Urine output determination from superabsorbent and regular diapers under radiant heat.

The rate of water evaporation from diapers was determined by sequential weights of open and closed regular diapers and of open superabsorbent diapers in three different environments--radiant heater at 100% heater output, radiant heater at 50% heater output, and room air. In all three environments, evaporation was greatest with open regular diapers, less with open superabsorbent diapers, and least with closed regular diapers. Evaporation was greatest under the radiant heater with 100% heater output, less under the radiant heater with 50% heater output, and least in room air. An open, regular diaper under 100% heater output lost 45% of its water after one hour and 85% had evaporated after two hours. Smaller volumes of water demonstrated a larger percentage of evaporation than larger volumes. Recommendations are made for the use of (1) either open, superabsorbent diapers or closed, regular diapers, (2) prompt weights after urination, and (3) accurate and precise scales.