For many Australian women, managing urinary incontinence is a daily balancing act — one that demands products that are discreet, reliable, and easy to use. Across Australia, demand for reusable velcro incontinence pads has grown steadily as women seek sustainable, cost-effective alternatives to single-use disposables, and the Orykas Reusable Velcro Pad has been designed to meet that demand head-on. With an adjustable velcro fastening, ultra-absorbent layering, and a construction made for repeated machine washing, it offers a practical answer to a need that affects a significant share of Australian women across every stage of life.
Why this product was developed
Urinary incontinence is far more common than many people realise. According to the Continence Foundation of Australia, millions of Australians live with bladder or bowel control issues, yet the majority never discuss it with a healthcare professional. For women in particular, the condition can arise after childbirth, during perimenopause, or as oestrogen levels naturally decline after menopause — meaning it can touch any woman's life, at almost any age.
Despite how widespread the condition is, the product options have traditionally been limited: bulky disposable pads, adult nappies, or standard period liners that simply aren't built for the task. None of these solutions address a fundamental problem for many women — a standard liner or pad doesn't stay put inside ordinary underwear during movement. The Orykas Reusable Velcro Pad was developed precisely to close that gap, using a secure velcro attachment that anchors the pad in place regardless of how active the wearer is.
For women in regional Australia — where access to specialist continence services is more limited than in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane — a washable, home-manageable solution like this one can make a meaningful difference to daily comfort and dignity. Rather than relying on frequent pharmacy trips or bulky subscription boxes, a small set of reusable pads can be laundered and ready again within a day.
Key features and specifications
The Orykas Velcro Pad is built with multiple absorbent layers designed to capture and lock in fluid quickly. The top layer wicks moisture away from the skin, helping to reduce the risk of irritation and keeping the wearer feeling dry and comfortable throughout the day. The core layers provide the absorbent capacity, while a waterproof backing prevents any leakage transferring to outer clothing or underwear.
Adjustable fit and secure fastening
What distinguishes this pad from standard liner-style inserts is the velcro fastening system. Rather than relying on a self-adhesive strip that loses its grip after a few uses — or bunches up during physical activity — the velcro tabs allow the pad to be positioned precisely and held securely within most styles of underwear. This makes it particularly suitable for women who are on their feet all day, exercising, or who find that conventional adhesive pads shift uncomfortably with movement.
The adjustable nature of the velcro system also means the pad can be used across a range of underwear styles and sizes, giving women more flexibility without needing to purchase specialist continence underwear if they'd prefer not to. That said, pairing the pad with well-fitting, supportive underwear will always deliver the best results.
The pad is fully machine washable, and when used with a mesh laundry bag designed for delicate washables, the velcro tabs are protected from snagging on other garments during the wash cycle — extending the product's lifespan considerably.
Who benefits most from the Orykas Velcro Pad
The Orykas Velcro Pad suits women experiencing light to moderate urinary incontinence, including stress incontinence triggered by coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise. It's also useful for women managing urgency incontinence, where the need to reach the bathroom quickly can result in a small leak before getting there.
Women who are likely to find it particularly useful include:
- Mothers in the postpartum period managing pelvic floor weakness after vaginal birth
- Perimenopausal and postmenopausal women experiencing reduced bladder control as oestrogen levels fall
- Women recovering from gynaecological surgery who need a gentle, non-irritating product
- Active women who want incontinence protection that stays secure during exercise, walking, or sport
- Women with limited mobility or dexterity who benefit from a simple, adjustable fastening rather than a fiddly adhesive strip
- Anyone looking to reduce their reliance on single-use plastic-heavy disposable products
The velcro design is also worth considering for women who support an older family member — a mum, grandmother, or aunt — and want to help them manage incontinence at home with a dignified, washable option. For those receiving care under an NDIS plan or accessing supports through Services Australia's Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS), washable continence aids can sometimes be included in funded supports; it's worth raising this with an NDIS planner or calling the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 for guidance specific to your situation.
