Understanding Bed-Wetting Alarms: May 2016

Monday, May 16, 2016

Bedwetting Alarms Comparison - Wireless Alarms

The Complete and Most Comprehensive Guide to Bedwetting and Enuresis Alarms

An Easy-to-Read and Compare Chart of Every Important Bedwetting Alarm Sold in The U.S.

* Not restricted to only alarms sold by one seller or manufacturer. All important manufacturers are represented.
* Very detailed features are presented and discussed.
* Not restricted to only "good" features.
* Hard facts, presented objectively.
* Hidden and undisclosed facts about "bad" or inferior features and products are disclosed.
* Color coded to allow easy understanding of relative and absolute merits or demerits.
* Rational and straight-forward comparing of features - head to head - for more complete knowledge.
* Much more information about bedwetting alarms presented than on any seller or manufacturer's web site.
Important questions to ask:
* Why are sellers not disclosing complete information about their products?
* Why hide true facts?
* Why provide only selective information which is only “positive?”
* Why trick readers by exaggerating or even inventing what may be good, and avoid mentioning what is not good?
* Don’t readers deserve to be treated honestly and fairly with complete and correct information?
Bed-wetting and Enuresis Alarms Comparison and Review Chart

This comparison chart is color coded to make it easier to understand.
Good properties have a GREEN background		and Bad properties have RED
The intensity of the Green and Red colors indicate Better or Worse
Note: The criteria are typically stated so that a Yes answer is Good			and a NO answer is Bad.
Manufacturers usually do Not Provide information (NP) when this info would be bad. We consider NP to be Bad.

