www.incontinentsupport.org

I wanted to get some feedback about this idea. I first learned about this years ago. I had a friend who had a young daughter with a bed-wetting problem and she used a regular sheet of plastic(the kind you use as a drop cloth or to cover things) to protect the bed. She didn't seem to mind it and as far as I know it lasted for a long time. I've read about this on various parenting forums. In addition there was a book dealing with asthma and how to protect the bed from allergens which also mentioned using this type of plastic to cover the bed to protect the user from allergens in addition to using it as a bed-wetting cover.

The type of plastic I'm talking about comes in various thicknesses-but 4 mil and 6 mil are the most widely used. Clear plastic is the most popular type. I have used both types years ago to cover the bed. Some people might have a roll of 6 mil clear plastic sheeting from years ago after 9/11 when Homeland Security suggested buying a roll for protection in the event of future terrorist attacks.The only drawback to using this type of material to protect the bed is that it makes a crinkling sound(which can be minimized by placing an extra mattress pad and several layers of cloth over the plastic.) As I am a deep sleeper, I wasn't bothered by the rustling noise but I realize this might not be everyone's cup of tea. The reason I'm bringing this up is because I've heard of people using all types of plastic covers to protect the bed from bed-wetting-shower curtains,table cloths,etc. and I was wondering if anyone else has used or uses this type of material to protect the bed. One advantage of using this type of plastic is that having a roll of this around the house comes in handy for such chores as painting,gardening work (such as using the plastic to rake up leaves,as a barrier under mulch),as a drop cloth for painting, covering outside materials, or in case you do remodeling work,among other things. If this is the case why not cut off a piece to cover the bed? Another advantage is that the thicker plastic lasts longer than some of the flimsy vinyl covers that are available.I know people are always looking for new ways to manage their incontinence and I thought I'd throw this idea out here to see what people think. I realize that my idea is somewhat unusual and it might not work for everyone but I thought I mention it to get some feedback. Any constructive criticism would be appreciated.

I bought some vinyl upholstery (Naugahyde) remnants at a fabric supply. They are almost indestructible, wipe clean, and after about 6-8 years still supple and quiet. They were the left over part of a 60" wide roll. Some are baby blue, and others are bright yellow. Since they go under the sheets I didn't care about the color anyway.

I tried the plain vinyl as the OP suggested. I found that it was noisy, much easier to puncture and didn't last very long.

Deen

I use a crib mattress protector that my wife had left over from my kids. It protects my side of the bed, its quiet, and it's only wide enough for me. My wife doesn't have to sleep on it. If the diapers leak, then it's only big enough to effect a small area underneath me because the diaper catches most of the urine. So I get protection for my bed without having to sleep on tell tale plastic.

I went the easy way... Walmart had a Queen size one on discount for a whole $8, it is vinyl based but has the soft cloth top, and is quiet enough that you would never notice it if you were not told... not that anyone is sharing my bed anyhow! There are so many possibilities, but that one was the simpilist for what I need, I am always on a bedpad for protection anyhow, this just saves the mattress in case of...
Puff