Key Findings

• Smart incontinence management systems (SIMS) are sensor-enabled platforms designed to monitor, detect, and manage urinary and fecal incontinence in real time across healthcare and homecare settings.
• These systems integrate wireless sensors, wearable pads, data processing units, and connected apps to alert caregivers when assistance is required, reducing discomfort and preventing skin-related complications.
• Rising geriatric populations, increasing incidences of neurological disorders (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s), and the burden of chronic care are accelerating the adoption of automated continence care systems.
• Smart continence devices help reduce caregiver burden, optimize resource allocation in long-term care facilities, and support dignity and autonomy among aging populations.
• Europe and North America are the leading markets, with high demand from hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living centers, while Asia-Pacific is emerging as a high-growth region due to aging demographics and healthcare modernization.
• Key technologies include moisture detection sensors, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-enabled transmitters, mobile app integration, and cloud-based data analytics for personalized care insights.
• Leading companies include Abena, Essity, TENA SmartCare, Simavita, and HARTMANN Group, with several startups entering the market offering AI-driven continence management solutions.
• The market is expected to benefit from increasing regulatory approvals and reimbursement frameworks supporting the integration of digital tools in eldercare.
• SIMS are increasingly being bundled with broader remote patient monitoring (RPM) platforms, reflecting the convergence of digital health and geriatric care.
• Focused R&D efforts are improving sensor accuracy, battery life, and wearer comfort, paving the way for broader adoption across homecare environments.

Market Overview

The Smart Incontinence Management Systems market is transforming how continence care is delivered, especially in long-term care, rehabilitation, and home-based settings. Traditionally, incontinence care relied on manual checks and routine pad changes, which are labor-intensive and risk patient discomfort or delayed intervention. Smart systems have introduced a paradigm shift, automating the detection of moisture events and enabling real-time caregiver alerts via mobile applications or facility dashboards.

These systems consist of sensor-integrated incontinence pads or wearable inserts, a transmitter or receiver module, and a connected interface that transmits alerts and data logs. In addition to improving hygiene and skin health by minimizing exposure time, SIMS offer operational advantages such as reduced unnecessary checks and better scheduling of care interventions.

As healthcare systems worldwide confront labor shortages in caregiving and aim to improve care quality, SIMS provide a scalable solution. Their role in supporting aging-in-place initiatives, reducing hospitalizations, and improving outcomes in dementia care makes them an essential part of the digital health ecosystem.

Smart Incontinence Management Systems Market Size and Forecast

The global smart incontinence management systems market was valued at USD 895 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 3.1 billion by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 19.6% over the forecast period.

Growth is driven by the convergence of eldercare challenges and digital health innovation. Aging populations in countries such as Japan, Germany, the U.S., and China are demanding more sophisticated, patient-centered solutions for incontinence. Meanwhile, healthcare providers are embracing connected health tools to reduce manual workload, streamline workflows, and deliver more personalized, responsive care.

Reimbursement models in Europe and parts of North America are also evolving to support digital continence solutions, incentivizing adoption in long-term care and at-home settings. As battery life, sensor efficiency, and wearable design continue to improve, the cost of deployment is expected to decline, making SIMS more accessible globally.

Future Outlook

The next five years will see smart incontinence systems evolving into comprehensive digital continence care platforms. Devices will increasingly integrate with broader health records, enabling physicians and caregivers to track trends, correlate incontinence with medication side effects, and adjust care plans accordingly.

AI algorithms will play a larger role in identifying abnormal patterns, such as increased voiding frequency indicating urinary tract infections or fluid imbalances. SIMS will also extend beyond elderly care into post-operative monitoring, pediatric neurology, and chronic disability management.

Partnerships between digital health firms and adult diaper manufacturers are expected to accelerate product development and adoption. Additionally, smart pads and inserts will become lighter, more ergonomic, and eco-friendly, catering to both patient comfort and sustainability goals.

Homecare adoption will rise significantly, driven by the aging-in-place movement and the need to reduce institutional care costs. Cloud-based data platforms will enable remote monitoring by family caregivers or telehealth providers, enhancing safety and independence for individuals with moderate continence challenges.

Smart Incontinence Management Systems Market Trends

• Integration with Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Platforms
  SIMS are increasingly part of broader digital health ecosystems, integrating with RPM dashboards used by homecare nurses or telehealth services. This creates centralized access to data on voiding patterns, hydration issues, and skin integrity, supporting holistic patient management and early intervention strategies.
• Sensor Miniaturization and Design Innovations
  Technological advancements in microelectronics have enabled smaller, thinner sensors with enhanced moisture sensitivity and better flexibility. These improvements ensure greater user comfort, especially for bed-bound patients, while increasing system accuracy and battery life in both disposable and reusable formats.
• AI-Driven Predictive Analytics
  Newer systems incorporate AI algorithms that analyze moisture frequency, pad saturation levels, and time-of-day trends to generate predictive alerts. This allows caregivers to proactively manage toileting schedules, reduce pad usage, and detect signs of medical conditions such as urinary tract infections or fluid retention.
• Eco-Friendly and Biodegradable Smart Pads
  To address environmental concerns, manufacturers are developing sensor-integrated pads that are biodegradable or recyclable. These innovations help healthcare providers and families reduce medical waste while still benefiting from real-time continence monitoring capabilities.
• Adoption in Pediatric and Neurological Care
  SIMS are gradually expanding into pediatric use cases and care for patients with conditions like cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. Custom-fit solutions for children and younger adults are being introduced, focusing on discretion, non-invasiveness, and minimal disruption to daily life.

