6 Best Adult Prefold Diapers (2024)

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Adult prefold diapers are some of the most affordable, durable, and versatile cloth diapers out there. But if folding those things to wrap around your body feels like contortionist origami, never fear, these work great simply pad folded and added to just about any diaper style for extra absorbency.

What is a prefold?

True prefolds come with designations like 2x4x2, 2x6x2, 4x6x4, or 4x8x4. These designations refer to the number of layers in each panel of a prefold, with the most layers concentrated in the center panel. True prefolds do not have extra absorbency sewn in the middle that’s made from different fabric. For example, some prefolds have extra layers of terry sewn into the center panel.

But don’t worry, it’s really just all semantics. At the end of the day, a prefold is considered a prefold if it has the shape of a prefold. It just won’t have the number designation like 2x4x2 if it has a different fabric sewn into the middle.

Birdseye, Gauze, or Twill?

Birdseye is, well birdseye. Easily identified by its woven diamond shaped pattern, birdseye fabric is a cloth diapering staple in the realm of prefolds. It also tends to be stiffer and heavier weight than gauze.

Now, the million dollar question (okay, maybe not a million, but still perplexing, lol!), what the heck is the difference between twill and gauze!! The excellent folks and adultclothdiaper.com eased my mind on this one. Diaper twill and diaper gauze are the same fabric.

And there’s also a fabric called double weave gauze muslin! It’s basically like having two layers of regular gauze woven together. You can tell this type because it has little woven squares. Think baby swaddle blankets. But it’s mostly popular for flats since it’s slightly thicker.

How to Fold a Prefold Adult Diaper

Unless you’re a seasoned pro at folding and using prefold and/or flat adult diapers, using them can be initially daunting. If you are said seasoned pro and have any tips, please feel free to comment below or send me an email! Seriously, if you watched my YouTube video on fasteners, you know that I’m not an expert on this, haha!

Luckily, this is a case where baby diaper tutorials can be handy for adults too. Although, adultclothdiaper.com does show a simple 2 ways to fold those suckers. If you feel like being wowed by the possibilities though, Mom Loves Best shows a whopping 10 ways to fold a prefold or flat diaper, complete with pictures and everything!

Prefolds also make excellent inserts. Simply pad fold the prefold and add to pocket diapers or just about any style of diaper for additional absorbency. Just note that if you go this route, using a smaller size can help reduce extra bulk.

Washing Adult Prefold Diapers

Another nice thing about prefolds and flats is that they are durable and can handle a little abuse. After all, there’s a reason they can last up to 500 washings as long as proper laundering is involved! Talk about getting your money’s worth out of that.

However, don’t leave them wet in a pail for more than 2-3 days, they can’t handle that. But when it comes to washing, they stand up well to hot water and drying on high heat.

Just note that before using a new prefold, it will need to be washed a few times first. This will allow the prefold to quilt up nicely and get rid of any manufacturing dust and natural oils on the fabric.

That said, most prefolds do have a tendency to shrink A LOT, so size up if you’re between sizes.

6 Best Adult Prefold Diapers

1. LeakMaster Adult Prefold Diapers

$17.95-$49.95

LeakMaster Adult Prefold Diapers come with options; gauze or birdseye, day or night thickness. While these aren’t true prefolds – day comes with one center layer of terry and night with 2 – they are still good quality, absorbent prefold options. After all, 11 5-star reviews can’t get it that wrong. These prefolds are 100% cotton and made in the US.

*Photo credit: adultclothdiaper.com

Features

• 4 layers of birdseye or gauze
• Terry in center panel
• Day or night absorbency
• 100% cotton
• Size XS- 3XL

2. Changing Times Adult Prefold Cloth Diaper

$19.95 – $26.95

I have to say, this is the first time I have come across this adult cloth diaper company! Which is saying something because I have literally spent days of my life researching products and companies.

