DryEasy bedwetting alarm - Types of bedwetting alarms

All bedwetting alarms consist of three main components: an alarm unit, a moisture sensor and a transmission medium. They all function in a similar principle: when urine is detected, the moisture sensor will trigger the alarm to sound/ vibrate which will, in turn, awaken a child to get up and use toilet. With the proper use of the alarm, a child will be taught to respond to a full bladder gradually.

Bedwetting alarms are generally classified into 3 categories: wearable alarms, wireless alarms and pad-type alarms.

Wearable alarms

Both the moisture sensor and the alarm unit of a wearable alarm are attached to the user’s clothing. When urine is detected, the moisture sensor will send a signal to the alarm unit via a physical cord. Since the sensor is attached directly to the user’s briefs, only a small amount of urine will trigger the alarm to respond.

Wireless alarms

Instead of using a cord like a wearable alarm, the moisture sensor of a wireless alarm transmits signals to the alarm unit in a wireless way. The moisture sensor is attached to the user's briefs whilst the alarm unit can be placed on bedside or anywhere in the child’s room. Some wireless alarms provide an extra alarm unit for parents so that they can put it in their own room and be alerted as well.

Pad-type alarms

Unlike the foregoing alarms, pad-type alarm is not fixed to the user’s clothing. The moisture sensor is hidden inside a pad that is placed under the user’s bed sheet. The alarm unit is connected to the pad by a cord and is usually placed on the bedside. Since the sensor is not attached directly to the user’s briefs, the amount of urine which is required to trigger the sensor to respond will be relatively larger.

Comparison among various types of bedwetting alarms:

	Cost	Comfort	Sensitivity	Reliability
Wearable alarms	3.5	3.5	4.5	4.5
Wireless alarms	1	4.5	4.5	4
Pad-type alarms	1.5	5	3	2.5

Note:

1. The greater the number is, the better the performance is / the cheaper the alarm is.

2. The greatest number is "5" and the smallest one is "1".

3. Comparison is made by taking the average of the alarms available for study.

Types of sensors

There are a few types of sensors available in the market, among which, “clip” type and “rubber pad” type are commonly used.

“Clip” type - The sensor is attached to the outside of the underwear with the use of a clip. As it is easy to be attached, use of this type of sensor is commonly found.

“Rubber pad” type - Instead of using an attaching device, the sensor is put inside a mini pad by which the former can be held in place. Before fixing the sensor in the pad, a slit has to be cut in the absorbing layers of the mini pad and then have it taped across by a sticky tape so as to prevent the sensor from being pulled out.