What sensor should my child use?

A bedwetting alarm system consists of 2 components: the alarm and the sensor. The sensor detects the first drop of urine and the alarm alerts your child to wake up when this happens. We’ve previously discussed the key things to consider when choosing a bedwetting alarm but it is also important to make sure that the sensor you choose is the right one for your child.

Easy-Clip Sensor

The Easy-Clip Sensor is the most popular Malem sensor. It can attach to ANY underwear, which helps your child to feel comfortable wearing a bedwetting alarm. It’s also very easy to use.

It’s important to place the sensor in the area where moisture is likely to be detected first. Lifting the lever on the sensor opens the “jaws” of the sensor, through which a fold of the underwear’s fabric can be inserted. Lowering the lever secures the clip - the Easy-Clip sensor is very secure and allows your child to sleep as normal.

The Easy-Clip sensor is very sensitive and detects the first drops of urine, setting off the alarm. When the alarm sounds, the lever should be lifted again and the reset button pressed on the alarm. The Easy-Clip sensor should be rinsed in soapy water (but not fully immersed) and carefully shaken dry.

Because this is such a popular sensor, an Easy-Clip sensor is included with all Malem Wearable alarms sold by The Bedwetting Doctor and also comes attached to the Wireless MO12 alarm.

Standard Sensor

The standard sensor is also compatible with all Malem Wearable alarms. The flat sensor plate can be placed in between 2 pairs of underwear. Alternatively, a sanitary pad can be cut to make an opening, through which the flat sensor plate can be placed. The sensor comes with a crocodile clip, which can be used to hold the sensor in place. Again, the sensor is extremely sensitive and will send a signal to the alarm on detection of the first signs of moisture. After wetting, the sensor should be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

Bed-Mat

A bed-mat sensor is ideal for children that do not want anything attached to them whilst they sleep. The bed-mat is a flat, sheet-like sensor that is placed between the mattress and the bed sheet, in the area in which wetting is likely to occur. It has a long cable attached (2.2m), which connects to an alarm that is placed on the bedside table.

The bed-mat comes with the MO6 bed-side alarm, but it can also be purchased separately and used with any of the Malem wearable bedwetting alarms. It is important that any alarm that is connected to a bed-mat is not worn by the child, however (even if it is a “wearable alarm”). Instead, the alarm should be placed on a bedside table (if an audio setting is selected) or beneath the pillow (if the vibrate setting is selected). The bed-mat should be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

Conclusion

All these Malem sensors can be used by boys and girls, making them some of the most versatile bedwetting sensors available. Additionally, they all allow the child to wear their own underwear, which ensures comfort. All bedwetting alarms sold by The Bedwetting Doctor come with a sensor so that they are ready to use straight away - the wearable alarms come with an Easy-Clip sensor, the Malem MO12 wireless has an Easy-Clip sensor inbuilt into its transmitter, whilst the MO6 bed-side alarm comes with a bed-mat sensor.

If a bedwetting alarm is to be used by more than one child, additional sensors should be purchased in order to obey the “one sensor per child” rule. Additionally, if your child wants to try using a different type of sensor, or if your sensor gets damaged, this can be purchased separately. This compatibility table summarises which sensors can be used with the different Malem bedwetting alarms:

Red tick shows sensor that is provided with the alarm when purchased from The Bedwetting Doctor

* If using a bed-mat with a wearable alarm, it is important that instead of the alarm being worn on the pyjama top, it is instead placed on a bedside table or under the pillow.

+ Easy-Clip sensor is attached to the transmitter unit.