DIY Reusable Waterproof Bed Pad Elderly

Introduction

Waterproof bed pads are usually a costly, disposable item. But by using silicone sealant and household items like towels, toilet paper, and fabric softener sheets to make a reusable waterproof pad in your own home you can save tons of money with no mess or hassle. This is a great project for the elderly or those who have trouble lifting heavy objects to do.

A few things to consider before jumping into this project: First, these DIY reusable waterproof bed pads take quite some effort and time so be prepared for that part! Second, because of the thickness of this pad it will not give you much padding compared to what you might find on store shelves but be sure to put your mattress on top of it.

What To Use For DIY Reusable Waterproof Bed Pad Elderly

1. Reusable Waterproof Bed Pad Elderly

These are disposable pads that are designed to keep you dry. They will not only keep you dry, on the surface they may absorb fluid but underneath they can be soaked. So they do have a limited amount of time before they start to leak or become saturated. The only way to make them waterproof is to use silicone sealant.

A few websites sell a variety of these pads but I found that www.bedbathandbeyond.com had a large selection and fairly inexpensive prices for these pads too!

2. Silicone Sealant

Available at any hardware store, look for something that has good reviews and high quality. I found Silicone Adhesive Sealant from a company called Dow Corning. It has good reviews and seals very well so I suggest using this silicone sealant if you can find it at your local hardware store. Also, you may want to buy the small tester size of silicone sealant so you can have a little bit to apply a few tests with before applying it all over the waterproof bed pad.

3. Reusable Toilet Paper or Baby Wipes

If you have used reusable toilet paper or baby wipes before then these are great as padding for the waterproof bed pad as they are very absorbent. For example, the Costco Kirkland brand of reusable wipes is great. If you are going this route then be sure to buy in bulk!

4. Fabric Softener Sheets

I am very guilty of loving fabric softeners and dryer sheets because they just make clothes smell good. However, in this case, you will be using them to help seal background noise as well as keep the material pliable. So while you may not have used your fabric softeners before for this purpose it will make a huge difference on the comfort level of the waterproof bed pad.

5. Reusable Towels

If you have used a towel in the past it will dissolve in water for about 10-15 minutes. However, this is enough time to create a waterproof bed pad! You can also use these as padding for your waterproof bed pad when it is being used on your lap. There are many different types of towels that you can use so be sure to check out the different options if you are looking to purchase towels!

6. Bed Pillowcase

If you do not already have a reusable pillowcase then I would suggest purchasing one of these. They will help provide a bit more comfort to both you and your waterproof bed pad by acting as cushioning and padding for the waterproof bed pad.

Steps On Creating DIY Reusable Waterproof Bed Pad Elderly

1. Clean The Mattress

Take a vacuum cleaner or one of those small hand-held vacuums and clean the mattress. This will remove any dust, dirt, or crumbs that could cause undesirable stains on your pad. Be sure to get the corners well too!

2. Protect Your Flooring

Place a board or some plastic on your flooring to protect it from any silicone spillage from your DIY reusable waterproof bed pad. If you are using a double size mattress then you will want to protect your flooring so you can easily move the DIY pad without damaging your home!

3. Place Silicone Sealant On The Pad

There are four ways that you can apply the silicone sealant to your waterproof bed pad.

A. Brush It On

This is a great way to spread the silicone around with no issues but I would suggest taking your time with this. Avoid getting any of the silicone on your hands as it can be difficult to wash off and fairly irritating!

B. Pour It Onto The Pad & Spread It Out

If you do not want to deal with brushing or using a tray then this is the method for you! Simply pour the silicone onto your waterproof bed pad and spread it out evenly with a paint brush, cotton swab, or toothbrush.

C. Pour It Onto The Pad & Spread It Out

D. Silicone Sealant Tray

This is my preferred method because it is quick, simple, and easy! All you have to do is prepare by mixing the silicone (you can use an old container like a coffee can or even a recycled plastic water/soda bottle) as directed by the manufacturer on the label. Pour the silicone into the tray and then place it onto your waterproof bed pad. Then simply roll up a piece of clean fabric and dip it in the silicone, then spread it out over your pad!

I bought a silicone tray at my local hardware store but you can easily make one of these yourself! All you need is an old plastic container (cans work the best) and some aluminum foil. Just layer the foil on top of your liner so that when you remove it, it will not stick to your silicone only to make a mess on the bottom.

4. Add The Padding

It is easiest to add all of this padding before putting on your waterproof bed pad or after you have applied your sealant.

5. Use A Blanket Or Quilt

Use a blanket or quilt to cover your waterproof bed pad. This is mainly to protect against any stains, but also gives you the ability to put on an additional layer. I would suggest doing this if you are using reusable toilet paper or baby wipes as your padding as they will leak fluid now and then and you do not want that staining your pad permanently!

6. Attach It To The Bed Frame

An easy way to attach your waterproof bed pad is by using tension straps that are hooked under the corners of the frame. Simply stretch them around until they are tight and then hook them onto the frame at each corner.

Conclusion

I know that there are a lot of people who are looking for cheaper alternatives to buy a pre-made waterproof bed pad . I do suggest purchasing one if you can because they will help to protect your mattress and keep you dry while you are sleeping or resting. However, if this is not an option then that doesn’t mean that you have to be miserable! A DIY waterproof bed pad is super simple and easy to make. It can help keep you dry and comfortable as long as you take the time to follow the steps above! I hope that this guide has been helpful for those who need to learn all about creating DIY reusable waterproof bed pads!

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