can find a bathroom can help you feel more confident and reduce anxiety which in turn can help with your overactive bladder symptoms. It's also worth considering what food and drinks you'll consume on the way. Bladder irritants such as caffeine are probably best avoided if you suffer with urinary incontinence. And if you're flying somewhere, request an aisle seat if possible. This means if you do need the loo, you aren't stressing about potentially waking someone up (or having to clamber over them!) 
Be sure to pack all the incontinence supplies you need, including absorbent incontinence pads, reusable incontinence underwear, and reusable toilet paper. Bring enough supplies for the entire trip, plus a few extra in case of emergencies. You may also want to bring a waterproof wetbag to store used supplies. If you’re flying, be sure to pack your incontinence supplies in your carry-on bag, so you have easy access to them during the flight. 'After having a few children my bladder is not as good as it was. Incontinent. This caused me no end of upset and stress. Let alone the expense and constant use of disposable non friendly product. My good friend recommended this site so I ordered a few briefs. Game changer. I have since reordered more.' Via Trustpilot 
In addition to your regular incontinence supplies, it’s a good idea to carry an emergency incontinence kit with spare undies and clothing. Accidents can happen, so it’s much better to be prepared. You might also want to pack a plastic bag to store soiled clothing until you can clean it. 
Wear clothes that are comfortable and easy to change in case of urine leakage. Choose outfits that are loose-fitting and made of breathable fabrics such as cotton. Avoid tight-fitting clothes or fabrics that don’t breathe, as they can cause irritation and discomfort. 'Great product. Has revolutionised my daily life.
Never buy disposables, always feel confident in the pants. I am a runner with bladder incontinence.' Via Trustpilot 
Travelling can be stressful, especially if you’re worried about incontinence. Practising relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety. The National Library of Medicine published an article back in 2012 showing that mindfulness based stress reduction is as effective as historical studies of drug treatment and bladder training in reducing urge incontinence and incontinence-related quality of life. There are lots of mindfulness apps available, however at its simplest level, simply focusing on breathing in for a count of 6 and then out for a count of 6 can really help with the urge to urinate. This will help relax any muscle contractions in your pelvic floor muscle. Even better, there are ZERO side effects to treating your overactive bladder (oab) in this way. Travelling with Incontinence Checklist - Reusable Incontinence pads
- Washable Incontinence underwear
- Reusable Incontinence wipes
- Spare underwear and clothing
- Waterproof wetbag for clean and dirty items
- Plastic bag for soiled clothing
- Relaxation aids e.g. meditation app
In conclusion, travelling with incontinence doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By planning ahead, packing the right supplies, and staying relaxed, you can enjoy your travels and experience new adventures and avoid any issues with urinary urges or loss of bladder control. If you need more information or support, Cheeky Wipes offers a wide range of reusable incontinence products and kits, including pads, underwear, and protection kits. Check out the blogposts below for more helpful tips on managing incontinence. About the author: Helen Rankin is a Mum of 4 and founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. She went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period pants, reusable sanitary pads and washable incontinence products. The team pride themselves on providing relatable friendly advice and LOVE to chat pee, poo and periods all day long! The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021. | 
