Alarm Updates

Two new alarms came on the market in 2006. I haven't had a chance to use them extensively, but both alarms worked very well in preliminary tests. The Wet-Stop Wireless is available at PottyMD.com and the Rodger Wireless Bedwetting Alarm System is available at the bedwettingstore.com.

Wet-Stop Wireless
The Wet-Stop Wireless has two parts-a disc-shaped sensor that goes in the child's underpants and a separate battery-powered alarm unit. The sensor can be attached to the child's briefs with small metal snaps that come with the device or parents can place the sensor inside a panty liner that is attached to the child's briefs. (The snaps present a choking hazard for young children, so parents need to be very careful when the alarm is not in use.) The alarm unit is suitably loud and easy to use because it does not require an outlet. It should be placed on the other side of the room so children have to get out of bed to turn it off. This makes it less likely that a child will shut off the device and go right back to sleep.

Rodger Wireless Bedwetting Alarm System
The Rodger bedwetting alarm uses specially designed briefs that are embedded with thin wires (the wires are contained within the fabric so they do not touch the child's skin). A small wireless transmitter attaches to the waistband with snaps. When a child wets at night, the wireless signal activates a separate alarm unit that is plugged into a wall outlet. The alarm unit has a volume control, which allows families to adjust the sound. The child needs to get out of bed to turn off the alarm unit.

Malem Alarms
Malem alarms received my highest rating in the book (see page 107). You can listen to all of the sound options that come with Malem alarms by visiting their website: www.malem.co.uk..

The clip-on sensor that comes with Malem wearable alarms has recently been improved. The new version has a slight upturn at the end of the switch that unhooks the sensor. This will make it easier for children to turn off their alarm at night.

WetiX Alarms
The manufacturer of the WetiX alarm came out with a new model, the WetiX 102, in the summer of 2005. This alarm works like the original model, though it is slightly smaller. Unfortunately, my experience with this product is not positive. The model I received for review was defective and two patients who purchased the alarm could not get it to work consistently. Because of these problems, I cannot give the alarm an enthusiastic rating at this time.

Wet-Stop 2
This model came out shortly before my book went to press. Although it's better than the original Wet-Stop in some ways, the clip-on sensor is very difficult to use. The manufacturer tried to correct this problem, but the "improved" clip still has problems.