Having a small bag or kit of supplies ready for any trip, especially near the bed or in rooms you frequently use, can reduce stress, speed up responses, and make nighttime leaks easier to manage. Based on my experience in continence nursing and research, here are some suggestions that you can adjust to suite your own needs and what may work best for you.
What to Include
| Specific items | Why they help / Things to consider | |
| Absorbent & protective products | Disposable pads or briefs (night-absorbency) Pull-on underwear Advanced moisture-management underpads for beds | To catch leaks and protect skin, bedding, and furniture. High-absorbency items reduce the need to change so often (which can help avoid rushing at night and risk of falls). |
| Skin care/hygiene items | Mild, soap-free cleansers or no-rinse perineal cleansers Disposable wipes (fragrance-free, pH-balanced, alcohol free) Barrier creams/ointments (zinc oxide, petrolatum, dimethicone) Moisture barrier sprays | Helps prevent incontinence-associated dermatitis (skin breakdown), irritation, and infections. Gentle cleansing, drying, and then applying barrier products. |
| Clothing/bed changes | Extra underwear or nightwear, easy-to-remove clothing Extra bed sheets or pillowcases Waterproof covers for mattress/pillows | Soiling occurs; having clean backups ready reduces stress and exposure to moisture. Waterproof covers protect the mattress and make cleanup easier. |
| Lighting & navigation aids | Small flashlight Motion-sensor night light Low-ledge lighting strips Pathway lighting | For safety, to help prevent falls, and allow navigation at night without turning on harsh overhead lights that can fully wake you. |
| Mobility supports | Grab bars if portable Bedside commode Mobility device within reach (walker, cane) Non-slip slippers or socks | To reduce risk when getting up quickly or in dim conditions. If you must walk to the potty, you want stability. |
| Cleaning/odor control | 3 in 1 wipes Cleaning wet wipes Disposable gloves (optional) Disposable bags for soiled pads Odor neutralizer sprays | For hygiene and comfort, soiled items can be dealt with promptly, allowing you to get back to rest. |
| Medication & medical items (if applicable) | Any nightly medications Skin infection or fungal treatment (if prescribed) Catheter supplies if relevant | Making sure you have what you may need if skin irritation or infection appears. |
| Communication and safety backup | Phone within reach Possibly a bell or alarm to call for help Bed alarm for moisture or movement if helpful (especially in cognitive impairment) | If you cannot manage alone, you want quick access to help; alarms or alerts can reduce injuries. |