The Best Bedwetting Alarms 2021

Updated on January 24, 2021 While all product recommendations are chosen independently, we may receive compensation for purchases made through our site. Learn more about our affiliate program here.

Bedwetting, otherwise known as nocturnal enuresis, refers to the act of urinating accidentally while you are sleeping. Though commonly associated with children, bedwetting can happen to teens and adults too. This frustrating and embarrassing condition affects self-esteem and quality of life, and caregivers and siblings may feel helpless and frustrated. One of the most successful ways to treat bedwetting is with a bedwetting alarm, which wakes up the user as soon as they wet the bed.

It’s estimated that between 10–15% of children ages 6-7 wet the bed. About one in two children who use a bedwetting alarm see results within 3 months. Successful treatment of bedwetting restores a person’s self-confidence, improves the quality of their sleep, and gives them the freedom to partake in sleepovers, camps, and other overnight trips.

In the following guide, we’ll discuss the different types of bedwetting alarms and take a look at some of the best bedwetting alarms on the market. We’ll also cover buyer considerations and tips for preventing bedwetting.

Our Top Picks

Model	Features	Price
Bedwetting Solution	Bagel bed, natural and eco-friendly, chew-resistant	See Best Price
Premium Bedwetting Alarm	Orthopedic, multi-layer foam, moisture-resistant and anti-tear/chew, hypoallergenic and antimicrobial	See Best Price
Bedside Bedwetting Alarm	Orthopedic meets bagel, multi-layer foam, anti-tear/chew cover, won’t sink or sag	See Best Price
Bedwetting Alarm	Orthopedic, multi-layer foam, certified foam, waterproof, anti-scratch	See Best Price
Bedwetting Alarm	Orthopedic, water-resistant liner, anti-tear cover, poly-fill cushioning	See Best Price

TheraPee Bedwetting Solution

Why we like it:

Integrated bedwetting solution
Comfortable sensor pad that goes under sheet
Suitable for ages 4-18
No radiation

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TheraPee bedwetting alarm brand logo

The Therapee™ Bedwetting Solution is a comprehensive system designed to end bedwetting once and for all. The Stopee™ bell-and-pad bedwetting alarm has a soft, large medical-approved sensor pad that goes under the fitted sheet and an alarm that goes on the nightstand, connected by a cable. The sensor has 7 degrees of sensitivity to choose from, so sweaty sleepers won’t trigger false alarms. The alarm has 10 different sounds, a volume control button, a reset button, and a button to lock the settings so kids won’t change them.

The bedwetting alarm is supplemented with a virtual therapist that provides feedback, tips, and special exercises according to each user’s individual profile. Users can track their progress using a virtual chart.

This is the priciest bedwetting alarm on our list, but the combination of therapy plus alarm may be useful for people who haven’t had success with other models.

Chummie Premium Bedwetting Alarm

Why we like it:

Smartphone app with tips and videos
Easy to clean, can be immediately reused
Low battery alert
Easy to use

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chummie bedwetting alarm brand logo

The Chummie Premium Bedwetting Alarm is a microprocessor-controlled wearable alarm with a soft, flexible, and hypoallergenic silicon sensor. This patented IntelliFlex sensor attaches to the underwear using Flexitape, while the alarm clips onto the user’s shirt. The sensor can be rinsed and patted dry for immediate reuse.

The alarm has eight tones and two volume levels, as well as lights and vibration, for a total of 32 possible alert combinations including vibrate-only. It’s small and discreet and weighs just an ounce. A motivation reward system helps keep track of the user’s progress and build confidence. Chummie also provides a smartphone app with tips, instructional videos, FAQs, and blog articles.

The Chummie Premium Bedwetting Alarm is FDA registered and backed by a one-year limited warranty on the alarm and a 90-day limited warranty on the sensor. This model is suitable for children of all ages and comes in green, blue, or pink. It uses a two-step shut-off system and gives an alert when the sensor is disconnected or the battery is low.

Guardian Bedside Bedwetting Alarm

Why we like it:

Comfortable cloth sensor
Microprocessor-controlled
Double-sided sensor
8 alert tones

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Guardian bedwetting alarm brand logo

The Guardian Bedside Bedwetting Alarm is a bell-and-pad alarm with a large, soft cotton mat and an alarm that goes on the bedside table. The sensor pad connects to the alarm via a 10-foot snap-on cord. The Guardian is designed for use with children, teens, and adults, and Guardian even makes a smaller mat for users in wheelchairs.

