Frequently Asked Questions About Incontinence And Our Product RangeFAQs
What is incontinence
This is a term that describes any accidental or involuntary loss of urine from the bladder (urinary incontinence) or bowel motion, faeces or wind from the bowel (bowel incontinence).
Is incontinence common? What are the causes and symptoms?
Incontinence is one of our biggest health issues, affecting one in four Australians over the age of 15 years.WomenMore than 70% of people who experience incontinence are women, with many experiencing problems after childbirth or menpause.Many bladder problems may be caused by weak pelvic floor muscles; resulting in leakage when you cough, sneeze, laugh, lift or exercise, oran overactive bladder; resulting in an urgent need to pass urine.MenAn estimated 30% of men who visit their GP are affected by incontinence, yet more than two thirds do not discuss the issue.The more common problems affecting men include:bladder weakness following prostate surgery; resulting in leakage or 'stress incontinence' when they cough, sneeze, shout, laugh, lift, walk, bend, push, pull or move from lying to sitting to standing positions, orlack of contraction of the muscles surrounding the urethra; resulting in 'after-dribble' or the loss of a small amount of urine after emptying the bladder.ChildrenThree to five per cent of children aged between 5 and 17 have a daytime wetting problem. One third of these children will also experience bedwetting. Day wetting is more common in girls than boys, however boys have more bedwetting issues than girls.
What is the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certificate?
This is an independent test and certification system for raw, intermediate and end textile products at all stages of processing. The tests for harmful substances cover legally banned and controlled substances, chemicals known to be harmful to health (but not yet legally controlled), parameters for health protection. The prerequisite for texile products to be certified is that all components of an article, without exception, comply with the required criteria - so that outer material, sewing threads, linings etc are included.Aleva bed pads, draw sheets, chair pads, mattress protectors and men's & women's underwear are all certified to meet the strict manufacturing standards of the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, product Class II: textiles used close to the skin (underwear, bedding, etc).
What does Sanitized mean?
This certifies that the fabric contains sanitizers that reduce micro-organisms to safe levels. Aleva’s men's and women's incontinence underwear range is sanitized with silver.
Why Polyurethane?
Polyurethane is a more environmentally friendly membrane than the alternative vinyl barrier known as PVC (Polyvinyl chloride). It is breathable, silken soft, and somewhat stretchy. At the same time, it provides a highly durable finish, able to withstand high wash temperatures up to 95 deg C. These high wash temperatures meet the strict hygiene requirements demanded of aged care facilities, hospitals and commercial laundries.Aleva bed pads, draw sheets, chair pads, mattress protectors and underwear are all coated with a polyurethane waterproof membrane.
Can I wash and tumble dry Aleva bed pads, draw sheets, chair pads and mattress protectors?
You can wash in hot water up to 95 deg C and tumble dry on low heat. However, do not iron, dry clean or bleach these products.
Can I wash and tumble dry Aleva underwear?
You can wash up to 60 deg C for white and 40 deg C for black and tumble dry on low heat. However, do not iron, dry clean or bleach these products.
How absorbent are Aleva bed pads?
ABSO® has five laminated layers suitable for heavy incontinence and absorbs 3,016 mls (per m2).ABSO Eco Design ® has four laminated layers suitable for medium incontinence and absorbs 2,628mls (per m2).These absorbency rates have been independently tested and certified by BTTG Shirley High Performance Materials, Manchester, England.Aleva’s bed pad range is also waterproof and breathable.