How much does bedwetting cost families?

Yesterday, we received an email from a young boy asking why he was still wetting the bed at 13 years old and wondering if he was "normal".

Then he wanted to know how to avoid having his parents buy him protective gear because his dad didn't have much money.

Key questions that our expert answers in this article:

In reality, children are very sensitive about their bedwetting problem, and many feel guilty about the monthly expense necessary for them to sleep dry. We advise you to reassure your child that they are not responsible for these costs.

By comparison, it would be unfair to blame a diabetic child for the expenses incurred in their daily care. The fact that social security does not cover the costs associated with bedwetting and its treatment in any way reflects the child's responsibility, but rather a highly questionable decision by the CPAM (French National Health Insurance Fund).

It is telling that in France, we are still one of the only European countries not to take responsibility for the treatment of bedwetting with a bedwetting alarm.

AS A REMINDER: Using a Pipi Stop device is the only effective, long-lasting treatment proven by reputable institutions (Source: ANAES, March 2003). We will have the opportunity to discuss this topic in another article.

Calculating the cost for the family

Methodology:

For our calculation, we will consider two types of products most commonly used by families:

• ^Drynites® absorbent underwear
• Complete changes of clothes (diapers)

Frequency of bedwetting episodes: 4 nights per week (average for children)

According to our calculations, a child will use a minimum of 18 ^DryNites® per month, or 30 diapers. This difference stems from the fact that ^DryNites® can be removed and replaced from one day to the next. However, in practice, this product is not recommended because it is more expensive and its effectiveness against leaks is questionable.

Many children wet the bed not just once, but very often twice during the night. Therefore, it's reasonable to add 30% more product for ^DryNites® . We don't add 30% for diapers because they are products (when they are of good quality) that absorb sufficiently to last all night.

Results :

• ^Drynites® : €25/month or €300/year
• Complete Changes: €18/month or €216/year

To this must be added additional costs which we estimate at a minimum of around €150 per year. (Washing duvets and blankets, purchasing waterproof mattress protectors, pillows, etc.)

In conclusion:

Depending on the type of protection, a child will spend between €366 and €450 per year on protection, and this without treating their bedwetting.

You will understand why bedwetting alarms are so successful even though there is currently no reimbursement in France.

Furthermore, in addition to the obvious savings, your child, once treated, will have more self-confidence and will fully live their childhood life, and you will get your nights back.