Making the switch from disposables to reusables
Many Australian women are surprised by how straightforward the transition to reusable incontinence products can be. The upfront cost of a washable pad is higher than a single disposable, but over months and years the savings accumulate significantly — particularly for women who rely on continence products every day. Disposable pads also generate considerable landfill waste; a reusable pad washed hundreds of times carries a much smaller environmental footprint over its lifetime.
Here are a few practical tips for getting started with reusable incontinence pads:
- Start with two or three pads so you always have a clean one available while another is in the wash
- Rinse the pad in cold water immediately after use to prevent staining and odour
- Wash using a gentle, fragrance-free detergent to protect the absorbent layers and avoid skin irritation
- Use a mesh wash bag to keep the velcro tabs contained and protect other garments in the same load
- Hang to dry where possible; high heat can degrade the waterproof backing over time
If you're new to reusable continence products and unsure where to begin, speaking with a continence nurse or your GP is a good starting point. A bulk-billing GP can refer you to a continence physiotherapist or nurse consultant, and the RACGP encourages GPs to screen for incontinence as part of regular women's health checks. Medicare Australia may also cover related consultations and pelvic floor physiotherapy sessions, so it's worth asking about your options at your next appointment.
How the Velcro Pad fits into the Orykas range
The Orykas Reusable Velcro Pad is designed as a modular solution — one that works especially well alongside or within the broader Orykas washable underwear collection. For women managing heavier leakage, the pad can be paired with purpose-built absorbent underwear for added security, or used on its own for lighter days.
For women whose incontinence is heavier or unpredictable, the full-coverage washable pants for heavy leakage offer a higher-absorbency all-in-one option that doesn't rely on a separate insert. For those who prefer a high-rise cut for comfort and extra core support, the high-waisted washable incontinence pants are a popular choice among women who want firm yet comfortable coverage throughout the day.
The Orykas range is curated to give Australian women genuine choice at different absorbency levels and for different lifestyle needs. Whether you're managing mild stress incontinence during a morning run in Perth, or navigating more frequent leaks through a busy day in Adelaide, there's likely a product configuration in the collection that suits your situation. You can browse the full women's washable incontinence range to compare options and find what works best for your body and routine.
Frequently asked questions
How many times can I wash the Orykas Velcro Pad before it needs replacing?
With proper care — cold rinse after use, gentle machine wash, and air drying — a quality reusable incontinence pad is designed to withstand many hundreds of wash cycles. Avoiding high-heat tumble drying and using a mesh wash bag to protect the velcro will help preserve both the absorbent layers and the fastening system for as long as possible. If you notice reduced absorbency or the velcro losing its grip, that's usually a sign the pad has reached the end of its useful life.
Can I use the Velcro Pad with my regular underwear, or do I need special incontinence pants?
The velcro fastening is designed to attach to the gusset of most standard underwear styles, which means you don't necessarily need to purchase specialist continence underwear to use it. That said, close-fitting underwear with a cotton or fabric gusset tends to work best. Very smooth or synthetic gusset linings may not grip the velcro as securely. Pairing the pad with the Orykas washable underwear range will always deliver the most secure and comfortable result.
Is the Orykas Velcro Pad eligible under NDIS or the Continence Aids Payment Scheme?
Eligibility under NDIS and the Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) through Services Australia depends on individual circumstances, the nature of your incontinence, and how your supports are funded. Washable continence aids are generally recognised as an appropriate support category, but you'll need to confirm with your NDIS planner or support coordinator. For personalised guidance, the Continence Foundation of Australia's National Continence Helpline — available on 1800 33 00 66 — can help you understand what products may be covered and how to navigate the application process.
Is the reusable velcro pad suitable for overnight use?
The Orykas Velcro Pad is primarily designed for daytime use. For overnight protection — particularly for women who experience heavier leakage during sleep — a higher-absorbency all-in-one option may provide more reliable coverage. This is a common concern for women going through menopause, whose sleep patterns and bladder behaviour can change significantly. Speak with a continence nurse or your GP about the most appropriate product for overnight use, and consider exploring products within the Orykas collection that are specifically built for extended wear.
This article is informational and does not replace advice from your GP, a qualified continence nurse or a specialist.
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