A Study on Male Disposable Product for Urinary Incontinence

남성 일회용 요실금 제품에 관한 연구

  • 이정순 (상명대학교 패션디자인학과)
  • Received : 2014.05.23
  • Accepted : 2014.07.11
  • Published : 2014.09.30

Abstract

Urinary Incontinence is any leakage of urine against their will. It is not a life threatening illness but it causes negative effects both socially and psychologically. Based on many previous studies, 20-40% of adult female and 30% of men in their sixties have experienced symptoms of urinary incontinence. As the number of active aged people experiencing the symptoms increases, demand for specialized product is growing. The purpose of the study is to research the types and features of male disposable products for urinary incontinence on the market and to provide the basic data for improvement and development of better product. Products from 6 brands (Tena, Depend, Carnation, Keepers, Molimed, Abrimen) with high brand awareness both in online and offline were selected and analyzed. And product evaluation was carried out by male in their sixties with light symptom of urinary incontinence. The results are as follows. There are three types of male products for urinary incontinence: panties, diaper and pad. Among the 6 brands, the subject of analysis, only Depend from Yuhan Kimberly produces male panties while others make ones for unisex. There is no diaper product only for male, and Tena, Molimed, Abrimen have pad type products for male. Male panties from Depend emphasizes their design considering male's physical characteristics. Male pad is differentiated with female one by having different designs like triangular or pocket type which is more comforting to men. As a result of product evaluation, wearable panties similar to normal underwear were highly appreciated and satisfactory. Among various shapes of pads, 25cm long pad with wide width of front and narrow back was valued to be comfortable.

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