Posted on September 22, 2025 by Trent godard
Needing incontinence products is more common than most people realize. In North America, the adult diaper market reached $4.4 billion in 2019 and has continued to grow — driven by a straightforward reality: a significant portion of the adult population manages some form of incontinence as a routine part of daily life.
That doesn't make it easier to talk about, or to walk into a store and buy. For most people, home delivery is simply the better option — more private, more convenient, and often covered by insurance.
This guide explains how to choose the right product, how delivery works at APA Medical, and how to find out if your insurance covers the cost.
Who Uses Incontinence Products
Incontinence is not just an age-related condition, though it does become more common with age. People managing incontinence include those with:
- Age-related bladder changes
- Post-surgical recovery (particularly after prostate, gynecological, or abdominal procedures)
- Neurological conditions including MS, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injuries
- Diabetes-related bladder complications
- Chronic conditions affecting bladder control
Whatever the reason, the right product makes daily life more manageable. Getting it delivered removes one more layer of difficulty.
Choosing the Right Product
Not all incontinence products work the same way, and the right choice depends on the level of leakage, mobility, and personal preference. Here's a plain-language breakdown of the main types APA carries:
Pads and bladder guards Worn inside regular underwear. Best for light to moderate leakage — the most discreet option for people who are otherwise managing well day-to-day. Pads are designed for women; guards are shaped for men.
Pull-up protective underwear Look and feel like regular underwear with built-in absorbent material. Good for moderate to heavy leakage. Easy to put on and remove independently. A common choice for people who are mobile and want to maintain independence.
Tabbed briefs Fasten at the sides, making them easier to put on and remove with assistance. Typically more absorbent than pull-ups — used for heavier incontinence, overnight protection, or when caregiver assistance is part of the routine.
Underpads (chucks) Absorbent pads placed on chairs, wheelchairs, or beds to protect surfaces. Used alongside other products or on their own for people with limited mobility.
Wipes and skin care Incontinence can affect skin over time. APA carries gentle cleansing wipes and barrier products to keep skin healthy alongside the primary incontinence supplies.
APA carries products from Prevail, TENA, Depends, and Cardinal. If you're not sure which type is right for your situation, call 612-722-9000 and a team member will walk you through the options.
Product Type Reference
| Product | Best for | Absorbency |
|---|---|---|
| Pads / Guards | Light leakage, active users | Light to moderate |
| Pull-up underwear | Moderate leakage, independent users | Moderate to heavy |
| Tabbed briefs | Heavy leakage, assisted care | Heavy to very heavy |
| Underpads | Surface protection | Varies |
Why Home Delivery Is the Better Option
For most people managing incontinence, home delivery removes the main friction points, no store visits, no carrying bulky packages, and no running out unexpectedly.
APA Medical's delivery program works on a resupply schedule: products arrive at your door automatically, in unmarked packaging, on a timeline that fits your usage. Before each scheduled delivery, APA calls to confirm the order is still needed. If your needs change, the order can be adjusted.
How the process works:
- Call 612-722-9000 or contact us online
- A team member helps you identify the right products for your situation
- APA confirms your insurance coverage and sets up billing
- Products are delivered to your door on a regular schedule in unmarked packaging
- APA calls before each delivery to confirm and adjust as needed
There's no requirement to set up an ongoing order — you can start with a one-time order and decide from there.
Packaging and Privacy
Orders from APA Medical are shipped in plain, unmarked boxes. The packaging does not indicate the contents or reference APA Medical on the outside. This applies to both initial orders and ongoing resupply deliveries.
Does Insurance Cover Incontinence Products?
Many insurance and waiver programs cover incontinence supplies when they are ordered as part of a documented care plan. Coverage paths include:
Minnesota Medicaid waiver programs — including CADI, DD, BI, and CAC waivers — commonly cover incontinence supplies when medically documented. APA works directly with all major Minnesota waiver programs and handles billing.
Medicare Advantage plans — some Medicare Advantage plans offer incontinence supply coverage beyond standard Medicare. Coverage varies significantly by plan.
Standard Medicare (Part B) — does not typically cover incontinence supplies directly, though related products like catheters may qualify under different coverage rules.
Private insurance — varies by plan. APA verifies your specific coverage before any order is placed.
The easiest way to find out what you're covered for is to call APA Medical at 612-722-9000. We check your benefits, handle the paperwork, and set up billing directly with your insurer or waiver program. You won't need to sort through the details yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I order adult diapers without embarrassment? The simplest path is a phone call to APA Medical at 612-722-9000. You speak with a real person, explain your situation briefly, and they handle everything from there. There's no need to browse a store or explain yourself to anyone at a checkout counter.
Is delivery of adult diapers discreet? Yes. APA ships in plain, unmarked packaging. Nothing on the outside of the box identifies the contents or the sender.
Can I use insurance to buy incontinence products? In many cases, yes. Minnesota Medicaid waiver programs commonly cover incontinence supplies. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage. APA verifies your benefits before any order is placed. Call 612-722-9000 to check.
How often can I get incontinence supplies delivered? Delivery frequency is set based on your usage. APA calls before each scheduled delivery to confirm the order and adjust quantities if your needs have changed.
What is the difference between adult pull-ups and tabbed briefs? Pull-ups go on like regular underwear and are best for people who are mobile and managing independently. Tabbed briefs fasten at the sides and are easier to change with assistance — they're typically more absorbent and better suited for heavier incontinence or overnight use.
What brands does APA carry? APA carries Prevail, TENA, Depends, and Cardinal. If you have a preference or have used a specific product before, let the team know and they'll confirm availability.
Get Started
APA Medical has been serving the Twin Cities for over 50 years. We carry a full range of incontinence products and offer discreet home delivery with insurance billing for qualifying customers throughout the metro area.
Call 612-722-9000 or contact us online to get started.
To browse incontinence products, visit our incontinence product page. For post-surgery incontinence supplies specifically, see our post-surgery supplies guide.