Millions of women use undergarments for urinary incontinence. I set out to compare Depend versus Tena, two of the more popular incontinence brands, to see the strengths and weaknesses of each. To be clear, I do struggle with mild incontinence, but tested these products to the fullest extent. For this experiment, I went to my local CVS and purchased products in the mid-range of absorbency from the Depend and Tena categories.
The table below summarizes my review. The more stars I gave them, the better they performed in each category. Read on after the table to see my full Depend versus Tena review, including details of my experiences in each category.
For this post, I specifically focused on incontinence underwear for women. These products are some of the most absorbent options that you can find, with the chance to help against serious leakage.
Comparing Depend versus Tena
| Tena | Depend | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Appropriate Sizing | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Comfort | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Noise Level | ★★★★★ | ★★ |
| Absorbency | ★★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Does Not Feel Like a Diaper | ★★ | ★★★★ |
| Stretchiness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Conspicuousness | ★★ | ★★ |
| The Look | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Price | Find Out on Amazon | Find Out on Amazon |
My Experiences in Each Area
- Appropriate Sizing
- Comfort
- Absorbency
- Noise Level
- Conspicuousness
- Stretchiness
- Visual Appeal
- Final Thoughts
Appropriate Sizing
I assumed that like underwear, there would be clear sizing information on the packages. Both Tena and Depend had some sizing information.
Depend provided more detail on their packaging, showing in waist size, who would fit each of their sizing categories.
On the Depend, I fit the criteria on the label in terms of waist size. However, the diaper slightly choked my legs. If you’re on the upper end of the size chart for your category as I am, or you know you have larger thighs, you may consider going up one size.
Tena provided less detail, though still informative, sharing that size S/M fit sizes 2 to 8 (or 29 inches to 40 inches).
I don’t know why Tena would want to cut corners and combine sizing for S/M. It’s a huge range. I wasn’t confident about the sizing, so I bought both the S/M and L sizes.
I was surprised the S/M size ‘almost’ fit me but ended up going with the larger one, which was much more comfortable. The Large is 37 inches – to 50 inches.
You can see there’s an obvious overlap in the size categories, adding to the buyer’s confusion. Like me, you may need to experiment and buy both sizes before you settle on the right Tena size category. Annoying for my pocketbook.
Comfort
I can’t get over the sensation that the Tena gave me. I felt like I was hugging a pillow between my legs with the Tena given the thick padding on the crotch.
The Depend diaper, on the other hand, gave me a rear sensation like I had pooped in my pants when I walked.
Neither sensation was ideal, but overall, the Depend product was more comfortable.
Absorbency
Like I said, I went ‘all in’ on this experiment. No holds barred. My bladder was full following two cups of coffee and when the urge hit, I sat back and opened the faucet.
The Depend diaper leaked on both sides, needing me to change out of my pants.
Here’s where the Tena outshines Depend. No leakage. The pillow pad on Tena caught it all – and I believe I had a similar volume of liquid, if not more with the Tena.
If you’re using these diapers to completely replace a bathroom visit, you’ll want to pay special attention to this category. If you’re using it to catch leaks as you make your way to the bathroom, then it may not be that big of a deal. But if you’re caught in traffic and can’t find a bathroom, I’m afraid that you’ll need a spare change of clothes and maybe a towel on your seat.
Noise Level
The last thing you want is for your lady garments to announce your entrance into a room. The Tena was slightly disturbing in this regard. There was a crunchiness to the padding on the crotch.
The Depend diaper did not have this issue and was softer to the touch.
Conspicuousness
The ruche on both brands that allow the garments to stretch also makes it hard to disguise them under light-colored clothing. I purposely wore a pair of pants that have dark purple on one side and beige on the other.
I included a photo below. You can see that the bumps from the garments are visible.
Only another fellow diaper-wearer would pick up on this . I can’t imagine any other person would recognize these to be evidence of a diaper.
Stretchiness
Both stretched well without ripping apart, even when I stressed them. So, in this part of the Depend versus Tena discussion, the products scored equally
Stretching is an important consideration too, as you don’t want the diapers breaking on your (as some budget products may).
Visual Appeal
I don’t know who decided that it was important to doll up these sorts of undergarments. The aesthetics of an otherwise practical product may be important to some and driven by personal reasons. You may not want to be reminded every time you undress or go to the lady’s room that you’re wearing a special undergarment.
For me, those extras would carry little to no weight in deciding on a product. I don’t spend a lot of time looking at myself in the mirror or contemplating how my partner will interpret my undergarment. There’s no disguising what it is – it’s a female adult diaper.
If I’m going to have an intimate moment, it’s coming off fast enough that he won’t notice it. My husband already knows that I have slight incontinence when I laugh hard, cough, or exercise – I’ve had this since giving birth to our daughter. He chuckles and we move on.
Tena focuses on the purpose of the undergarment. It catches and retains fluids to give you independence.
Depend decided they wanted to try to give the diaper the appearance of normal underwear. They get a few points for this. The flower print with the blush/rose color may be enough to give some the illusion of normalcy. These are no Victoria’s Secret undies – the color printed designs look cheap, more like ink stains, as you can see from the close-up.
Final Thoughts
Neither the Tena or Depend product met all of my expectations. Depend was more comfortable, looked slightly nicer, but it also leaked – which defeats the entire point. While Depend could be okay for minor urinary incontinence, it’s not the best choice if your leaks are significant. I hope you found this review helpful in making the selection that is best fit for your individual needs.
