Ontex has developed a smart solution to improve incontinence care for patients, accelerating innovation in adult care, a category that has seen good and steady growth in recent years. Ontex’s innovative solution comprises a top-quality diaper with a printed sensor, a transmitter clipped onto the diaper as well as an application for mobile devices. This combination accurately determines the saturation level of the diaper as well as the risk of leakage and alerts care-givers when it is necessary to change the diaper. This enables tailored, individual continence support for patients which contributes to the well-being of users, families and caregivers alike. The smart diaper also reduces the environmental impact of care institutions by decreasing unnecessary diaper usage and savings on laundry.

"With this smart diaper, Ontex’s objective is to develop and promote better continence management and improve the quality of life of those suffering from this condition. It will also be a huge help to caregivers," says Xavier Lambrecht, president, Ontex Healthcare Division. "The new smart diaper is a result of our long-standing innovation program at our R&D center for adult care. It will reduce the time hospital and care-home staff spend on continence care, freeing up time and budget for other essential care tasks.”

"Ontex’s new smart diaper has successfully passed the first stage of its validation after six weeks of testing in normal conditions of use at a senior care facility in Belgium. Results show the potential to reduce cases of urine leaks on clothes and linen by up to 50%, therefore alleviating one of the most burdensome and costly tasks in institutions. The validation process will continue during the first half of 2021, with a gradual commercial launch in the second quarter of this year.