Click a link to jump to the section.
Understanding the Absorbency Numbers
How ABENA Reports Rothwell Absorbency
ABENA Pants Level 3 (Heavy Absorbency) are disposable underwear available in three sizes: Medium (M3), Large (L3), and X-Large (XL3), with slightly differing absorbency measured using the Rothwell method. This method determines absorbency by submerging the entire product in liquid for thirty minutes, then allowing it to drip-dry for another five minutes. The absorbency amount is then listed as the amount of fluid held at maximum saturation.
How Tranquility Reports Capacity Under Pressure
Tranquility's OverNight disposable underwear line is available in seven sizes; however, all sizes have the same maximum absorbency. Tranquility measures absorbency with the Capacity Under Pressure, or C.U.P., method. This method tests how much the product can hold in real-world use, since incontinence products are used while sitting, lying down, or moving around. This measurement method gives buyers a better idea of the product’s absorbency during use.
This blog compares ABENA's (L3) Pants with Tranquility's OverNight Underwear to see how they stack up in terms of features, absorbency, sizing, and more.
ABENA Pants L3 Absorbency and Features
- ABENA reports the absorbency of their L3 Pants at 81 fluid ounces, or 2400 mL, under the Rothwell method. When tested with the C.U.P. method, the L3 Pants hold around 36 fluid ounces, or 1060 mL.
- 360 degree leakage protection barriers help keep liquid contained.
- Breathable material helps keep the wearer cool during use.
- Wetness indicator on the outside of the pants allows caregivers to see status at a glance.
Tranquility Premium OverNight Absorbency and Features
- Tranquility reports their Premium OverNight Underwear to hold up to 38.5 fluid ounces, or 1140 mL, using the C.U.P. method.
- Premium, superabsorbent core contains and locks in liquids to prevent leaks when lying down.
- Air-plus technology helps keep wearers cool at night.
- Kufguards help prevent leaks and guide urine to the core.
- Tear-away sides make removal easy.
Comparing Fit and Sizing
It is important to look at manufacturer-listed sizing rather than basing choices off of letter size labels. As is apparent, ABENA’s large and Tranquility’s large encompass a different range of waist sizes, and incontinence products require a proper fit to provide protection.
Note: ABENA sizing is based on hip circumference. Tranquility sizing is based on the larger of the waist or hip measurements. ABENA absorbency values reflect Rothwell laboratory testing. Absorbency testing methods may differ between brands, so the values may not be directly comparable.
ABENA Pants vs. Tranquility Premium OverNight Underwear
ABENA Pants
| Size | Hip Size | Absorbency |
|---|---|---|
| M3 | 31-43 in | 81 fl oz |
| L3 | 39-55 in | 81 fl oz |
| XL3 | 51-67 in | 88 fl oz |
Tranquility Premium OverNight
| Size | Waist/Hip Size | Absorbency |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 17-28 in | 32 fl oz |
| S | 22-36 in | 32 fl oz |
| M | 34-48 in | 32 fl oz |
| L | 44-54 in | 32 fl oz |
| XL | 48-66 in | 32 fl oz |
| 2XL | 62-80 in | 32 fl oz |
| 3XL | 75-95 in | 32 fl oz |
Leakage Protection
Tranquility makes use of Kufguards to keep urine contained and guide it into the superabsorbent core, which then locks the liquid away.
ABENA uses cross and lengthwise barriers combined with 360-degree elastic to provide security and help prevent leaks.
Overnight and Extended Wear
Tranquility Overnight is designed to keep wearers dry and protected during sleep. The Kufguards and superabsorbent core help keep liquids from leaking or being squeezed out while lying down or moving around while sleeping. The underwear is made of cloth-like materials to provide comfort during long periods of use.
ABENA, meanwhile, makes no claims about overnight protection for their pants.
During extended use, it is important that incontinence wear can withstand changes in pressure.
Breathability and Skin Contact
Breathable construction in incontinence products is important for keeping wearers cool and minimizing skin irritation.
Tranquility manages breathability in its Overnight Underwear through a barrier from liquids, allowing air through and humidity to escape.
ABENA L3 makes use of soft, breathable materials to protect skin and maintain its pH balance. Top-dry technology helps keep moisture away from the skin during extended wear or multiple voids.
Pull-On Design and Changing
Tranquility uses pull-on designs for their disposable underwear. Tranquility can be pulled off in the morning, or one can make use of the tear-away seams for quick and easy removal.
ABENA also uses pull-on designs for their disposable pants. The line is "Pants" to focus on independent, active users. There is no tear-away seam, and they pull down to remove like regular underwear.
Wetness Indicators and Change Management
ABENA uses a graduated wetness indicator on the front of the pants to provide an easy-to-see visual of how much urine has been voided. While ABENA advertises its pants for independent users, the wetness indicator is helpful for any wearers who may have a caregiver.
Daytime Activity vs. Overnight Use
Tranquility is specifically designed for overnight. It quickly contains liquids and easily handles constant pressure applied by a user lying down.
ABENA L3 Pants offer a high capacity but is not specified for overnight use. It's 360-degree leak protection helps contain urine during walking and other activities.
What to Consider Beyond Absorbency
While features and capabilities of incontinence products are important, none of this matters if the correct waist and hip measurements are not taken and the corresponding size isn’t selected. Incontinence wear cannot provide proper protection with incorrect sizing.
The wearer’s independence level is another key factor in choosing incontinence products. Whether a user can don and doff products by themselves is a major consideration and can vastly affect what products one should purchase.
Other considerations when purchasing incontinence products should be leakage history and frequency, sleeping positions, and how often changes are needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ABENA L3 more absorbent than Tranquility Premium OverNight?
While ABENA advertises itself as holding up to 81 fluid ounces under the Rothwell method, Tranquility boasts a larger capacity when tested under pressure.
How Rothwell and Capacity Under Pressure measurements differ
Rothwell measures how much liquid a product can hold when fully submerged, while Capacity Under Pressure tests how much a product can hold when subjected to pressure similar to that of a person lying down.
How much each manufacturer says its product holds
ABENA L3 Pants are advertised to hold 81 fluid ounces. Tranquility Premium OverNight Underwear is holds 38.5 fluid ounces.
Are the products designed for overnight use?
Tranquility’s underwear is designed for use during sleep. ABENA is designed for active wear.
How to select the correct size:
Refer to the manufacturer sizing guides.
Login and Registration Form