Whether you are choosing products for yourself or someone you care for, understanding the options can make finding the right protection easier. This guide explains how pads, pants and slips differ, then helps you choose the size and fit of your Vivactive product.

Pads, pants and slips: what is the difference?

The main difference is how the product is worn and changed. Absorbency varies within each type, so consider the amount of leakage alongside comfort, movement and how you prefer to change.

Choosing protection for your routine

Vivactive Lady Discreet pads and Men Guards are examples of small adhesive pads. Vivactive Shaped Pads are larger pads designed to be worn with fixation pants. The pad provides the absorbency; fixation pants hold it in place. Fixation pants do not provide absorbent protection on their own.

Slips are also called adult nappies or all-in-ones. Their side fastenings mean you do not need to step into them. They can be used by people who are active as well as people who need support with changing. Vivactive Belted Slips are a separate style with a waist belt.

Think about when leaks happen, how much protection you need and whether you change independently or with support. You may prefer a different product during the day and at night. If you need protection for bowel leakage, check the suitability of the exact product with our advisors.

How to measure for Vivactive products

A comfortable fit helps the product stay in position and prevents leaks. Choose the body size and absorbency separately: selecting a larger body size is not the same as selecting a higher absorbency.

For Vivactive disposable pants and slips, and the fixation pants listed below, use a soft tape measure and take both hip and waist measurements. 

1. Measure around the narrowest part of your waist, against bare skin, after breathing out normally.
2. Measure around the fullest part of your hips. If you can stand comfortably, keep your feet together.
3. Use the larger of the two measurements to check the size chart for your chosen product. Keep the tape level and comfortable against your body without pulling it tight.
4. Check the chart again if you change to a different Vivactive range. The same size name can cover different measurements.

The finished fit should feel secure and comfortable, without gaps around the legs or tightness that digs into the skin.

Vivactive size charts

Vivactive Pants Plus, Super, Maxi and Night Maxi

Vivactive Pants Ultimate and Night Ultimate

The XXL size above is only available in Pants Ultimate.

Vivactive Slip sizes

Vivactive Belted Slip sizes

Vivactive Secure Fixation Pants sizes

This chart is for Secure Fixation Pants only. Long Leg and Premium Comfort Fixation Pants use different measurements, so check the size guide for your chosen style.

Sizing other Vivactive ranges

For other Vivactive products, open Size Guide on the exact product page. 

How to fit Vivactive products

Small pads and guards

These instructions cover adhesive pads such as Vivactive Lady Discreet pads and Men Guards.

1. Choose close-fitting underwear that will keep the pad supported against your body.
2. Gently open the pad, then fold it lengthways to create a cupped shape and help activate the anti leakage barriers. 
3. Unwrap the pad and peel away the protective strip covering the adhesive.
4. Place the pad inside your underwear with the soft absorbent surface towards your skin. The adhesive attaches to the underwear.
5. Press it into position, then pull up your underwear and check that the pad sits smoothly without folds or bunching.

For Vivactive Men Guards, position the shaped protection at the front of your underwear, following the pack illustration.

Fit check: the pad should stay supported in the area where protection is needed when you move.

Shaped Pads with fixation pants

1. Pull the fixation pants up to just above your knees and fold the waistband down.
2. Gently open the pad, then fold it lengthways to create a cupped shape and help activate the anti leakage barriers. 
3. Pass the folded pad between your legs from front to back, keeping the waterproof outer surface away from your skin.
4. Centre the pad. Follow the pack illustration for the front and back; where one end is larger, it should cover the buttocks. The back should sit slightly higher than the front.
5. Pull up the fixation pants to hold the pad close to the body. Smooth any creases, particularly at the back, and check the soft leg barriers sit closely at the groin.

Fit check: the pad should feel supported and stay centred, with no bunching or loose gaps at the legs.

Changing pads

Remove the used pad and replace it with a fresh one. Follow the care label for reusable fixation pants. Where a wetness indicator is provided, use it as a guide alongside comfort and the instructions on your pack. Change promptly after bowel soiling. Put used disposable pads in a suitable waste bin; never flush them.

Disposable pull-up pants

1. Gently open the pants and fold them lengthways to help the leak barriers open into position.
2. Check the front and back markings. Where a disposal tab or sticker is fitted, it goes at the back.
3. Step into the pants and pull them up like ordinary underwear, with help if needed.
4. Adjust the waistband and leg openings. Check that the leg cuffs are open and sitting correctly, rather than folded or trapped.

Fit check: the pants should sit closely without sagging, leg gaps or uncomfortable tightness.

To remove: pull down or tear the side seams. Torn seams cannot be refastened. Roll up the used pants, using the disposal tab if fitted, and place in a suitable waste bin. Never flush them.

Slips/All in Ones

These steps apply to standard Vivactive Slips.

1. Gently open the slip and fold it lengthways with the absorbent surface facing inwards.
2. Pass the folded slip between your legs from front to back. Keep the side with the fastening tabs at the back.
3. Open the back over the buttocks and bring the front over the lower abdomen. Centre the slip and check that the soft elastics sit close at the groin.
4. Secure the side tabs, adjusting them until the slip fits comfortably around the waist and legs. Smooth any creases.

Fit check: the slip should feel secure without leg gaps, pulling or digging in.

For assisted changes while lying down: use the person’s usual safe moving and handling method. With them on their side, position and centre the slip. Fasten the exposed side, then gently turn them and fasten the other side. Once they are on their back, check the leg cuffs and comfort.

To remove: open the side tabs, remove and roll up the slip, and place in a suitable waste bin. Never flush them.

Belted Slips

These steps apply to Belted Vivactive Slips.

1. Gently open the slip and fold it lengthways with the absorbent surface facing inwards.
2. Wrap the belt around your waist and secure the tabs. If you don't get it right first time, they can be easily repositioned without losing grip.
3. With the belt attached, bring the pad up through your legs and towards the belt. 
4. Secure the side tabs, adjusting them until the slip fits comfortably around the waist and legs. Smooth any creases.

Useful Vivactive guides and products

• Vivactive Pants fitting guide (PDF)
• Vivactive Shaped Pads fitting guide (PDF)
• Vivactive Slip fitting guide (PDF)
• Browse the Vivactive range