The Best Bed Pads for Autism
Bed pads have become a household staple in many homes, for those housing neurotypical children and those with Autistic children. This simple invention has been praised by many for saving mattresses, easing sleep, and providing protection.
Although they have basic designs, there are countless options to choose from. So how do you know which option is best for your household? Follow along with us as we dissect the many benefits, styles, and sizes of bed pads and share some of our favorite options.
Benefits of Using Bed Pads
While mainly used for incontinence purposes, bed pads have a variety of uses. So, if your child does need to use a bed pad, why not look for the many different benefits they bring?
Let’s first break it up into three factors that may have you looking for a bed pad for your child with Autism:
Protection
Incontinence is the number one reason bed pads are purchased and used. The fact that you are reading this means I can safely assume you are no stranger to the impossible chore of cleaning and disinfecting a soiled mattress. It’s a project that takes up most of the day.
Thankfully, with the option of both disposable and washable bed pads, cleaning them up takes only a matter of minutes.
Repositioning
If you are caring for a fully grown child, finding positioning bed pads with handles will be your life-saver. Constantly picking up and lifting your child can cause strain on your back and stress to your child, especially as they continue to grow.
Bed pads with handles allow the process of moving your child to be as undisruptive as possible. Parents have found relief in the fact they can quietly move their children while they are still asleep!
Comfort
We mean comfort for your child and comfort in the fact that you will gain peace of mind when they sleep on a bed pad. Without a bed pad, your child would be sleeping in a saturated mattress for the remainder of the night. Besides the obvious health concerns, it’s just plain uncomfortable for them.
As a concerned parent, you may frequently wake up and check on their mattress to assure they are safe and comfortable. Bed pads quickly eliminate your stress and your child’s discomfort, allowing you both to get a good night’s rest.
Different options
Now that we can see how bed pads are not only helpful but necessary, it’s time to think about the different options they come in. Of course, everything comes in variety these days, yes, even bed pads!
Instead of making this a deterrent, let’s see what each option has to offer you. This way, you can see which option is best for your family.
Disposable vs. Washable
If you are looking for a single-use item, disposable bed pads are ideal for you. Each morning, these are removed, thrown away, and exchanged with a fresh pad. While amazingly convenient, they are not always the most economically friendly choice.
As with disposable pads, washable bed pads are removed each morning and exchanged with a fresh pad. But they can be washed and reused again and again. While initially a pricier option, they can be viewed as an investment that will save you hundreds! Many also come in packs, so you don’t need to run the washing machine every day. Often made with cotton blends, they get the bonus of being more comfortable compared to a crinkly disposable pad.
Handles vs. Wings
As we’ve already said, bed pads with handles are ideal for repositioning and moving your child while they are in bed. However, beware only to purchase those that are absorbent, washable, or waterproof! Instead, you can find options whose prime purpose is to move patients. These have more of a nylon texture to them and are not as comfortable as other fabric options.
(Don’t worry, we have you covered with some of our favorite options below!)
Similar to a fitted sheet, bed pads with wings tuck under the middle of the mattress. The wings offer more protection and prevent the pad from moving around during the night.
Choosing The Best Bed Pad Size
The most significant factor when considering a bed pad size is your child’s age and their bed. Are they a toddler or young child? Or are they a teenager or adult? For example, a queen-size bed will require a larger bed pad than a twin-size bed.
Most bed pads don’t cover the entire mattress. For increased protection, find a pad that covers most of the bed. Covering the whole bed is especially important if your child with Autism is a rough sleeper who frequently moves and kicks. In addition, autism-proof bedsheets and a large bed pad will guarantee maximum protection and help avoid the pad from sliding off.
Best Bed Pads For Autism
We have compiled a list of our top choices for bed pads. Follow along to see our recommendations in a variety of different categories.
EPICA Quilted Bed Pad – Best Washable Bed Pad
This extra long pad is great for adults or children who toss and turn in their sleep and may typically kick off a pad. It’s large enough to guarantee protection and has no slip back. Especially appealing is the comfortable fabric Epica uses. As it’s a quilted material, it locks away moisture to keep both your child and their mattress dry. Also, unlike other washable options, the waterproof layer in this pad won’t break down after a few rounds in the washer or dryer.
Medline Heavy Absorbency Disposable Underpad – Best Disposable Bed Pad
Most disposable bed pads are incredibly costly. Thankfully, Medline offers an affordable option when taking the disposable route, as each pad costs less than a dollar.
These super absorbent pads lock away moisture and odor, allowing your child to sleep through the night despite an accident comfortably. We especially love these as they come in a variety of sizes and even have options for chairs.
NOVA Underpad with 4 Positioning Strap Handles – Best Bed Pad With Handles
Many children with Autism struggle with sensitivity issues. Therefore, the top layer being 100% cotton makes them perfect for these individuals who suffer from fabric sensitivities. The bottom layers help to keep the mattress safe as it locks in moisture.
At the same time, the four handles offer easy maneuvering for caregivers making this a win-win pad. In addition, the large size allows both small or larger children to be safely moved. They can also be machine washed up to 300 times, so the already affordable investment is worth it.
Careoutfit Underpad With Tuck-in Tails – Best Bed Pad with Wings
Claiming to absorb over 9 cups of fluid, Careoutfit Underpads make leaks and pad movement impossible.
Bed pads with wings are particularly great for your child as they almost blend in with the bed. They aren’t bulky or clingy as alternative options might be. In addition, the unique design makes it incredibly easy to change out a soiled pad in the morning.
Goodnites Disposable Bed Mats – Best Bed Pad For Small Children
Smaller children have different needs. For example, although they have smaller mattresses, they tend to take up a lot of space as they constantly toss and turn. Goodnites bed pats cater to this specific set of needs. They are made to fit a twin-size bed and use adhesive strips to prevent slipping off.
KANECH Mattress Pad Protector with Piping and Straps – Best Fitted Bed Pad
Many caretakers solely use fitted bed pads as they are very secure and comfortable. Kanech offers these protectors that fit twin, twin XL, and queen-sized beds. They cover the entire bed and prevent the pad from slipping. In addition, the five-layer design makes them super absorbent and easy to sleep on. Fitted pads are another excellent option if your child has sensitivity issues as the pad essentially becomes flush with the mattress.
Which is The Best Bed Pad for You?
As is the case with most products regarding Autism, we encourage you to try out a couple of different options to see which is the best fit for you and your child.
It’s not ‘one size fits all’ in the bed pad department, so don’t be discouraged if it takes you a few tries to find the most suitable choice.
With a bit of patience and perseverance, using bed pads can become an easy and welcome part of your family’s nightly routine.
