KOSA Kosa-med · Product Guidance
Underpad Size & Absorbency Selection Chart
Choose disposable underpads by physical size (e.g. 60x90cm) and measured absorbency (e.g. 500/800/1500ml) matched to the patient and setting — home care, hospital ward and hospice. A practical size/absorbency chart for procurement.
Key Takeaways
- Size (e.g. 60x90cm) should match placement — bed centre, chair, or full-bed cover.
- Absorbency (500/800/1500ml) must match patient output, not a generic tier.
- Home care favours compact, moderate-absorbency pads; hospice favours high capacity and comfort.
- Hospital wards standardise on a small set of sizes to simplify stock.
- Specify measured capacity and backing (slip/breathable) for comparable tenders.
Reading the size & absorbency chart
Underpads are defined by two practical numbers: physical size (cm) and total absorbent capacity (ml). Pair them to the patient's output and where the pad is placed.
| Size | Absorbency | Best setting / use |
|---|---|---|
| 40x60cm | ~500 ml | Home care, chair, low-output day use |
| 60x90cm | ~800 ml | Hospital ward, standard bed protection |
| 60x90cm (heavy) | ~1500 ml | Hospice, high-output, night use |
| 80x150cm | 1500+ ml | Full-bed cover, bariatric, long dwell |
Matching by care setting
The right pad depends on who uses it and for how long, not on a single "standard" size.
- Home care: compact 40x60cm / 500ml pads — easy to store, enough for ambulatory low-output use.
- Hospital ward: 60x90cm / 800ml as the default; keep one heavier pad for high-output cases.
- Hospice / long-term: 60x90cm 1500ml or full-bed formats for comfort, dignity and fewer changes.
Selection checklist
1. Where is the pad placed?
Chair → 40x60cm; bed centre → 60x90cm; full cover → 80x150cm.
2. What is the patient's output?
Low → 500ml; standard → 800ml; high / night → 1500ml+.
3. Which setting is it for?
Home care compact; ward standardised; hospice high-capacity and breathable.
4. What backing is needed?
Non-slip reduces migration; breathable backsheet improves long-dwell comfort — verify barrier integrity.
Absorbency figures are typical capacity ranges. Request the measured capacity and test method so tenders are comparable, and confirm against your process conditions.
Need a specification for your line?
Send your fluid, flow and hygiene class — we return a documented recommendation.
Contact KOSA Kosa-medFrequently asked questions
How do I choose underpad size?
Match size to placement: 40x60cm for chairs and home day use, 60x90cm for standard bed protection, and 80x150cm for full-bed or bariatric cover. A pad that is too small leaves bedding exposed; too large wastes material.
What absorbency should I specify?
Base it on patient output, not a generic tier: about 500ml for low-output home care, 800ml for standard wards, and 1500ml or more for high-output or night/hospice use. Always ask for the measured capacity and test method.
Which pad suits hospice or long-term care?
High-capacity pads (1500ml, often 60x90cm heavy or full-bed) with a breathable, non-slip backing reduce change frequency and improve comfort and dignity for long dwell.
Should hospital wards standardise sizes?
Yes. Standardising on one or two sizes — typically 60x90cm 800ml plus one heavier option — simplifies stock, training and tenders while still covering most wards.