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Amanda Foster — Reviewed writer, former magazine editor

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How to Change an Adult Disposable Diaper While Lying Down

Changing an adult disposable diaper while lying down requires a balance of efficiency, hygiene, and deep respect for the individual's dignity. For many family caregivers, this task can feel overwhelming at first, but mastering the technique ensures the patient remains comfortable and free from skin irritations or infections. By following a systematic approach to changing an adult disposable diaper while lying down, you can minimize the physical strain on both yourself and the person in your care.

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Put on a new pair of gloves.

After you have finished wiping the person and disposed of the soiled diaper, remove the soiled gloves. Pull the gloves inside out and throw them away immediately. Then, put on a new pair of gloves before you continue the diaper change.

After you have finished wiping the person and disposed of the soiled diaper, remove the soiled gloves.
Pull the gloves inside out and throw them away immediately.
Then, put on a new pair of gloves before you continue the diaper change.
After you have finished wiping the person and disposed of the soiled diaper, remove the soiled gloves.
Pull the gloves inside out and throw them away immediately.

Tuck a protective pad and clean diaper under the person’s buttocks.

Get a new protective bed pad and unfold it. Then, tuck 1 side of the pad under the person’s hip. Then, get a clean diaper and unfold it. Smooth it out on the pad so that it will be under the person when they roll back onto their back. Tuck 1 side under the person’s hip where you tucked the pad.

Get a new protective bed pad and unfold it.
Then, tuck 1 side of the pad under the person’s hip.
Then, get a clean diaper and unfold it.
Smooth it out on the pad so that it will be under the person when they roll back onto their back.
Tuck 1 side under the person’s hip where you tucked the pad.

Dry the person off with a towel or let them air dry.

You won’t need to use a towel if you only used wet wipes, but you probably will need to dry the person off if you used a washcloth. Use a clean, dry towel to pat the person’s groin, perineum, and buttocks. Pay special attention to any creases and folds of the person’s skin.

You won’t need to use a towel if you only used wet wipes, but you probably will need to dry the person off if you used a washcloth.
Use a clean, dry towel to pat the person’s groin, perineum, and buttocks.
Pay special attention to any creases and folds of the person’s skin.
You won’t need to use a towel if you only used wet wipes, but you probably will need to dry the person off if you used a washcloth.
Use a clean, dry towel to pat the person’s groin, perineum, and buttocks.

Rub cream or ointment onto the person’s skin to protect it.

You can use petroleum jelly, a sensitive skin lotion, or a diaper rash cream to provide a barrier between the person’s skin and the diaper. Apply a small amount of the ointment or cream to the external areas of the person’s privates. Make sure to get some cream or ointment in between skin folds and on their buttocks.

You can use petroleum jelly, a sensitive skin lotion, or a diaper rash cream to provide a barrier between the person’s skin and the diaper.
Apply a small amount of the ointment or cream to the external areas of the person’s privates.
Make sure to get some cream or ointment in between skin folds and on their buttocks.
You can use petroleum jelly, a sensitive skin lotion, or a diaper rash cream to provide a barrier between the person’s skin and the diaper.
Apply a small amount of the ointment or cream to the external areas of the person’s privates.

Secure the tabs at the front of the diaper.

After the person is on their back again, pull the clean diaper up between their legs and spread it out so that it covers their genitals and lower abdomen. Pull the tabs on each side of the diaper and secure them at the front of the diaper.

After the person is on their back again, pull the clean diaper up between their legs and spread it out so that it covers their genitals and lower abdomen.
Pull the tabs on each side of the diaper and secure them at the front of the diaper.
After the person is on their back again, pull the clean diaper up between their legs and spread it out so that it covers their genitals and lower abdomen.
After the person is on their back again, pull the clean diaper up between their legs and spread it out so that it covers their genitals and lower abdomen.
Pull the tabs on each side of the diaper and secure them at the front of the diaper.

Redress the person and make them comfortable.

Once the diaper is secured, pull up or down any clothing that you removed before starting the diaper change. If the person’s clothing was soiled and you had to remove it, put new clothing onto the person. Then, readjust the person’s position to make them comfortable again.

Once the diaper is secured, pull up or down any clothing that you removed before starting the diaper change.
If the person’s clothing was soiled and you had to remove it, put new clothing onto the person.
Then, readjust the person’s position to make them comfortable again.
Once the diaper is secured, pull up or down any clothing that you removed before starting the diaper change.
If the person’s clothing was soiled and you had to remove it, put new clothing onto the person.

Remove the gloves and wash your hands.

Pull off your gloves and throw them away. Then, hold your hands under cool or warm running water and apply a couple of squirts of hand soap to your hands. Rub the soap in between your hands for 20 seconds, and then rinse away the soap under the running water. Dry your hands off with a clean, dry towel.

Pull off your gloves and throw them away.
Then, hold your hands under cool or warm running water and apply a couple of squirts of hand soap to your hands.
Rub the soap in between your hands for 20 seconds, and then rinse away the soap under the running water.
Dry your hands off with a clean, dry towel.
Pull off your gloves and throw them away.

Pro Tips

Use a waterproof underpad (chux) beneath the patient to protect the bed sheets during the change.
Maintain eye contact and a calm voice to reassure the patient throughout the process.
Check the diaper every 2-4 hours to prevent skin breakdown.

Warnings

Never leave a patient on the edge of the bed without rails or supervision during a roll.
Avoid using scented wipes or harsh soaps, as these can cause allergic reactions on sensitive adult skin.

Community Q&A

Q How often should an adult diaper be changed?

A Generally, diapers should be checked every few hours and changed immediately upon becoming soiled to prevent skin irritation and infections.

Q What should I do if the skin looks red or irritated?

A Apply a thick layer of barrier cream and consult a healthcare provider to rule out fungal infections or pressure sores.

References

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