CARE ASSISTANT
NLWhy size matters as much as absorption
Most leaks do not come from a lack of absorption but from a poor fit. Too big, the product folds, leaves gaps at the thighs and liquid runs past the absorbent core. Too small, it squeezes, flattens the leak barriers, marks the skin and comes loose at the first movement.
A well-fitted product sits its barriers in the groin fold without pulling. That contact is what stops leaks, at night as well as when seated.
Three measurements, five minutes
Waist is measured at the navel, tape flat, neither tight nor loose, on the skin or over thin underwear. Hips are measured at the widest point of the pelvis. Keep the larger of the two: that is the one that decides.
Weight is the second landmark. It does not replace the waist: two people of the same weight can have very different bellies or hips.
For a bedridden person, measure lying on the back: slide the tape under the small of the back, then bring it round at navel level. One inch is 2.54 cm; one pound is 0.45 kg. Our tables always show both systems.
Our sizes, XS to 4XL
Nateen is one of the few brands covering XS to 4XL in the same range. XS and S are designed for teenagers and young adults with disabilities, between children's and adult sizes. 3XL and 4XL are made for larger bodies, with no compromise on tab length. Flexi absorbent underwear run from S to 3XL; beyond that, the Combi 4XL brief with tabs takes over.
| Size | Combi (briefs with tabs) · Waist (cm · in) | Body weight (kg · lb) | Flexi (absorbent underwear) · Waist (cm · in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 55 – 85 cm · 22 – 33 in | 25 – 40 kg · 55 – 88 lb | — |
| S | 65 – 105 cm · 26 – 41 in | 35 – 55 kg · 77 – 121 lb | 60 – 110 cm · 24 – 43 in |
| M | 95 – 125 cm · 37 – 49 in | 50 – 80 kg · 110 – 176 lb | 90 – 130 cm · 35 – 51 in |
| L | 115 – 150 cm · 45 – 59 in | 75 – 110 kg · 165 – 243 lb | 110 – 170 cm · 43 – 67 in |
| XL | 130 – 175 cm · 51 – 69 in | 100 – 140 kg · 220 – 309 lb | 130 – 170 cm · 51 – 67 in |
| 2XL | 160 – 210 cm · 63 – 83 in | 130 – 170 kg · 287 – 375 lb | 170 – 205 cm · 67 – 81 in |
| 3XL | 180 – 230 cm · 71 – 91 in | 160 – 200 kg · 353 – 441 lb | 185 – 230 cm · 73 – 91 in |
| 4XL | 210 – 260 cm · 83 – 102 in | 190 – 240 kg · 419 – 529 lb | — |
Ranges overlap on purpose: two sizes can fit, the article explains which one to choose.
Between two sizes?
Pick the size where your measurement falls in the middle of the range rather than at its edge. If it sits at the top of a range, go one size up for a brief with tabs (Combi): tabs adjust, extra length does not get in the way. For absorbent underwear (Flexi), stay on the size where the waist is central: the elastic must hold without squeezing.
If waist and weight point to different sizes, waist wins. A prominent belly or wide hips call for the size above; a slim build with a high weight, the size given by the waist.
| What you see | What to do |
|---|---|
| Folds, gaps at the thighs, leaks at the sides | One size down |
| Red marks, tabs that pull or come loose | One size up |
| Leaks at the back at night, lying down | Not a size issue: move to a more absorbent product or add an underpad |
| Absorbent underwear that slip | One size down, or a brief with tabs if the person moves little |
| Waist and weight disagree | Waist decides |
Check on the first day
After the first fitting, look at four things: barriers in the groin fold, tabs symmetrical and pointing slightly upward, two fingers fit at the waist, and no red marks after removal. If one of these is missing, change the size before changing the product.
FAQ
I am between two sizes, which one?
The one where your waist falls in the middle of the range. At the top edge, take the size above for a brief with tabs, the central size for absorbent underwear.
How do I measure a bedridden person?
Lying on the back: slide the tape under the small of the back, bring it round at navel level without tightening. Also measure the hips at the widest point and keep the larger figure.
Do XS and S really exist for adults?
Yes. They cover 55 to 105 cm waist (22 to 41 in), for teenagers and young adults with disabilities, with the same absorption as adult sizes.
- nateen.ae product pages — announced waist and weight per size
- Nateen measuring guide (factory) — waist at the navel, hips at the widest point