Wireless Bed-Wetting Alarms	DRI Sleeper Eclipse	DryBuddyFLEX w/ Magnetic & Briefs Sensors	DryBuddyFLEX with Magnetic Sensor Only	Malem Wireless MO12	Rodger Wireless
Convenience
Easy to use	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Easy to attach/detach alarm Sensor	NO	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Quick and easy to clean sensor	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Quick and easy to reuse sensor and system	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Alarm(s) can be remotely turned off and activated	NO	Yes	Yes	NO	NO
Comfort
Alarm sensor small	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Alarm sensor light weight	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
True wireless (No wires on patient. Only briefs and wireless sensor)	Yes	Yes	Yes	NO	Yes
Item attached to patient NOT Bulky/ Clumsy	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Flexibility & Mobility
Allows patient to move around Inside the House	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good
Alerting the Patient moving around Inside the House	Good	Very Good	Very Good	Good	Good
Allows patient to move around Outside and Near the House	Fair	Good	Good	Fair	Fair
Allerting the patient moving around Outside and Near the House	Fair	Good	Good	Fair	Fair
Allows patient to use and move in Public Places away from House	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO
Visual Privacy in Public - Not Visible by Public in Public Places	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO
Alerting Privacy in Public - Alert Not Noticeable by Public in Public Places	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO
Can be used with standard cotton underwear	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	NO
Can be used with special wetness sensing briefs	NO	Yes	Yes	NO	Yes
Can be used throughout the day	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	NO
Durability
Can be used many times > 300	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Can be used many times > 300 without supplies	NO	Yes	Yes	Yes	NO
Sensor is sturdy and will not break easily	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Effectiveness of Sensor/Transmitter
Sensor can be attached at point of urination	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Type of attachment of Sensor at Briefs	Sticky Pad	Snaps	Magnets	Clip	Snaps
How easy is it to attach the sensor?
Is the sensor/transmitter waterproof?	No	Yes	Yes	No	No
Sensor easy to clean?		Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Can the sensor be cleaned hygenically (with soap/alcohol)?	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Type of attachment of Sensor at Briefs	Sticky Pad	Snaps	Magnets	Clip	Snaps
Effectiveness of Alarm Receiver/Box
Sensor can be attached at point of urination	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Type of attachment of Sensor at Briefs	Sticky Pad	Snaps	Magnets	Clip	Snaps
Wakes up patient	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Wakes up caregiver with 2 alarms system	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Customer can Easily Program at Home to Add/Replace Alarm or Replace Sensor (or No Programming)	NO	Yes	Yes	NO	NO
Can easily change alerting device to suit user	Yes	Yes	Yes	NO	NO
Alarm Loudness of Receiver Speaker at 20 cms (8")	NP	97.2 dB	97.2 dB	NP	NP
Alarm Loudness of Aux. Speaker at 60 cms (2')	NP	91.5 dB	91.5 dB	NP	NP
Alarm Loudness of Aux. Speaker at 150 cms (5')	NP	82.5 dB	82.5 dB	NP	NP
Optional Audio Alarm unit added to receiver	NA	$17.99 FS	$17.99 FS	NA	NA
Optional Bed Shaker/Vibrating unit added to receiver (Very effective waking/alerting for patient)	NA	$21.99 FS	$21.99 FS	NA	$25.00
Max. External Alarms Attachable to each Receiver	0	1	1	0	1
Can have alarms at multiple locations in House	NO	Yes	Yes	NO	Yes
Can use multiple systems in same House	NO	Yes	Yes	NO	Yes
No practical distance limitations for alarms within home	NO	Yes	Yes	NO	NO
Wireless
Sensor and Transmitter are One Unit (not significantly apart)	Yes	NO	Yes	NO	NO
NO wires at all on patient	Yes	Briefs	Yes	NO	Briefs
NO wires from sensor to transmitter	Yes	Briefs	Yes	NO	Briefs
Remote Control Provided	NO	Yes	Yes	NO	NO
Receivers can be Further than the Wireless Transmission Distance of the Sensor/Transmitter	NO	Yes	Yes	NO	NO
Can every Receiver Transmit/Retransmit to other Receivers	NO	Yes	Yes	NO	NO
Weight
Sensor (by its self)	~ 2 oz.	~ 1 oz.	~ 1 oz.	~ 3 oz.	~ 1 oz.
Sensor and transmitter/alarm attached to patient	~ 2 oz.	~ 3 oz.	~ 1 oz.	~ 5 oz.	~ 5 oz.
Everything that needs to be attached to patient to make the system work	~ 2 oz.	~ 3 oz.	~ 1 oz.	~ 5 oz.	~ 5 oz.
Sensor size	Inches 2Lx1Wx0.35D +Pad	Wired Briefs - Sensor attached at waist	Inches 1.9Lx1.25Wx.5D +1.6 x.7x.2 Cap	Clip with 18" wire to sensor at waist	Wired Briefs - Sensor attached at waist
Transmitter size	Built into Sensor	Inches 1.9Lx1.25Wx.5D	Built into Sensor	Inches 1.75L x1.65W x.75D	Inches 1.625 Diam. x0.5D
Cost
Cost for complete One Alarm kit (1 Alarm & Sensor)	$152.00	$127.99	$94.99	$139.95	$129.95
Cost for complete Two Alarms kit (2 Alarms & Sensor)	NA	$167.99	$134.99	$189.95	$169.95
Additional alarm cost (Third Alarm, if Possible)	NA	$39.99 FS	$39.99 FS	NA	NA
Replacement Batteries NOT Required in Sensor/Transmitter/Receiver	NO	Yes	Yes	NO	NO
Replaceable Batteries in Sensor/Transmitter	Not Needed	Not Needed	Not Needed	1 12V A23	1 CR2032
Replaceable Batteries in Receiver	1 CR2354	Not Needed	Not Needed	2 AA	2 AAA
Replaceable Batteries in Remote Control	No Remote	1 CR2032	1 CR2032	No Remote	No Remote
Non-disposable supplies needed (which can wear out or "decay")	Sensor @ $60.00	Briefs @ $17.99 FS	$0.00	$0.00	Briefs @ $19.95
Disposable supplies needed regularly / set	Box Panty Liners $5.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
NO time & effort spent with supplies	NO	NO	Yes	Yes	NO
Warranty
Indicator of minimum useful life	1 Year	1 Year	1 Year	1 Year	1 Year
Certifications
Required Certifications Provided	NP	FCC, IC, CE	FCC, IC, CE	FCC, CE	NP
U.S. FDA Registered	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Wireless Bed-Wetting Alarms	DRI Sleeper Eclipse	DryBuddyFLEX w/ Magnetic & Briefs Sensors	DryBuddyFLEX with Magnetic Sensor Only	Malem Wireless MO12	Rodger Wireless

