Incontinence products sold by high street shops have been criticized for their unfair pricing. Approximately six million individuals in the UK suffer from some form of incontinence and rely on absorbent pads or disposable underwear. However, a recent investigation conducted by Incontinence Choice, an online retailer, has uncovered significant discrepancies in prices among well-known retailers. Boots’ Staydry Extra Pads were found to be the most expensive, costing £419.75 per year or 23p per pad. In contrast, Asda offered the cheapest option, charging 13p per pad for their Protective Pads Extra and Extra Plus products. This stark price difference of 77% between the two retailers has raised concerns about fairness.
According to Incontinence Choice, the products compared were exactly the same in terms of absorbency and materials. The company sees no reason for such disparities in pricing. Boots, on the other hand, emphasized that they offer a range of choices and larger pack sizes, which can provide convenience and lower costs per unit.
The investigation also revealed that during the past six months, top UK supermarkets have increased prices on certain incontinence products by more than 30%. Asda’s Protective Incontinence Pads Extra Plus, for example, saw a 31% increase in price. This rise in costs has resulted in some individuals resorting to wearing pads for extended periods or reusing single-use underwear. Others are confined to their homes due to the inability to afford the products or fear of accidents outside.
Specialists in incontinence have highlighted the negative impact of rising costs on individuals’ quality of life and mental health. The charity Bladder & Bowel UK launched a campaign to address “incontinence poverty,” emphasizing that difficulties in affording essential products can lead to physical and mental health problems. Pelvic physiotherapists have also voiced concerns, as the cost of protection, including pads, is a significant issue for patients.
The Incontinence Choice investigation found that Always Discreet Pads were the second-most expensive option, followed by Superdrug Extra Incontinence Pads. Morrisons offered pads at 17p per pad, and a budget-friendly online brand, Vivactive Lady Discreet Active, priced their pads at 12p per pad. Overall, the study raises questions about the justification for high prices in basic ranges.
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