The two products that I reviewed both followed the full brief style. They’re aimed at absorbing major leaks and may even, at times, be enough if you can’t make it to the bathroom in time.
However, the styles varied in comfort level. The Tena provided assurance that I wouldn’t leave a wet spot on the couch, but the padding could be considered excessive if you experience minor leakage.
If this is the case, you might want a different type of product, like the liners from Tena. But, don’t make the mistake of just using period products. As we’ll highlight in an upcoming post, products designed for blood don’t work well for incontinence and may cause embarrassment.
You can check out the full range from Depend here and the full range from Tena here, then decide the best type for your situation. Although not reviewed here, I have also used Poise pads, which resemble your typical period pads, while doing my Bollywood and Zumba workouts to prevent leaking on my favorite workout pants.
I’m happy to answer any questions below in the comments and open to testing other brands and styles soon.
Feeling Overwhelmed?
Check out our Caregiving Consulting service for personalized support and guidance.
Hi:
You’re not alone on this. I’m a male and I suffer from heavy urinary leakage.
I wear tena women’s underwear too after having surgery on my pelvic muscles which didn’t went well.
So then I had to adapt to changes in my lifestyle and in my clothing too.
If I would like to stay active and to keep a normal life, then I had to switch to tena women’s underwear and unfortunately I had to put all my favorite sports underwear and boxers in the garbage bin.
With tena women’s protective underwear I can go anywhere with no worries about some leakage or if I can’t find a washroom.
I don’t wear men’s sports underwear anymore after having issues with urinary leakage.
thank you for sharing this experience! We’re working on reviewing these products for men as well. No product met every criteria, and as you pointed out, at the end of the day, we still need to make some adjustments to our routine and always be prepared.
Thank you for testing the products yourself ! That provides valuable first-hand knowledge rather than assumptions and guesswork. I wear the Tena Classic or Covidien Super Quilted diaper, both with a male guard pad inserted. That spares the diaper, and can be discarded and replaced easily and quickly. Any overflow is slow and goes right into the diaper. I find the Tena more comfortable, but both are reliable for containment. The diaper is more than handy if l know there will be a long stretch between bathroom availabilities, so l diaper for that possibility. Going to an unfamiliar shopping or other area can be very unpleasant too if you’re frantic to find a men’s bathroom and don’t know where they’re located. Being snugly diapered is very reassuring and practical. It really removes all the worry. Noise has never been an issue in any way. I have never been aware of any sound. I prefer the diaper to be tight and snug so that it feels right and won’t sag after use. It doesn’t show at all under my jeans as long as the tabs are placed snugly. In an unavoidable bowel emergency, the diaper is a blessing. Tena and Covidien both have some stretchability and this prevents sagging/bulging too. That has only happened once but it made all the difference. My girlfriend bought diapers the next day for herself and always keeps a stash of a few dozen in the closet now. She’s been vey pleased with using Tena Classic for the comfort and quietness, factors, and for the impressive absorption. Thank you for this forum to exchange information in an area not easily broached !
Thank you for testing these products. I have severe urinary problems. I use different types of products. None of them seem to work pretty well. My husband calls it the Bermuda Triangle of toilets. We’re both fine until we get near our front door, then we both get the urgency to go to the toilet.
I’m disabled & have mobility problems. My hubby has an enlarged prostate. He’s usually ok but after he’s had a few pints whilst on holiday he literally has to run to the loo. I’ve told him to wear the Tena pants for males.
I don’t like wearing the pants, feel they are a bit bulky. I’m very small & the pads & most pads are to bulky to wear. If I use the normal size I wet myself at least 5 days out of 7. I’m trying to find the best pads out there.
I live in Scotland, but use Amazon nearly every day. So I’d like to thank you for your help in trying the pads/underwear.
Tried Always, Depends and Because under garments in overnight style and Tena was the best for wetness coverage. I could sleep through the night with Tena and not leave a wet stain. With the others I had to change during the night to stay dry.
What is the widest ! …not necessarily the longest incontinence pad?
Thanks for your review. As someone with moderate to severe bladder leakage, I don’t find either of these products to be particularly helpful, given that you need to completely undress your bottom half to change them. This becomes embarrassing if you are in public and there’s a queue of people waiting for the toilet, or if your dinner companion is wondering what’s taking you so long. Also, as someone who loses a lot of urine quickly, both of these products consistently fail for me in terms of absorbency. I prefer to use pads that can be worn with net pants or tight fitting regular underwear, which can be changed easily and relatively quickly. Molicare Form is my preference, which comes in a large range of absorbencies and which leak far, far less than either the Depends or the Tena. I have to buy them online, however, which is the downside. Just as a general note to users of any of these products- don’t believe the manufacturer’s advice about the ‘working capacity’ of these products. If you lose a lot of urine quickly, like me, you’ll probably need something double the capacity of your bladder.
Which are the best pads or diapers for diarrhea?
Definitely diapers. Pads don’t have enough area to be useful for fecal incontinence.
I also use Molicare form. They fit nicely into underwear and hold unbelivable amount. It is easly possible to just use them when cannot get to bathroom
My sister and I both have experienced pretty bad leaks from our mid 30s (…in mid 40s now), and she’s a pad user but I find the panty more secure in case I really have an accident in public, if I’m attending somewhere like a sports event where I can’t always get to the toilet through the crowd. You should try Always Discreet, they’re a good halfway between the diaper feel of Tena and the Depend underwear.
Thanks for the recommendation.
Could you compare these to the Kirkland (Costco) brand?