Masters Theses

Date of Award

8-1989

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major Professor

Kermit E. Duckett

Committee Members

Imogene M. Ford, Larry C. Wadsworth

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate five underpads used to control incontinence that were commercially available on the Knoxville, Tennessee, market and to quantitatively determine which aspects of composition and/or construction influence the effectiveness of incontinence underpads in keeping the patient dry. The composition of each layer of the underpads was determined. The underpads were subjected to a series of tests that determined weight, thickness, absorbent capacity, retention capacity,wetback, coverstock surface dryness, and wicking performance. In some cases two different methods of testing for the same parameter were used to see if the same results could be obtained. The data obtained were examined using analysis of variance, Duncan's Multiple Range Test, Tukey's Studentized Range (HSD) Test, and the Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs, SignedRanks test.

No one underpad performed consistently better than the others in laboratory testing. One underpad, which contained a super-absorbent powder that gelled upon wetting, performed well in most tests but when the results of the test methods were normalized by mass and volume it often was ranked below other products. Underpads which contained thermal calendering performed similarly to products that were not subjected to calendering.

The second of two methods used to test absorbent capacity proved to have fewer uncontrollable variables and was recommended for use in future studies. When the absorbent capacity of the five products was examined it appeared that there was an optimum amount of fluff that can be used for maximum normalized absorbency but determination of this amount was beyond the scope of the present study. One underpad, which was composed of paper tissue bonded to plastic, had a small absorbent capacity, but did retain the liquid that it absorbed. A coverstock should be used on all products to help prevent wetback and leakage of the underpad. A polyproplyene coverstock performed better the a rayon coverstock but the performance differences were not significantly different.

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