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Uresta reusable bladder support, the best alternative to Poise Impressa.

Poise Impressa Is Discontinued: What Former Users Need to Know

If you’ve noticed it’s getting harder to track down Poise Impressa, there’s a reason: in early 2026, it was confirmed that Poise Impressa has been discontinued. The manufacturer, Kimberly-Clark, has stopped production of the device entirely.

If you are a regular user, you might feel like an "Impressa refugee". For many, this wasn’t just a product; it was a reliable, over-the-counter way to manage bladder leaks without resorting to bulky, uncomfortable pads. Unlike mainstream absorbent options—such as pads—that simply catch leaks, Impressa was a bladder support that was inserted vaginally to support the urethra and prevent leaks from happening in the first place.

For someone used to that level of confidence and cleanliness, going back to a pad feels like a step backward. Losing a tool that works with your body, rather than just managing the mess, is a significant setback. This guide explains what happened, what to do with your remaining supply, and how to find a replacement that uses the same physical mechanism.

 

What Was Poise Impressa?

Poise Impressa bladder supports were disposable, tampon-like vaginal inserts designed specifically for stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

SUI is the term for bladder leaks that occur when physical pressure or "stress" is placed on the bladder. This commonly happens during activities such as:

  • Coughing or sneezing
  • Laughing
  • Running or jumping
  • Lifting heavy objects

The Impressa bladder support worked by being inserted vaginally, much like a tampon. However, instead of absorbing fluid, it was engineered to provide physical pressure against the wall of the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). By supporting the urethra, the device helped keep it closed during those moments of physical stress, effectively "bracing" the bladder neck to prevent leaks. It was available in three different sizes and was sold over the counter, making it a highly accessible option for self-managed care.

The most important benefit of the Impressa product was that it prevented leaks from happening, giving women back their control and confidence. By stopping the leaks at the source, women no longer had to worry about odor, unexpected accidents, or the dampness and discomfort that come with using pads.

 

Why Was Poise Impressa Discontinued?

The disappearance of Impressa Poise products has left many users searching for answers. Kimberly-Clark, the manufacturer of Poise, has confirmed that the product line has been discontinued, though they have not provided a detailed public explanation for the decision.

While you may still see some Poise Impressa sizing kits or individual sizes available on third-party sites like eBay or Amazon, keep in mind that this is remaining inventory. These supplies are finite, and like all medical-grade products, they have expiration dates. Relying on dwindling stock is a temporary fix for a long-term need.

We’ve welcomed many women who previously used Impressa, and we often hear the same feedback: Uresta feels like an upgrade in several key ways.

 

What to Look for in a Replacement

When you are looking for a new bladder support device, it is important to choose something that matches—or even improves upon—the product you are losing. Here are the criteria you should use to evaluate a potential replacement:

Leak Prevention vs. Absorption

The primary reason women loved Impressa was that it prevented leaks from happening in the first place. A true alternative must be an internal support that stops leaks before they start. This eliminates the concerns around odor, skin irritation, and discomfort that often come with wearing wet pads.

Reusability and Sustainability

While Impressa was a single-use, disposable product, many women are now looking toward reusable options. A reusable device is not only better for the environment but also much easier on your wallet over time.

Over-the-Counter Accessibility

One of the best features of the Poise Impressa line was that you didn't need a prescription or a doctor’s appointment to get it. A good alternative should be just as easy to acquire, allowing you to manage your health on your own schedule.

Clinical Evidence and Safety

Impressa was an FDA-cleared device. Any replacement you choose should meet the same high standards. Look for products that are backed by peer-reviewed clinical trials and have formal clearance from regulatory bodies like the FDA or Health Canada.

Material and Comfort

Many women noted in their reviews of Impressa that the device could be drying to vaginal tissues, making it uncomfortable to extract. This was because Impressa was made of an absorbent material. Material is an especially important consideration for women experiencing vaginal dryness, which is a common side effect of menopause.

All-Day Protection

Because Poise Impressa featured absorbent components, it carried a risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), which limited wear time to a maximum of 12 hours. A better alternative would be made of non-absorbent, medical-grade material to lower the risk of TSS and allow the device to be worn for longer periods, if needed.

Multiple Sizes

Because every woman’s anatomy is unique, a "one-size-fits-all" approach rarely works for bladder support. A replacement should offer a range of sizes to ensure you get the right level of support to stop your leaks effectively.