NP = Not Provided (Could not or would not provide)		NI = Not Included		NA = Not Applcable
Good properties have a GREEN background		and Bad properties have RED
The intensity of the Green and Red colors indicate Better or Worse
Note: The criteria are typically stated so that a Yes answer is Good			and a NO answer is Bad.
Manufacturers usually do Not Provide information (NP) when this info would be bad. We consider NP to be Bad.
Note: FS - Some Manufacturers offer Free Shipping on certain products. This is often Domestic U.S. only.
Please check with manufacturer for details. For costs: Lower price is better than higher price.
The above chart uses rational criteria to objectively evaluate many features of several commonly used Bed-Wetting and Enuresis Alarms,
as recommended in:
Selecting an Alarm
to provide a better understanding of what you are considering or getting.

Prices above are from manufacturer's (preferably) or major supplier's websites as of May 7, 2016.

All products/product names mentioned are trademarked and/or the property of their owners.

Bedwetting Alarms Comparison - Wired Bedwetting alarms

The Complete and Most Comprehensive Guide to Bedwetting and Enuresis Alarms

An Easy-to-Read and Compare Chart of Every Important Bedwetting Alarm Sold in The U.S.

* Not restricted to only alarms sold by one seller or manufacturer. All important manufacturers are represented.

* Very detailed features are presented and discussed.

* Not restricted to only "good" features.

* Hard facts, presented objectively.

* Hidden and undisclosed facts about "bad" or inferior features and products are disclosed.

* Color coded to allow easy understanding of relative and absolute merits or demerits.

* Rational and straight-forward comparing of features - head to head - for more complete knowledge.

* Much more information about bedwetting alarms presented than on any seller or manufacturer's web site.

Important questions to ask:

* Why are sellers not disclosing complete information about their products?

* Why hide true facts?

* Why provide only selective information which is only “positive?”

* Why trick readers by exaggerating or even inventing what may be good, and avoid mentioning what is not good?

* Don’t readers deserve to be treated honestly and fairly with complete and correct information?

Bed-wetting and Enuresis Alarms Comparison and Review Chart

This comparison chart is color coded to make it easier to understand.

Good properties have a GREEN background

and Bad properties have a RED background

The intensity of the Green and Red colors indicate Better or Worse

Manufacturers usually do Not Provide information (NP) because this data would be bad.

We consider NP to be

Wired Bed-Wetting Alarms

Chummie Premium

Chummie Elite

DRI Excel

DryBuddy EZ

DryBuddy EZ+

Dry Easy

Dry-Me

Malem M03

Malem Ultimate

Nytone / Dr. Madre

Rodger Clippo

Wet- Stop3

Convenience

Easy to attach/detach alarm Sensor

Yes

Quick and easy to clean Sensor

Yes

Quick and easy to reuse Sensor and system

Yes

Comfort

Alarm attaches to

Shirt

Arm

Shirt

How does the Alarm attach to Clothing

Clip

Velcro+ Safety- Pin

Clip or Safety- pin(s)

Clip

Clip or Safety- pin

Velcro Strip

Magnet

Clip/Attachment Grips Cloth Tightly without Damaging Cloth

Yes

Flexibility & Mobility

Allows patient to move around Inside the House

Poor

Fair

Allows patient to move around Outside and Near the House

Poor

Fair

Privacy in Public Places (Using & Alerting without being noticed by others)

Poor

Allows patient to move around anywhere in Public Places

Poor

Can be used with standard cotton underwear

Yes

Durability

Can be used many times > 300

Yes

Can be used many times > 300 without supplies

Yes

Sensor is sturdy and will not break/decay easily

Yes

Effectiveness of Sensor

Sensor can be attached at point of urination

Yes

Sensor Type

Pad

Clip

Magnetic

Clip

Type of Attachment at Briefs

Sticky Tape

Sticky Pad

Clip

Magnetic

Clip

Sensor Easy to Clean?

Yes

Sensor Easy to Dry?

Yes

Can the sensor be cleaned hygenically (with soap/alcohol)?

Strong No

Yes

How easy and convenient is it to attach and detach the sensor?

