If you’ve been pondering disposable vs. reusable bedwetting mats, we want to show you why you want to choose reusable. Disposable bedwetting mats are costly to the environment and actually prove to be more expensive per use. They might seem more convenient at first, but we debunk that myth too.
Keep reading to learn the top six reasons to stop using disposable mats and start using washable mats instead.
via GIPHY
1. Cost of Disposable vs. Reusable Bedwetting Mats
While a $15 pack of disposable mats might seem like an easy investment to make, the actual cost per use is much higher than a $55 reusable mat that lasts 500 or more washes.
My Liberty did the math for us, and here’s how they broke down our PeapodMats per use as it compares to an inexpensive disposable mat, factoring in the cost of doing laundry.
Incontinence Bed Pad Usage & Costs
Disposable |
Reusable |
|
Changes Per Day |
2 |
2 |
Cost Per Item |
$1.78 |
$56.99 |
Cost Per Day |
$3.56 |
$0.219 |
Cost Per Year (changes per day x cost per item x 365) |
$1,299 |
$109.98 for 2 mats |
Laundry Costs Per Year (2 loads per week at $0.11 per wash) |
$11.44 |
|
Total Cost Per Year |
$1,299 |
$123.42 |
A single reusable waterproof mat lasts around two years, and can be brought with you anywhere – sleepovers, traveling, camping – or can be used for a number of purposes, from nursing, potty training, caregiving, or bedwetting. Investing in one or two reusable leakproof mats just makes cents!
2. Environmental Impact of Disposable Bedwetting Mats
Disposable mats might seem convenient, but more and more as a society, we’re shifting away from convenience when it has an environmental cost.
Disposable baby products are the third-largest consumer item in our landfills. They require a ton of raw materials and resources to produce, and they come in disposable (ie: non-recyclable) packaging. I don’t know about you, but I would much rather make the environmentally safe choice, finding a mat that can be reused, that uses minimal raw materials during production, and that comes in recyclable packaging.
3. Reusable Mats are Easier to Use
It might seem at first like disposable products are easier to use than non-disposable, but we’d argue it’s actually the other way around.
The most common complaint we hear about disposable mats is the complicated removal process. Disposable mats tend to tear apart if they’re not removed right away and often leave behind glue and residue.
Not only that, but inexpensive disposable mats often use cheap dyes, which can permanently stain your furniture when they come in contact with liquid (and isn’t that the whole purpose of a bedwetting mat?).
Another major complaint that we hear is that the adhesive on a disposable mat sticks to sheets and mattress covers. This adhesive can ruin your bedding over time, which means you’ll have to factor in the cost of replacing your bedding into the cost of disposable mats.
When it comes to actually using the mat, a disposable mat requires that you unwrap packaging with each use, deal with sticky tape or fasteners, and even seek out plastic bags to dispose of the products before you put them in your garbage can.
On the other hand, a reusable bedwetting mat for your child can be pulled out of the linen closet and laid right onto the sheet, with no straps, fasteners, or fuss. When it comes time to clean up, whisk it off, throw it in the hamper or washing machine and get back to your day (or night).
We couldn’t have designed a simpler product ourselves. ; )
4. Reusable Bedwetting Mats Are Discrete & Look Better
Looks aren’t everything, but if you’re trying to keep a nice home, disposable mats won’t help you. Whether on your bed or on your couch, wherever you put them, disposable bedwetting mats are just plain ugly.
Even if they look nice in the packaging or in staged photography, don’t be fooled. An inexpensive disposable mat is always going to look that way.
Moreover, they tend to be noisy and crinkly. They don’t fold down easily and can’t be discreetly carried around with you. When it comes to sleepovers or other overnight trips, a disposable mat is going to get noticed, and not in a good way. Washable mats look and feel just like normal sheets, drawing less attention to any issues or fears your child might have.
5. Reusable Mats Are Breathable & Soft
Compared to a disposable mat, finding the right reusable, leakproof bedwetting mat is actually comfortable to sleep on and soft to the touch. It shows that you care when you invest in a high-quality mat rather than an inexpensive disposable mat.
Reusable bedwetting mats are made from breathable materials, making them better and more comfortable to sleep on than their disposable imitators. Not only will your child sleep more comfortably, but there’s also less chance that they’ll move the mat off the bed while they’re sleeping.
We recommend that you use a bedwetting mat made from cotton or a cotton-blend. This is the most breathable, comfortable material while still being absorbent enough to hold urine, which brings us to our last point.
6. Reusable Mats are More Effective
We measure the effectiveness of a bedwetting mat in two ways: it stays put and it absorbs the urine. If the mat doesn’t stay in place, it doesn’t matter how absorbent it is, your child will miss it.
Using a leakproof and absorbent mat like the PeapodMat means that not only can it hold up to 3 cups of liquid, it’s also designed to grip surfaces without using straps, fasteners, glue, or velcro.
We don’t know about you, but we’ve yet to find a disposable mat that stays put on its own.
The verdict is in. When it comes to disposable vs. reusable bedwetting mats, there’s no contest!
Our reusable, leakproof bedwetting mats are made without toxic materials such as vinyl, latex, or formaldehyde and they’re designed to last. If your child wets the bed or you’re a caregiver to someone with incontinence, the PeapodMat will make cleaning up easier, less expensive, and more environmentally friendly than any disposable alternatives.