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Gentuğ · Caretex Guide
Reusable vs Disposable Bed Pads
A practical comparison for care homes, hospitals and home care: what each type does well, what drives the running cost and how to choose.
Short answer
Which bed pad should you choose?
Disposable bed pads are used once and thrown away, so they need no laundry but create waste and repeated purchases. Reusable bed pads, such as Caretex ABSO, are washed and used again: they need laundry access, but they reduce waste and offer a soft textile surface with a breathable waterproof barrier. For long-term residents and wards with laundry access, reusable pads are usually the better fit; for short stays and isolation situations, disposables can be more practical.
Comparison
Reusable and disposable bed pads side by side
| Criterion | Disposable bed pads | Reusable bed pads |
|---|---|---|
| Use | Used once, then thrown away | Washed and used again many times |
| Waste | Creates waste after every change | Far less waste – the same pad returns from the laundry |
| Absorbency | Varies by product and size | Caretex ABSO absorbs up to 3,016 ml/m² |
| Skin and comfort | Paper or nonwoven surface | Soft textile top with a breathable PU membrane |
| Laundry | None needed | Needs a laundry; ABSO is washable at 90°C |
| Running cost | Repeated purchases for every change | Higher initial investment, then mainly laundry costs |
| Storage | Large stocks of consumables | A rotating stock of pads in use, in the wash and in reserve |
| Best suited to | Short stays, isolation situations, settings without laundry access | Long-term residents, care homes, hospital wards and home care with laundry access |
How to decide
Four questions to ask before you choose
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Do you have laundry access?
Reusable pads need an in-house or contract laundry that can wash at high temperatures.
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What level of incontinence?
Choose the absorbency to match: ABSO models cover light to heavy incontinence.
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How long are the stays?
Long-term residents get the most value from reusable pads; very short stays may suit disposables.
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Do you have waste targets?
Reusable pads help reduce the volume of single-use waste from daily care.
Caretex ABSO
Our reusable bed pads at a glance
Caretex ABSO bed pads are made by Gentuğ in Türkiye in six models for light to heavy incontinence. Each pad combines a quick-dry top, an absorbent core and a breathable waterproof PU membrane, absorbs up to 3,016 ml/m², is washable at 90°C and is registered as a Class I medical device under EU MDR. The pads are made from recycled material and certified to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
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Are reusable bed pads hygienic?
Yes, when they are washed correctly. Caretex ABSO bed pads are washable at 90°C and are registered as Class I medical devices under EU MDR.
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How many times can a washable bed pad be reused?
The lifetime depends on the washing temperature, detergents and how often the pad is used. ABSO pads are designed for repeated washing at up to 90°C; contact us for lifetime information for your laundry process.
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Are reusable bed pads cheaper than disposable ones?
Over time, reusable pads replace repeated purchases of disposables, but the total cost depends on your laundry costs and usage. Our team can help you compare both options for your setting.
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When are disposable bed pads the better choice?
Disposable pads suit short stays, isolation situations where single-use items are required, and settings without access to a laundry.
Ordering
Orders & Samples
Minimum order
Minimum order quantities depend on the product and the degree of customisation. We confirm them together with your quote.
Samples
Samples are available on request. Tell us which product and specification you would like to test.
Lead time
Lead times depend on order size and specification and are confirmed in our offer.
Customisation
Ask us about custom sizes, colours, packaging or private label – we will check what is possible for your product.
Let’s work together
Tell us about your project and our team will offer the right technical textile solution.