While choosing between adult pull-ups vs. diapers can be confusing, they protect from incontinence.

Adult Diapers

The easiest way to tell one from the other is by looking at their side panels.
Diapers include panels that wrap around the hips for a stretchy, comfortable fit. Here’s what an adult diaper looks like:

Most adult diapers also have refastenable tabs, which allow the user or their caregiver to make adjustments as needed.
You'll be able to see these tabs in the image below:

Adult Pull-Ups Pants

Now, what about adult pull-ups?
This style of incontinence product will typically look a lot more like “normal” underwear.
Whenever you need to change pull-ups, you can tear the material at the sides.
However, do bear in mind that — unlike diapers — pull-ups can’t be closed again once opened.
Side panels aren’t the only way in which adult pull-ups and diapers differ, though…

Let's delve into the key advantages of each.

Choosing Between Adult Diapers vs. Pull-Ups

The right choice will depend on your preferences and health needs.

If you're looking for a discreet option, adult pull-ups are likely to be your best bet. They're lighter and quieter than diapers.

You may notice that the product descriptions for many pull-ups on the market include being “silent” as a key benefit.

This makes sense, as most users don't want to rustle when moving around — which can happen with diapers.

And as for adult diapers, they have two chief advantages over the pull-up underwear…

Firstly, diapers can offer protection from both bladder and bowel incontinence.

While pull-ups soak up light to moderate urine voids, most aren't designed to deal with heavier incontinence.

Diapers can provide you with more peace of mind because they absorb a greater amount of urine (and stool).

The second advantage of adult diapers is how easy to use and safe they are for those with mobility restrictions.

Unlike pull-ups, diapers don't require you to bend down to bring the underwear over your feet and up your legs.

Instead, the diapers can be secured using their side tabs. This makes it less of a nuisance to change when you're away from home, as the tabs can be released in a matter of seconds.

They're also a practical option if you require the support of a caregiver when changing.