Incontinence is often spoken about quietly, in secret more often than not, not spoken about at all. Yet it’s an everyday reality for over 14 million people across the UK, and the effects go far beyond the medical condition itself. A recent report from Bladder & Bowel UK (Sept 2025) reveals just how much incontinence impacts not only individuals but also their families and caregivers.
The report draws on insights from 146 individuals who have direct experience caring for someone with incontinence. The findings are clear, incontinence places a heavy emotional, financial, and practical strain on many households. But small steps such as changing daily habits and using the right incontinence bedding, can make life a little easier. In this blog we will outline the key insights from the report and offer practical, dignified solutions for families.
The Hidden Struggles of Incontinence
According to the Bladder & Bowel UK report, incontinence creates challenges that affect every aspect of family life:
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Sleep disruption – The individual themself or carers often wake multiple times at night to change sheets and comfort loved ones.
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Washing overload – Around 7 in 10 carers said incontinence adds significant extra strain on their washing loads.
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Unexpected costs – Families face frequent mattress replacements and higher utility bills from the additional washing loads.
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Emotional toll – Feelings of embarrassment, shame, and isolation affect both individuals and carers. Notably, 65% of respondents reported that the emotional challenges of incontinence care were among the most difficult aspects of their experience.
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Family stress – Carers describe feeling unsupported, overburdened, and alone which often leads to a decline in the overall relationship.
These struggles aren’t just inconvenient, they affect wellbeing, family relationships, and quality of life. The research reveals that supporting someone with incontinence can affect nearly every hour of the day.
The Financial Cost of Incontinence
One of the most eye-opening findings in the report is the hidden financial burden that incontinence places on families. Many households face ongoing costs that often go unnoticed until they accumulate. For example, mattresses frequently need to be replaced multiple times within a few years due to stains, odours, and permanent damage caused by accidents. Beyond this, energy bills can rise significantly, as families must wash bedding, clothing, and protective covers more frequently, using extra electricity, gas, and water.
In addition to washing costs, the expenses for cleaning products, personal hygiene items, and additional bedding can quickly add up. Over time, these everyday necessities become a considerable financial strain that can affect the household budget in ways that are not always obvious at first glance.
To better understand the extent of the impact, participants were asked to rate, on a scale of 1 to 10, how significantly incontinence had affected them financially. The results revealed that a substantial portion of families experience severe financial pressure:
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10% of respondents rated the impact as 10, indicating extreme financial strain
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11% rated it as 9
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12% as 8
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14% as 7
These figures highlight that for many families, incontinence is not just a practical or emotional challenge, it is also a serious financial burden that requires ongoing resources and careful management. Bedwetting solutions like reusable waterproof sheets can help families save hundreds of pounds by protecting mattresses and cutting down on washing.
The Emotional and Social Impact
The stigma around incontinence makes it even harder. Families shared how they often avoid:
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Staying over at other houses, trips away and even holidays.
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Hosting guests at home.
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Talking openly about the issue with friends and relatives.
Children may struggle with bullying or embarrassment at school, while carers themselves often report loneliness and burnout.
One participant stated, "I no longer feel like a wife, only a caregiver, and our retirement plans are on hold. I even joke about moving into the bathroom since that’s where we spend most of our time."
While another said , "No holidays or day trips, and constant stress trying to find suitable public facilities when out. Long journeys are particularly stressful, knowing my wife may need to go despite wearing pads."
Breaking the silence and normalising conversations about incontinence is key to reducing shame and isolation.
Practical Bedwetting Solutions for Families
There isn’t a single “fix” for incontinence, but there are practical steps families can take to make everyday life easier.
1. Build a Nighttime Kit
Create a dedicated bag or basket in the bedroom with all the items you might need for quick changes during the night. Include a spare bed sheet, fresh pajamas, underwear, wipes, and any creams or lotions for skin care. Having these items within arm’s reach reduces stress and ensures that nighttime accidents are dealt with quickly, helping both the individual and caregiver stay calm. You could also include a small nightlight or waterproof mattress pad in the bag for extra convenience.
2. Invest in Incontinence Bedding
High-quality waterproof bedding is a true daily life saver, reducing washing and protecting your mattress. Look for breathable, comfortable waterproof sheets or mattress protectors that are easy to clean and durable. While there’s an upfront cost, good bedding lasts for years and prevents the hassle and expense of replacing mattresses or dealing with stains. Consider extras like fitted waterproof covers for pillows and duvets to make nighttime accidents easier to manage.
3. Create a Calm Bedtime Routine
A consistent bedtime routine helps signal to the body that it’s time to wind down, which is beneficial for children and adults alike. Include calming activities such as reading a book, listening to soft music, or having a warm bath. Reducing screen time and limiting caffeine intake in the hours before bed can also improve sleep quality. Consistency is key, going to bed and waking up at similar times each day can make nighttime accidents less frequent and bedtime less stressful overall.
4. Talk Openly
Addressing incontinence openly within the family can normalise the experience and reduce shame or embarrassment. Encourage children or adults to express their feelings about accidents without judgment. Use age-appropriate language, and reassure them that incontinence is common and nothing to be ashamed of. Open communication also allows everyone to work together on solutions and makes it easier to manage accidents calmly when they happen.
5. Reach Out for Support
You don’t have to navigate incontinence alone. Organisations such as Bladder & Bowel UK, Carers UK, and various online support groups offer guidance, advice, and practical tips for managing incontinence. They can provide emotional support, product recommendations, and strategies for reducing accidents. Connecting with others who have similar experiences can also help families feel less isolated and more confident in managing the condition.
How Waterproof Sheets for Incontinence Help
Protective bedding is one of the simplest and most effective tools for managing incontinence. We’ve designed bamboo waterproof sheets that don’t look or feel medical, they’re cosy, soft, easy to change, discreet, and family-friendly.
Here’s how they help:
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Mattress protection – Prevent expensive replacements.
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Less washing – Quick to wash, fast to dry, fewer loads.
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Dignity restored – They look and feel like regular bedding, with no plastic feel or noise.
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Peace of mind – Families sleep easier knowing they’re prepared.
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Flexible - They come in a range of different sizes including single, double, king size and super king size.
Our incontinence bedding solutions are built for real families, practical, affordable, and designed with comfort in mind.
At Hygge Sheets®, we’re proud to stand with families and carers. By offering practical tools like waterproof sheets alongside resources and awareness we aim to ease some of the strain. While no single solution can remove every challenge, small changes matter. Practical tips, open conversations, and reliable products like waterproof bed sheets for incontinence can restore comfort, dignity, and peace of mind.
Ready to make nights easier? Explore our range of waterproof bedding.