How firmly does the sensor attach to briefs?

Tape

Pad

Clip

Magnets

Clip

How firmy does the sensor remain attached during use?

How long is the sensor likely to last? (Warranty provided)

90 days

1 year

90 days

3 months

6 months

How easiy can the sensor get damaged or malfunction?

Chemical coating

Moving Parts

No Moving Parts

Moving Parts

NO additional disposable supplies needed (tape, pads, sewing, special pants, etc.) excluding batteries

Yes

NO time & effort spent with supplies

Yes

Connector from sensor cable to alarm box

3.5mm RCA

616E

RJ11

Firm connection from sensor cable to alarm box

Yes

Sensor Cable Length

29"

34" or 44"

34"

30"

38"

31"

36"

Effectiveness of Alarm box

Low Battery Indicator

Yes

Alarm Loudness at 4" (10 cms) from ear

90 db

Alarm Loudness at 8" (20 cms) from ear

87 db

85 dB

76.9 dB

Volume Control

Yes

Vol. Control (Continuous or Steps)

2-steps

Contin.

4-steps

Vibration

Yes

Sound + Vibration

Yes

Weight & Size

Size (of alarm box only)

2.5"L 2"W 0.75"H

2.2"L 2.2"W 1"H

2.25"L 1.5"W 0.5"H

2.75"L 1.75"W 0.87"H

2.4"L 2.3"W 0.63 H

2.5” L 1.75” W 0.8" H

1.6"L 1.6"W 0.8"H

2.1"L 2"W 0.8"H

1.75"L 2"W 0.8"H

2.5"L 2"W 0.6"H

1.75"L 2.75"W 1"H

Weight of Alarm box only (No clip or batteries)

1 oz.

Weight of Alarm box with clip and batteries

2 oz.

2.1 oz.

2 oz.

Shipping Weight

8 oz.

4.3 oz.

5 oz.

7 oz.

8 oz.

8 oz

8 oz.

Total sensor and connector wire weight

0.5 oz

2.0 oz

0.7 oz.

1 oz.

0.7 oz.

Cost

Cost for complete kit (Alarm & Sensor)

$99.99

$79.95

$69.95

$29.99 FS

$36.99 FS

$49.95

$84.99

$99.95

$34.99 / $44.99

$59.95

$35.00

Cost for extra sensor

$19.95

$29.00 FS

$12.99 FS

$17.49 FS

$16.00

$15.00

$19.00

$12.00

$15.00

Batteries Required Approx. mAh (Power Capacity)

2 AAA (2400)

4 LR44 (660)

2 AAA (2400)

3 A76 (360)

2 AAA (2400)

2 CR2025 (320)

2 AAA (2400)

2 AAA NI (2400)

Warranty

Alarm Box

1 Year

6 months

1 Year

30 Days

1 Year

Sensor

90 days

90 Days

1 Year

90 Days

6 months

Certifications

Certifications Provided

U.S. FDA Registered

Yes

Wired Bed-Wetting Alarms

Chummie Premium

Chummie Elite

DRI Excel

DryBuddy EZ

DryBuddy EZ+

Dry Easy

Dry-Me

Malem M03

Malem Ultimate

Nytone / Dr. Madre

Rodger Clippo

Wet- Stop3

NP = Not Provided (Could not or would not provide)

NI = Not Included

NA = Not Applcable

Note: The criteria are typically stated so that a Yes answer is Good

and a NO answer is

The intensity of the Green and Red colors indicate Better or Worse

Manufacturers usually provide information that is Good and do Not Provide (NP) information which would be bad.

We consider NP to be Bad.

Note: FS - Some Manufacturers offer Free Shipping on certain products. This is often Domestic U.S. only.

Please check with manufacturer for details. For costs: Lower price is better than higher price.

The above chart uses rational criteria to objectively evaluate many features of several commonly used Bed-Wetting and Enuresis Alarms,

as recommended in:

Selecting an Alarm

This is a very convenient side-by-side chart to review and compare different bedwetting alarms, to provide a better understanding

of what you are considering or getting.

Prices above are from manufacturer's (preferably) or major supplier's websites as of May 7, 2016.

All products/product names mentioned are trademarked and/or the property of their owners.