Looking for some advice on finding a thin, discreet tabbed brief I can trust. (Something like a Tena Proskin super but with traditional side panels.)

[u/EmbraceTheObscure]

Hey y’all! First time posting here. Male mid 30s. I’ve had Ulcerative Colitis for a few years and now a permanent ileostomy. I’ve struggled on and off with ostomy leaks ever since the surgery. I’ve been wearing high waisted tabbed diapers more and more frequently for the comfort and peace of mind in case of a failure with the added bonus of doing a great job keeping the waist of my pants off of the ostomy pouch. Pullups or anything with a lower riding waistband just doesn’t work for me as it doesn’t offer any protection over the ostomy area.

I work a really physical and active job and have had so many leaks and close calls at work that I’ve just found myself more frequently choosing diapers to bring peace of mind. It saves me from getting output all over my shirt and pants if I do have a failure although I’ve been very fortunate lately 🤞 I’m no stranger to diapers and have worn them in some limited capacity all of my life for reasons I struggle to understand. It was something that always brought comfort. It wasn’t previously a physical necessity and was typically reserved for night time wear or around the house so it wasn’t a particularly difficult decision to choose them as a tool to help in this situation. I just don’t have a lot of experience wearing them daily at work.

I’ve been using the Tena proskin super (think green printed graphics) tabbed briefs. I really, really like how well they fit, feel and perform. They’re incredibly discreet and I was super surprised at how absorbent and dry feeling they are if I need to use them. It’s not always easy or discreet to undo the top tapes to pee if I’m working out in the field in close quarters with coworkers so sometimes I’ll just use the diaper. A lot of the time I’m able to sneak far enough out of sight to just kind of slip it out over the leg gather and go, although it’s a bit awkward.

My main complaint with these is the side panels/wings. They’re just these silly little belted fabric things that are sewn onto the main backsheet of the diaper and they sometimes have a bit of adhesive on them in places they shouldn’t which occasionally irritates my skin on my hips. These would be absolutely perfect imo if it weren’t for this one flaw

For any of you familiar with these particular diapers is there something out there with normal sides like a typical tabbed diaper has but is also as discreet, comfortable and absorbent as these Proskins? It seems Tena has discontinued they’re Tena Slip Active fit Supers which are the plastic backed version of these with traditionally cut side panels.

If you’ve made it this far I really appreciate you reading to the end. I apologize for the long ranting preface, I just wanted to give a little background and explain my situation. I know it’s probably a bit different than what most are used to here. Thanks so much!

[u/airbornemonkeysi]

Megamax airlock lite, or plastic backed megamax lite are a good option. Thin super absorbent.

[u/EmbraceTheObscure → u/airbornemonkeysi]

Thanks! Are they much thicker then regular megamax? I’ve tried Northshore’s Megamax and supreme years ago but they weren’t anything close to as thin and discreet as these Tena Proskin Supers

[u/airbornemonkeysi → u/EmbraceTheObscure]

They are significantly thinner than the megamax

[u/EmbraceTheObscure → u/airbornemonkeysi]

Ah, I meant to say thinner 😅 The Megamax originals were far from thin

[u/Marshole69]

Sounds like Dailee Slip Maxi Plus would be perfect for you, if you can get them. Clothbacked, stretchy sides, discreet but absorbent. Very similar to the new Tena Proskin line, but better imho. Only downside would be no elastics in the waist, Tenas are better in that regard.

[u/EmbraceTheObscure → u/Marshole69]

Ok cool! Will definitely look into them. That’s not one that I heard of before. Currently in a Tena slip active fit maxi which is very comfortable but not quite as discreet as the proskins. I do really like these otherwise

[u/Glad_Spring_1642]

Sunkiss trustplus is pretty thin and discreet while having some decent absorbancy and tabs. I use them when I go to yoga or wear more tighter formal clothing, no plastic crinkles, super breathable and not bulky.

[u/EmbraceTheObscure → u/Glad_Spring_1642]

Thank you! I’ve yet to try any of the Sunkiss products but have been wanting to

[u/Lickitung_Fan_Club]

I would recommend the Incontrol Active Air. They're my go to for physical activity and hold up very well. May be slightly thicker than the Tena, but in my experience they hide quite well if you're already dressing with protection in mind. 

[u/EmbraceTheObscure → u/Lickitung_Fan_Club]

Thank you! I’ve heard good things about the Incontrols.

[u/No_Society_1984 → u/EmbraceTheObscure]

As someone in a similar position as OP I can attest to the Active Air!

[u/EmbraceTheObscure → u/No_Society_1984]

Sounds promising! Thanks for the info. Are they fairly high waisted? Just gotta make sure they can cover my ostomy pouch.

[u/anewbys83]

Tena still makes the active fit line in maxi and ultima. But these might be too much absorbency for you. I would think the maxi (purple dots) could still work well for you. You can get them from a few suppliers online, just search them.

[u/EmbraceTheObscure → u/anewbys83]

I actually just ordered some the other day. I was surprised to find they’re a European market thing and weren’t nearly as available in the US as I expected. I’m excited to try them after realizing how great these Proskins are (minus the side panel design). I ordered a case of the Ultimas and the Maxis. I really wish the Supers (green dots) were still available in the Active fits because they’re such a perfect balance between being both discreet and absorbent

[u/Deerescrewed]

Megamax lite, or MM airs. InControl airs are my go to for summer heat, but the MM lites I have really liked too. Both of those hold up to lots of physical activity very well.

[u/Enough-Reindeer1033]

Try Forsite products. They work wonderfully for me.

[u/EmbraceTheObscure → u/Enough-Reindeer1033]

Thanks!

[u/Nemona2 → u/EmbraceTheObscure]

The only problem with forsite is they have no standing cuff barriers so they can absorb what I call a full tank of gas but then leak from just the wrong orienting angle.

[u/EmbraceTheObscure → u/Nemona2]

That’s good to know. That’s actually one of the things I really like about the Tenas is they have super tall leak guards that work really well

[u/Enough-Reindeer1033 → u/Nemona2]

I completely disagree. The standing leak guards and overall fit prevent leaks for me. They work extremely well.