How to Measure for Incontinence Products: The Comfort First Sizing Guide
Ordering a pack of incontinence products only to find they don’t fit is frustrating, wasteful, and all too common. If you’ve already been through that, you’re not alone, and the reason is almost always the same: measuring at the natural waist rather than where the product actually sits. The waist measurement printed on the packaging looks straightforward enough, but measuring yourself (or someone you care for) in a way that actually matches the product sizing takes a bit more care than you might expect. This incontinence product sizing guide walks you through exactly how to measure, which size to choose when you’re between options, and the full sizing tables for Comfort First pull-up pants and wrap arounds.
Why Getting the Right Size Matters
A product that’s too small will be uncomfortable and more likely to leak around the edges. One that’s too large won’t form a proper seal against the body, which is the last thing you need. Beyond leakage, the wrong fit can contribute to skin irritation and reduced confidence throughout the day or night.
Sizing incontinence products isn’t complicated once you know where to measure and what to look for. Five minutes with a tape measure can save you from returns, wasted product, and the discomfort of wearing something that doesn’t work.
How to Measure for Incontinence Products
To measure for incontinence products, wrap a flexible tape measure around the widest point between your waist and hips, keeping the tape snug but not tight. Measure over light clothing or directly on the skin. Match the measurement in centimetres to the product sizing table. If you fall between two sizes, start with the smaller option for a more secure fit.
All Comfort First products are sized by waist measurement only. You don’t need hip measurements or any other dimensions. Here’s how to get an accurate reading:
Use a flexible tape measure. A soft dressmaker’s tape works best. If you only have a metal tape measure, wrap a piece of string around the body first, then measure the string.
Measure around the widest point between the waist and hips. This is usually a few centimetres below the belly button, roughly where the product will sit. Don’t measure at the natural waist (the narrowest point) because incontinence products sit lower than regular underwear.
Measure over light clothing or directly on the skin. Bulky jumpers or multiple layers will throw off your reading. A single layer of light clothing is fine.
Keep the tape snug but not tight. The tape should sit flat against the body without digging in. If you pull it tight, you’ll end up with a measurement that’s smaller than your actual size.
Measuring someone with limited mobility. If the person you’re measuring can’t stand comfortably, take the measurement while they’re sitting upright and add 2 to 3 centimetres. For someone in bed, roll them gently to one side to pass the tape around. If you’re not confident in the reading, call our team on 03 5443 2239 and we’ll help you work out the right size over the phone.
Once you have your measurement in centimetres, match it to the sizing tables below.
Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
Measuring at the natural waist. Your trouser waistband might sit at one point, but incontinence products sit lower and wider. Measure where the product will actually go, not where your belt sits.
Pulling the tape too tight. A compressed measurement will steer you toward a size that’s too small. The tape should lie flat without tension.
Choosing a larger size “just in case”. It feels logical, but bigger isn’t better here. A larger product gapes at the legs and waist, which leads to leaks. Start with the size your measurement indicates.
Ignoring weight changes. If you or the person you’re caring for has gained or lost weight since the last order, re-measure. Bodies change, and last year’s size might not be this year’s size.
What to Do When You’re Between Sizes
You’ll notice the sizing tables have significant overlap between sizes. This is intentional. A person measuring 100cm, for example, could technically wear a Medium, Large, or X-Large in pull-up pants. The overlap means most people can choose either adjacent size and still get a secure fit.
If your measurement falls in that overlap zone, try the smaller size first. A snug fit reduces leakage, improves comfort, and helps maintain healthy skin. You can always move up a size if the fit is genuinely too tight, but most people find the smaller of the two options works better.
Still unsure? Request a free sample in your size through our free trial page before committing to a full pack. It’s the easiest way to confirm the fit without risk.
Comfort First Pull-Up Pants Sizing
Pull-up pants are designed to be worn like regular underwear. They’re ideal for people who are mobile and can manage their own toileting, or who prefer the dignity and discretion of a pants-style product. For more detail on when pull-up pants are the right choice versus wrap arounds, see our guide to choosing between incontinence pants and wrap arounds.
| Size | Waist Range | Absorbency |
|---|---|---|
| Medium | 60–120 cm | 2,300 ml |
| Large | 65–140 cm | 2,330 ml |
| X-Large | 70–160 cm | 2,500 ml |
| XX-Large | 85–180 cm | 2,700 ml |
View the full Comfort First pull-up pants range.
Comfort First Wrap Arounds (Slips) Sizing
Wrap arounds (also called slips) are secured with adhesive tabs rather than pulled on like pants. They’re often the better choice for people with limited mobility, those who need assistance with changes, or anyone managing heavier incontinence overnight. The higher absorbency levels across the range reflect this use case.
| Size | Waist Range | Absorbency |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 60–115 cm | 3,190 ml |
| Medium | 78–125 cm | 3,220 ml |
| Large | 96–150 cm | 3,870 ml |
| X-Large | 108–180 cm | 5,210 ml |
View the full Comfort First wrap arounds range.
Need Help Choosing?
Most of the sizing calls we get at our Bendigo office are from carers ordering for the first time. We talk them through the measurement, help pick the right size, and send a sample before they commit to a full pack. Call us on 03 5443 2239 or get in touch through our contact page.
You can also request a free sample pack to try before you buy. It’s the simplest way to confirm the fit works for you.
For a broader view of your options beyond sizing, our complete guide to choosing incontinence products covers absorbency levels, product types, and how to match products to different needs.
Related articles
- Incontinence Pants vs Wrap Arounds: Which Is Right for You?
- How to Choose the Right Incontinence Product: A Complete Guide
- Understanding Absorbency Levels: What Do the Numbers Mean? (URL TBC)