Pads are reversible and waterproof. They can be machine-washed and dried, although Guardian recommends laying flat to dry. Users can sleep directly on the mat, which has 25 pairs of strips on each side to sense urine as soon as the first drops appear.

The alarm has vibrations and bright lights, and automatically cycles through eight alert tones so users don’t get habituated. It’s possible to choose from sound only, sound + vibration, or vibration-only for camps and sleepovers. There’s also an option to alert the parent or caregiver. The system has a one-touch, user-friendly interface and a reward system to keep kids motivated.

The Guardian bedwetting alarm comes with a one-year warranty on the alarm and a three-month warranty on the mat.

Smart Bedwetting Alarm

Why we like it:

Microprocessor-controlled
8 different tones and two-step turnoff
Low battery alert
Free shipping

Click to see best price

Smart bedwetting alarm brand logo

The Smart Bedwetting Alarm is a wearable microprocessor-controlled alarm with a Strong Hold Sensor that attaches to the underwear and an alarm that clips to the shirt top. Turning off the alarm requires a two-step process. A light will go on to indicate a low battery.

Like the Guardian, this alarm also cycles automatically through 8 different tones and you can choose from three modes: vibration, sound, or sound + vibration. You can decorate the alarm with one of four “skins” that feature fun mascots. The alarm also comes with a progress chart.

This alarm takes just seconds to set up and is suitable for anyone ages five and up. The Smart Bedwetting Alarm is FDA-registered and comes with a one-year warranty on the alarm and three-month warranty on the sensor.

DryEasy Bedwetting Alarm

Why we like it:

Budget option
Two-step turnoff
4 volume levels plus vibrate
Easy to clean

Click to see best price

dryeasy logo

The DryEasy Bedwetting Alarm is a great budget option. This wearable alarm works via a ToggleSmart sensor with a Toggle clamp that attaches securely to the underpants. The DryEasy uses a two-step turnoff mechanism to ensure the user wakes up properly.

The alarm has six sounds and four volume levels, up to a maximum of 85 decibels. You can choose whether to cycle through the alarm tones or stick with your favorite one. For times when you prefer to be discreet, there is a vibration-only setting in addition to the sound and sound + vibration settings.

The DryEasy Bedwetting Alarm is FDA registered and CE certified. The open-cover design makes it easy to clean and dry. While this isn’t the fanciest option out there, it’s an attractive choice for people on a budget or people who want to test out whether a bedwetting alarm works for them without forking out a mint.

Bedwetting Alarm Buyer’s Guide

In this section, we’ll explain how bedwetting alarms work and take a look at the different types of bedwetting alarms. We’ll discuss how each type may suit a different profile depending on age, sleeping style, and other factors, and list some things to consider when buying a bedwetting alarm.

What Is a Bedwetting Alarm?

A bedwetting alarm goes off every time a person wets the bed. By waking the user up immediately, the goal is for the user to create an association between the alarm and the feeling of needing to urinate.

The aim is to gradually wake up sooner and sooner until eventually, the brain learns to detect the feeling of a full bladder before wetting the bed. With persistence and a bit of luck, this process should take between 1-3 months. Once they achieve 100% dry nights, users should stop using a bedwetting alarm.

How Do Bedwetting Alarms Work?

Bedwetting alarms usually have two parts, a sensor and an alarm. The sensor detects moisture as soon as the first few drops are spilled and sends a signal to the alarm, which alerts the user using a loud sound, bright light, vibration, or some combination of these. Children may need adults to wake them up the first few times if they are sleeping very deeply.

Since bedwetting can be caused by a variety of factors, bedwetting alarms seem to only work in about half the people who try them. It is important to note that for people who started wetting the bed in adulthood, bedwetting alarms will most likely not work, as this type of bedwetting likely has other causes such as weak pelvic muscles or a medical condition. The exception is adult bedwetters who never achieved nighttime dryness – bedwetting alarms will take longer to work but can still be used in these cases.

Bedwetting alarms come in three main styles: wearable, wireless, and bell-and-pad.

Types of Bedwetting Alarms

While all bedwetting alarms work with batteries and feature a closed electrical circuit that reacts as soon as there is even one drop of urine, there are advantages and disadvantages depending on the model you choose. Below we’ll discuss some of the most common models.