Market Growth Drivers

• Rising Geriatric Population and Dementia Cases
  Globally, the population over 65 years is increasing, with many experiencing some form of incontinence. Coupled with the growing prevalence of Alzheimer’s and dementia, the need for discreet and efficient continence monitoring is becoming more urgent in both institutional and home settings.
• Staffing Shortages in Eldercare Facilities
  Long-term care facilities and hospitals are experiencing workforce shortages, which makes continuous manual monitoring of patients unsustainable. SIMS help bridge this gap by automating routine tasks, freeing up staff to focus on more complex patient needs, and reducing care fatigue.
• Healthcare Digitization and Reimbursement Support
  Healthcare systems are rapidly adopting digital tools for chronic care management. Regulatory bodies in Europe and North America are beginning to recognize SIMS under reimbursable medical devices, encouraging broader deployment in senior care programs and home health services.
• Increased Focus on Dignity and Patient Autonomy
  SIMS reduce the frequency of unnecessary physical checks and allow timely interventions, preserving patient dignity. They empower both caregivers and care recipients, providing a more humane and responsive approach to managing incontinence, especially in those with mobility or cognitive challenges.
• Growing Investment in Geriatric and Assistive Technologies
  Public and private sector investment in assistive healthcare technologies is growing, with many startups and medical device companies focusing on the aging population. SIMS are positioned as a key solution in this landscape, attracting innovation grants, VC funding, and strategic partnerships.

Challenges in the Market

• High Device and Subscription Costs
  Initial cost barriers, including the price of sensor-enabled pads and associated software subscriptions, may limit accessibility in low-income regions or smaller healthcare providers. While long-term savings exist, the upfront investment can deter adoption, especially without strong reimbursement support.
• Data Privacy and Integration Barriers
  SIMS collect sensitive health data, raising concerns over data privacy, especially in cloud-based environments. Moreover, lack of standardized interoperability protocols can hinder integration with existing electronic health records (EHRs) and facility-wide patient management systems.
• Limited Awareness Among Caregivers and Patients
  Many caregivers and patients remain unaware of the existence or benefits of smart continence systems. Educational outreach, training programs, and demonstrations are necessary to build trust and facilitate successful onboarding across care settings.
• Device Reliability and False Alerts
  Sensor malfunctions or poor pad alignment may lead to inaccurate alerts, causing unnecessary caregiver responses or missed interventions. Ensuring consistent device reliability under different body positions and moisture levels remains a technical and clinical challenge.
• Regulatory and Reimbursement Uncertainty in Emerging Markets
  In many regions, especially in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, there is limited regulatory guidance or public reimbursement pathways for digital continence solutions. This delays market entry and limits adoption despite growing demand in aging societies.

Smart Incontinence Management Systems Market Segmentation

By Product Type

• Sensor-Integrated Pads and Briefs
• Wearable Detection Devices
• Wireless Transmitters and Receivers
• Mobile Applications and Software Platforms

By Technology

• Bluetooth-Enabled Systems
• Wi-Fi Integrated Systems
• AI and Predictive Analytics Platforms
• Cloud-Connected Systems

By End-user

• Hospitals
• Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Centers
• Home Healthcare
• Rehabilitation Clinics
• Pediatric and Neurology Centers

By Distribution Channel

• Direct Procurement
• E-Commerce and Online Retail
• Hospital Tenders
• Medical Equipment Distributors

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa

Leading Players

• Essity AB (TENA SmartCare)
• Abena Group
• Simavita Ltd.
• HARTMANN Group
• SCA Hygiene Products
• LilyPad Health
• Biobeat Technologies
• Medline Industries
• Attindas Hygiene Partners
• Procter & Gamble (Pilot Partnerships)

Recent Developments

• TENA SmartCare launched its real-time monitoring system in multiple European countries, featuring sensor-equipped pads with caregiver mobile alerts and cloud-based dashboards.
• Simavita expanded its SIM platform into Asia-Pacific through partnerships with aged care facilities in Australia, focusing on data-driven incontinence profiling.
• Abena introduced eco-friendly smart briefs made from biodegradable materials, equipped with moisture sensors and a reusable transmitter for sustainable care solutions.
• LilyPad Health received FDA approval for its wearable bladder monitoring device, designed for at-home and pediatric use, with AI-based early warning features.
• HARTMANN Group enhanced its incontinence product line with digital monitoring integration and began pilot projects in Germany's public eldercare system.