Types of Bedwetting Alarms

Bedwetting (Enuresis), is a normal occurrence in young children up to 6 years. But after that, it can continue due to various reasons like deep sleeping, which makes the child unable to sense a full bladder, a delay in the development of the central nervous system, vasopressin deficiency, etc. It could also be an indicator of other more serious diseases like diabetes or UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections).

Are you the parent of a young child? Is your baby giving you sleepless nights due to constant bedwetting? There is a solution to this. In this constantly technologically advancing world, there is hardly a problem that cannot be solved. This article presents to you a unique moisture sensitive device called a 'Bedwetting Alarm' which can be effectively used for making the wearer aware of the need to respond to a full bladder.

Basic Functioning of the Alarm

All the types of bedwetting alarms basically function in a similar manner. They all have a moisture sensor embedded in them to detect the moisture and send a signal to the alarm unit (sound system) to ring the alarm. The sensor detects moisture as soon as the wearer starts to urinate, and thus lets him/her know that he needs to go to the toilet. The only major difference in the various types of alarms, is the type of moisture sensor used in them. The alarms are classified based on the type of sensor and the following paragraph deals with these types.

Types of Alarms

There are basically three types of alarms.

1. Wearable Alarm
2. Pad-Type Alarm
3. Wireless Alarm

Let us see the details about each one of them.

Wearable Alarms: This type of alarm consists of a moisture sensor which can be worn on or under the clothes (pajamas or underwears) and it is connected to the alarm unit with a cord which is worn on/under the shirt.

Pad Type Alarms: The moisture sensor in this type is a pad that the child has to sleep on at night. The pad will send a signal to ring the alarm when some urine leaks onto it. It is not connected to the wearer. But this alarm is the most unreliable, since it requires the wearer to sleep on it for the urine to be detected. Since little children find it difficult to sleep in one position for hours, this can be a little tricky. Also, it requires a lot of moisture to trigger it, almost defeating the purpose of the alarm.

Wireless Alarms: As the name explains these alarms have the sensor and the alarm unit communicating wirelessly. The sensor is to be worn on /under the underwear or pajamas. The alarm unit can be kept away from the child so that he is forced to get out of bed to turn it off. A unit can also be kept in the parent's bedroom, so that they can check on the child to see if he has gotten out of bed and gone to the bathroom.

Teaching your Child to use the Alarm

You can teach your child to use the alarm by following these simple steps:

1. First check that the alarm is functioning properly by putting 1-2 drops of water and confirming that the alarm rings.
2. Then teach your child how to attach the alarm to his clothes.
3. Next, tell him to get up and rush to the bathroom as soon as the alarm sounds, after removing it. If he manages to sense a full bladder even before the alarm goes off, encourage him by giving suitable rewards.
4. Once he is back from the bathroom, teach him to change out of his wet clothes and put on dry ones, again with the alarm attached.
5. Use the alarm as many times as needed per night for as many months as required to make him grow out of this habit.

There are quite a few companies manufacturing bedwetting alarms. A good idea before investing in one would be to carry out a small product survey and check the reviews of bedwetting alarms. The main considerations to be kept in mind while selecting an alarm are :

1. Comfort
2. Reliability
3. Cost
4. Flexibility
5. Convenience
6. Durability

The alarm is only an indicator of bedwetting. Hence the person wearing the alarm should be ready to actively participate in ridding himself of this habit. Continual bedwetting may leave the child with emotional and psychological scars, which is why it should be treated in the initial years itself.