Wearable alarms

Wireless alarms

Bell-and-pad alarms

Wearable alarms

Wearable alarms can be clipped to the user’s pajamas, usually the shirt. The alarm is connected to the sensor with a wire, and the sensor is placed inside the underwear – some models even feature underwear with sensors built in. Wearable alarms are also effective at detecting an incident as soon as the first drops escape the person’s body, provided underwear is snug enough and the wearable alarm is strategically placed. Wearable alarms tend to be the most affordable.

Wireless alarms

Wireless alarms send a radio signal from the sensor to an alarm placed on the bedside table or clipped to the pajamas. Wireless alarms are often more comfortable because they don’t require any wires to be clipped to the user’s body, and there is less potential for accidentally disabling the alarm. Another benefit is that you can place the alarm across the room, forcing the sleeper to wake up fully if they want to go turn it off.

Bell-and-pad alarms

Bell-and-pad alarms have a sensor pad that goes under the user (usually under the fitted sheet). This sensor pad is connected to the alarm with a wire and usually works via a microprocessor. Bell-and-pad alarms are usually more popular with teens, who may feel awkward using a wearable alarm. Models with waterproof sensors have the added benefit of protecting the sheets and mattress.

Bedwetting Alarm Considerations

Different people will have different needs in a bedwetting alarm depending on age, lifestyle, bedwetting frequency, and budget. Here’s a list of things to consider when you’re shopping for a bedwetting alarm.

Safety

Corrosive cables, sensor pads that can cause skin irritation or allergies, or systems that use radio waves can all pose health risks. When in doubt about the safety of your alarm, look for certification by third parties like the FDA.

Size

Sensor pads should be big enough so that the user can sleep comfortably without worrying about rolling off. Some companies also make smaller sensors that can fit in wheelchairs. Ideally, wearable alarms will be small and discreet for use in sleepovers.

Features

Many alarms nowadays have multiple tones to prevent habituation, or options for bright lights and vibrations. Some also offer two-step turn-off, low battery, and disconnected sensor warnings, or different sensitivity levels. Fancy alarms will even have smartphone apps that help track progress and provide advice and motivation.

Volume

Volume control options make it possible to find a setting that wakes the user without waking the whole household. Some children may also appreciate vibrate-only options for sleepovers and camp.

Design

Within the different models of bedwetting alarms you’ll find varying designs. Look for a model that’s comfortable, safe, durable, and efficient. A clip that digs into you or a plastic pad that chafes against your skin won’t make you fall in love with your alarm and will make it more difficult to get a good night’s sleep.

Battery Power

Some alarms have removable batteries, battery-saving modes, or low battery alerts, which can come in handy and save you money on batteries.

Returns and Warranty Policy

Most bedwetting alarms cannot be returned once opened, for sanitary reasons. Alarms tend to come with average warranties of about one year, while sensor pads come with warranties of a few months.

Strategies for Preventing Bedwetting

Bedwetting is not something that can be solved overnight, but there are some things you can do to help improve your quality of life in the meantime. If you have any reason to believe that bedwetting is a symptom of an underlying medical condition, you should consult your healthcare provider.

Avoid caffeine and limit fluid intake before bed

Plan ahead

Positive reinforcement

Bladder-strengthening exercises

Medicine

Avoid caffeine and limit fluid intake before bed

Avoiding liquids before going to bed will put less pressure on your bladder and may help reduce bedwetting incidents. Throughout the day, stay hydrated but stay away from caffeine and other diuretics like coffee, tea, and soda.

Plan ahead

While it’s better to attack the problem at the root, there will be some cases (such as sleepovers) when you just can’t afford to wet the bed. For these occasions, it might be useful to use a mattress protector or absorbent underwear/pull-ups.

Positive reinforcement

Becoming frustrated with a child who wets the bed will only exacerbate the problem and stress out the child. Be supportive and reassure your child that it’s not their fault. Washing the sheets together (in a way that is not understood as punishment) can help normalize the incident and alleviate feelings of guilt in the child.

Bladder-strengthening exercises

Many people who wet the bed have weak bladder muscles. The National Association for Continence lists some kegel exercises that can help with incontinence.

Medicine

Most studies have found bedwetting alarms to be more effective than medicine in treating bedwetting, and medicine can have unwanted side effects. However, you might consider it if you haven’t had any luck with other methods.