Incontinence Absorbency Guide
Absorbency is rated on a drop scale — the row of droplet icons printed on the pack — and choosing correctly is what keeps you protected without paying for more product than you need. Use this guide alongside the chart for the range you’re buying to find the right combination of fit and protection.
Looking for sizing instead? See our Size Guide.
Understanding the drop scale
Most of our incontinence wear is rated on a drop scale, printed on the pack as a row of droplet icons. It’s a relative guide to absorbency within a product range, not a fixed volume — the same drop count means something slightly different from brand to brand, so it’s best used to compare products within a single range rather than across brands.
A higher drop count usually means a bulkier product with a larger absorbent core — for daytime, active use, the lowest drop count that comfortably sees you through is often the more comfortable choice; save the highest tiers for overnight or higher-care needs.
Choosing the right absorbency
Start lighter, not heavier
It’s tempting to buy the highest drop count for peace of mind, but a bulkier product isn’t automatically better — start with the level that matches your typical leakage, and move up only if you’re still experiencing breakthrough.
Day versus night
Overnight wear goes longer between changes, so many people choose a higher drop tier, or a style with more front-and-back coverage, for sleep — then a lighter, more comfortable option for daytime.
Still leaking? Check absorbency before sizing up
If leaking continues after confirming you have the correct size, the cause is often the absorbency level rather than the fit — moving up a drop tier, or from a pad to a brief, usually resolves it before a larger size is needed.
Compare within a range, not across brands
The drop scale is relative to each product range, not a fixed measure in millilitres — a MoliCare 6-drop and an Egosan 6-drop aren’t necessarily equivalent, so compare options within the same range rather than assuming drop counts translate directly between brands.
Frequently asked questions
What does the drop icon on the pack actually mean?
It’s a relative absorbency rating specific to that product range, shown as a row of droplet icons on the packaging — more drops means a higher absorbency tier within that range, not a guaranteed volume in millilitres.
Can I mix absorbency levels through the day?
Yes — many people use a lighter product for daytime activity and a higher drop tier overnight or for outings where a change isn’t easily possible.
Does a higher drop count mean a bulkier product?
Generally yes. Higher-absorbency products have a larger absorbent core, so they tend to be thicker under clothing than lighter options in the same range.
I’m still not sure which absorbency level to start with.
Get in touch — we’re happy to talk through your typical leakage pattern and recommend a starting point, especially if you’re new to a product range.
Still not sure?
Send us a message and we’ll help you find the right absorbency and product.
Contact us