But hey, that’s why I am constantly updating my Ultimate Guide and other resources. Which, if you have purchased my Ultimate Guide or are thinking about it, know that I will be sending a completely updated and revised version out towards the end of the year.

Anyway, Changing Times is based in Las Vegas and has been in operation since 2008. They offer both adult cloth diaper items and disposables.

Made from 100% cotton twill, Changing Times Adult Prefold Cloth Diaper comes in a 4x10x4 layering system. While they don’t have as many size options as some of the other brands, they are more affordable. They also only come with light blue thread around the edges.

Features

• 4x10x4 layering system
• 100% cotton twill fabric
• Sizes fit waists 27” – 63”
• Light blue serging

3. Rearz Adult Nighttime Prefold Diaper

$15.99 – $42.99

This Rearz Adult Nighttime Prefold Diaper is made from 100% cotton twill. Specifically labeled for nighttime, it has a 4x10x4 layering system. These are high quality prefolds with the reviews to prove it.

The only claim that’s confusing is the hand-sewn one…they’ve obviously been serged on a machine. But Rearz said it’s because a person fed the fabric through the machine. I guess some manufacturers use robots to sew these suckers?

* Photo credit: rearz.ca

Features

• 4x10x4 layering system
• Nighttime use
• 100% cotton twill fabric
• Sizes fit waists 27” – 63”

4. Organic Adult Nighttime Prefold Cloth Diaper

$12.00 -$29.60

True prefolds with a 4x8x4 layering system, these Organic Adult Nighttime Prefold Cloth Diapers by InControl are made from organic birdseye fabric. Soft and durable, they can withstand hundreds of washings.

*Photo credit: incontroldiapers.com

Features

• 4x8x4 layering system
• 100% organic cotton
• Birdseye fabric
• Size XS- 3XL

5. Gary Flat Prefolded Style Adult Diaper

$40.99 – $60.99

Okay. Gary brand diapers is one of the most expensive cloth diapering brands out there. But their products are well made and get great reviews.

That said, EVERY prefold I’ve come across has amazing, multiple 5-star reviews, which just goes to show that if you want a durable, versatile, economical way to manage severe incontinence, it doesn’t get much better than a prefold. All you have to do is stick through the learning curve of folding those darn things.

However, Gary’s version of the prefold is made from 100% cotton flannel, which is hard to find. A true prefold, it has 6 layers of flannel in the center panel, making it very absorbent.

Features

• • 6 layers of flannel in middle
  • 100% cotton flannel
  • Comes in 4 sizes: S-XL

6. Angel Fluff Prefold Diapers

$29.99 – $92.99

And here I thought I was getting this all figured out! If you’ve ever felt confused trying to find products to manage your incontinence, my only advice is to let go of the frustration and allow yourself to be pleasantly surprised when you come across new things, lol!

Angel Fluff is another adult cloth diapering company which I have not come across until now. They are a small Christian business based in Tennessee. Their website is not the easiest to navigate, but they have a large selection of prefolds to choose from from weight to fabric type. Their prefolds are also a lot more pricey than most other brands.

The gauze prefold option can be either lightweight or heavyweight and range in size from XS-3XL.

As to their flannel prefolds, they offer 6 options to choose from standard to extra heavy with terry soaker. They even have a print option available, although they only have vague descriptions and no pictures so it’s a bit of a mystery. However, the flannel prefolds can also come with the option of Velcro fastenings. Sizes range from XS-6XL.

Features

• • Large selection of prefold options
  • 100% cotton flannel or gauze
  • Flannel has option of Velcro fasteners
  • Sizes range from XS-6XL.

Overall, prefolds are some of the most affordable and durable options when it comes to managing severe incontinence or nighttime needs. In addition, they consistently get 5 star reviews across all brands. Prefolds can either be folded to fit around the body or pad folded for use as an insert and added to pocket diapers or other styles of diapers for additional absorbency.

Want more lists?

Find lists for every type of cloth incontinence products in my Ultimate Guide!

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