Attends disposable bed pads are a practical option for protecting bedding overnight. If you’ve searched online only to find vague sizing information and inconsistent stock, you’re not alone. This guide covers what’s available in the UK, what the sizing means in practice, and how to decide whether these pads are suitable for your situation.
## What Are Attends Disposable Bed Pads?
Attends is a well-established continence brand sold widely in the UK through pharmacies, online retailers, and some NHS supply chains. Their disposable bed pads—sometimes called underpads or chux—are single-use absorbent sheets designed to sit on top of the mattress or under a fitted sheet to catch leaks before they reach the bedding.
They are not a containment product like a pull-up or nappy. They protect the surface the child sleeps on rather than the child’s body. This distinction matters when choosing products for overnight use.
## Attends Bed Pad Sizes Available in the UK
Attends produce disposable bed pads in several sizes. Availability varies by retailer, but the core range typically includes:
– **60 x 60 cm** — compact, suitable for a single sleeping zone or as a top-up pad under the hips
– **60 x 90 cm** — the most commonly stocked size; covers the torso and hip region for most children and adults
– **60 x 90 cm Super** — higher absorbency within the same footprint
– **90 x 60 cm** — similar dimensions rotated, depending on placement
– **60 x 75 cm** — occasionally stocked; sits between compact and standard sizes
The **60 x 90 cm** size is the practical default for most households. For children who move significantly during sleep or for larger beds, wider or layered pads may be appropriate.
### What the Dimensions Mean in Practice
Sizes are quoted in centimetres and refer to total pad dimensions, not the absorbent zone. The outer edges are typically backed with polythene to prevent strike-through to the mattress. When placed under the hips and lower torso—the area where most wetting occurs—a 60 x 90 cm pad provides reasonable coverage for a child sleeping relatively still.
If your child moves a lot during sleep, the pad’s effectiveness depends on where they end up, not where you placed it. Some families use two overlapping pads or a larger waterproof bed mat underneath as a backup. For more on how sleep position affects leak patterns, see [this article on prone vs supine sleep position and bedwetting](#).
## Absorbency Ratings: What Attends Specifies
Attends rates their bed pads by absorbency level, typically from around **1,000 ml to 2,700 ml**, depending on the product. Super and Plus variants offer higher capacity. All variants feature polythene backing to prevent leakage.
For context, a child’s overnight urine output during a wetting episode can range from 100 ml to over 350 ml, depending on age and fluid intake. A standard Attends bed pad generally has more than enough absorbency for most wetting events—the key considerations are whether the pad stays in place and whether the child remains on it.
## Where to Buy Attends Bed Pads in the UK
Attends disposable bed pads are available from:
– **Pharmacy chains** — Lloyds Pharmacy online, some Boots branches, independent pharmacies
– **Online retailers** — Amazon UK, NRS Healthcare, Complete Care Shop, and specialist continence suppliers
– **Direct from Attends** — via their UK website, usually in bulk packs
– **NHS prescription / continence services** — eligibility varies; consult your GP or continence nurse
Stock availability can be inconsistent for less common sizes. The 60 x 90 cm size is reliably stocked; others may require ordering in advance. Buying in bulk can reduce the per-pad cost, with packs of 25 to 100 common. Comparing cost per pad is advisable.
### NHS Availability
Some children and young people with continence needs may be eligible for NHS prescription of bed pads through community continence services. Provision varies by area. If your child has been assessed by a continence nurse or paediatrician, ask about bed pad provision, as it is not always automatically included. Attends is a common brand supplied via NHS pathways.
## Are Bed Pads Enough on Their Own?
This depends on your child’s needs. Bed pads work well as a backup layer—they catch what a pull-up or nappy might miss or can be used alone for lighter wetting where the child is not wearing a containment product.
If your child experiences full voiding events overnight without absorbent products, a bed pad will contain leaks but the child will wake wet. For some families, especially older children or teenagers who prefer not to wear anything, this is acceptable. For others, particularly where sleep quality is a concern, combining a bed pad with a well-fitting overnight pull-up or nappy is more effective.
Understanding leak patterns can help identify the cause of leaks. See [this guide on front, back, and leg leak patterns](#).
### For Children With Sensory Sensitivities
Some children find disposable bed pads more acceptable than wearable products—they have no texture against the skin and no waistband. For children with ASD or sensory processing differences, this can reduce bedtime resistance. Placing the pad under the sheet (rather than on top) can further reduce awareness, though this may slightly reduce absorbency.
## Comparing Attends to Other Bed Pad Brands
Other UK brands include [Tena](https://www.sleepsecurenights.com/tena-washable-bed-sheet-review-and-comparison/), [ABENA](https://www.sleepsecurenights.com/abena-abri-let-anatomical-shaped-booster-reviewed/), [iD Expert](https://www.sleepsecurenights.com/id-expert-slip-vs-id-pants-understanding-the-full-id-product-range/), and own-brand options. Attends is mid-range in price and quality, with robust polythene backing, reliable absorbency, and clinical trust.
Differences between brands often relate to the softness of the top layer, fragrance (some are lightly scented—check if your child is sensitive), and stiffness. Some brands may shift or bunch during the night. If one brand doesn’t stay in position, trying an alternative is sensible.
## Practical Tips for Using Attends Bed Pads Overnight
– **Position under the hips and lower back**—this is where most wetting occurs regardless of sleep position
– **Place under a fitted sheet** if your child moves a lot—this keeps the pad in place and prevents direct contact with plastic backing
– **Layer two pads** for heavier wetters or very mobile sleepers
– **Keep a spare pad and fresh sheet nearby** for quick night changes—this reduces wakefulness and helps your child settle back to sleep
– **Dispose carefully**—fold the pad inward to contain moisture; dispose of in household waste
If night changes are exhausting, see [this article on managing exhaustion from night changes](#).
## Summary: Attends Disposable Bed Pads in the UK
Attends disposable bed pads are a reliable, accessible option for overnight bed protection. The 60 x 90 cm size is standard for most households; larger sizes may need to be ordered. Their absorbency exceeds typical overnight wetting needs—the main factors are positioning and pad stability during sleep.
They work well as a standalone for lighter wetting or children who won’t wear absorbent products, and as a backup under or alongside a pull-up or nappy. For persistent leaks, consider the wider containment strategy—see [this article on why overnight pull-ups leak](#).
If you’re unsure whether NHS provision covers bed pads for your child, ask your GP or continence nurse—it’s a common question that may require proactive inquiry.