Choosing the wrong underpad size is one of the most common — and most wasteful — buying mistakes in care. Too small and fluid spills onto the sheet. Too absorbent for the job and you’re paying premium for capacity you never use.
This chart gives you the practical answer: which disposable underpad size fits which surface, and how much absorption each task really needs.
The Underpad Size Chart at a Glance
| Pad size | Best use | Typical absorption | Weight range* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 × 90 cm (≈24×36 in) | Standard bed liner — the workhorse of nursing homes & hospitals | Heavy (400–500 ml+) | 50–70 g |
| 60 × 60 cm (≈24×24 in) | Wheelchairs, recliners, smaller beds, lap protection | Medium (300–400 ml) | 40–50 g |
| 45 × 33 cm (≈18×13 in) | Exam tables, short procedures, infant & lap trays | Light (up to 300 ml) | 25–35 g |
| Custom | Bariatric beds, facility-specific surfaces | Per spec | Per spec |
\Weight = pad weight including SAP; ranges are typical OEM starting points and fully customisable.*
How to Match Size to the Task
60 × 90 cm — the bed pad workhorse
This is the size you reorder most. It covers the hip-and-pelvis zone where leaks actually happen, and it tucks under the bottom sheet to stay put overnight. Use it for bedridden residents, overnight protection and heavy output. If you only stock one size, make it this one.
60 × 60 cm — chairs, wheelchairs and recliners
A square pad for seated protection. People move more when sitting, so the pad needs to stay centred without folding. Choose this for daytime chair use, wheelchair liners and residents who are mobile but at risk of small accidents. It’s also a lighter, cheaper option for medium daytime needs.
45 × 33 cm — exam tables and lap protection
The small, disposable size for short procedures, examination tables, lap trays and smaller frames (some paediatric settings). Not meant for overnight or heavy incontinence — its job is quick, contained protection.
Internal link: Need custom sizes or bariatric options? See our Adult Underpad for full specifications and OEM sizing.
The Absorption Chart: Light, Medium or Heavy
Absorption is controlled mainly by SAP content — the super absorbent polymer that turns fluid into gel and keeps the surface dry. More SAP = higher absorption = higher price. Match it to the job rather than always maxing out.
| Level | Absorption | SAP | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | up to ~300 ml | low | Short procedures, exam chairs, daytime lap use |
| Medium | ~300–400 ml | medium | Standard bed changes, mobile residents, chairs |
| Heavy | 400–500 ml+ | high | Overnight use, bedridden residents, high output |
When to step up a level
Step up to heavy if a resident sleeps on the pad all night, is immobile, or has unpredictable, high-volume output. Overnight is not the place to economise — a leak at 3 a.m. means a full bed change for a tired night shift.
When you can step down
If the pad is changed several times a day or sits under someone who’s only lightly incontinent, a medium grade usually keeps costs down without sacrificing protection. Don’t buy heavy absorbency you’ll never use.
Sizing for Different Users & Settings
| Setting | Recommended pad |
|---|---|
| Hospital bed, bedridden patient | 60×90 cm, heavy (400 ml+) |
| Nursing home standard bed | 60×90 cm, medium–heavy |
| Wheelchair / recliner | 60×60 cm, medium |
| Exam / procedure table | 45×33 cm, light |
| Infant & postpartum (maternity) | Specialised maternity/neonatal sizes |
| Bariatric bed | Custom, larger, heavy |
| Pet & kennel bedding | Pet training pad line |
How to Measure What You Actually Need
A quick sizing method for facilities:
- Estimate daily volume: resident count × average changes per day (often 3–5 for bed pads).
- Match size to surface: beds → 60×90; chairs/wheelchairs → 60×60; procedures → 45×33.
- Match absorption to duration: overnight/bedridden → heavy; short & daytime → medium.
- Keep a reserve: stock the smaller chair size separately from the bed size so staff grab the right one.
Quick Underpad Sizing Checklist
- [ ] 60×90 cm stocked as the standard bed size (heavy grade for overnight)
- [ ] 60×60 cm available for wheelchairs and recliners
- [ ] 45×33 cm on hand for procedures and lap use
- [ ] Absorption in ml stated for each grade (not just “super absorbent”)
- [ ] Custom/bariatric option confirmed if you have larger beds
- [ ] Per-size pricing so you’re not overpaying for unused capacity
FAQs
What is the most common underpad size for hospital beds? The 60×90 cm (roughly 24×36 inch) pad is the standard for hospital and nursing-home beds. It covers the pelvic area where leaks occur and tucks under the sheet. Heavier grades (400–500 ml+) suit bedridden patients and overnight use.
Is a bigger underpad always better? No. A larger pad costs more and can wrinkle under a lighter resident. Match size to the surface — 60×90 for beds, 60×60 for chairs — and reserve the larger sizes for people who genuinely need the coverage.
What does “SAP content” mean on an underpad? SAP (super absorbent polymer) is the material in the pad core that absorbs liquid and turns it into a gel, keeping the surface dry. Higher SAP content means higher absorption capacity — and a higher cost per pad.
How do I choose underpad absorption level? Base it on how long the pad is worn and output volume. Overnight, bedridden or heavy output → heavy (400 ml+). Daytime, mobile or light incontinence → medium (~300–400 ml). Short procedures → light.
Do you supply custom underpad sizes? Yes. We offer OEM sizing — width, length, weight and SAP level can all be customised for bariatric beds, facility-specific surfaces or private-label programmes.
Get the right size every time. Tell us your surfaces and usage, and we’ll recommend a spec with per-size pricing — free samples included. 📧 [email protected] ｜ 📱 +86 18029836946 (WhatsApp)
China Underpad Manufacturer — 20 years of OEM/ODM underpad production, ISO13485 & CE certified, GMP clean-room facility in Guangzhou, China.