 

The Best Alternative: Uresta

If you are looking for a direct, over-the-counter replacement for Poise Impressa bladder supports, the Uresta bladder support is the most effective clinical alternative available.

Uresta is a reusable, medical-grade pessary—a term for a device inserted into the vagina to support its internal structure. Like Impressa, Uresta is designed specifically for stress urinary incontinence. It works through the same mechanical principle: it is inserted vaginally to provide firm support for the urethra, preventing urine from escaping when you laugh, sneeze, or exercise.

 

Why Uresta is the Logical Next Step

Uresta offers several distinct advantages for former Impressa users:

  • Proven Clinical Success: Uresta is supported by multiple peer-reviewed studies that validate its effectiveness for real-world use.
    • In the 12-month Compliance with Uresta (CURE) study, 97% of women saw a reduction in their leaks and 92% felt more confident in their daily activities (Campbell et al., 2023).
    • Additionally, in a randomized controlled trial (the SURE study), 86% of women noted a significant reduction in their leaks (Lovatsis et al., 2017).

  • FDA Cleared & Health Canada Licensed: It meets the same rigorous safety standards as the products you are used to using.

  • Superior Sizing Options: While Impressa offered three sizes, Uresta offers five. This allows for a much more "custom" fit. You can find your ideal size using a Starter Kit, which lets you test different levels of support at home.
  • Reusable and Sustainable: Unlike Impressa, which was a one-time-use product, Uresta is reusable and washable, making it much more environmentally friendly.

  • Cost-Efficiency: Because Uresta is reusable for a full year, the math is significantly more favorable. If you were spending roughly $1.50 per disposable Impressa support daily, you were likely spending over $500 a year. Uresta provides 365 days of support for a fraction of that cost.
  • Non-Drying and Odorless: Uresta is made of a medical-grade, non-absorbent material. Unlike disposable inserts, it doesn’t dry out vaginal tissues, making insertion and removal much more comfortable. Because it doesn't have an absorbent string, it also has a lower risk of odor.
  • Full-Day Protection: Uresta can be used all day and doesn’t carry the same risk of TSS, given that the material is non-absorbent.
  • Accessible: No prescription or doctor's visit is required.
  • Globally Recognized Excellence: Uresta has been highlighted by major global publications for its design and effectiveness. It was recently named one of the Most Innovative Companies of 2026 by Fast Company, ranking #6 in the medical device category, and received a special mention in TIME’s Best Inventions.

 

Finding Your Fit

When transitioning to Uresta, the goal is to find the size that stops your leaks while still allowing you to urinate normally without removing the device. We recommend starting with the Uresta Starter Kit to find your size, as the sizing scales between Impressa and Uresta are not comparable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the alternatives to Impressa? +
The closest alternative is Uresta, as it is an over-the-counter internal support device. Other options include traditional absorbent pads or liners, which only absorb leaks, or Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy (PT). While PT is excellent for long-term muscle strengthening, many women use a bladder support device like Uresta to stay dry, while they rehab their pelvic floor or extra support when needed (like exercise).
Why is Impressa not sold in stores? +
Poise Impressa has been discontinued by the manufacturer. While you may occasionally find old stock in some pharmacies or through online resellers, these are no longer being produced, and once the current supply is gone, it will not be replenished. It is important to be mindful of expiration dates.
Does Poise Impressa work? +
Yes, it was a very effective device for many women. It worked by providing physical support to the urethra. Uresta works by this exact same mechanism, which is why it is the most recommended transition for women who are currently frustrated by the discontinuation of Impressa.
How long can Impressa be worn? +
Impressa was cleared for up to12 hours of use. Because Uresta is made of non-absorbent, medical-grade material and lacks a cotton string, it can be worn for up to 24 hours, making it a more flexible option.

Moving Forward Without Leaks

Losing a product that gave you your confidence back is a setback, but it doesn't mean you have to go back to wearing pads. The transition from a disposable insert to a reusable bladder support is a simple one that often results in better comfort and significant cost savings.

The Uresta Starter Kit includes multiple sizes so you can find the right fit at home, without a clinic visit. If you have questions before you order, our full FAQ covers the most common technical and sizing concerns to help you get back to your active life without the worry of leaks.

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