DryBuddyEZ+ - FAQ

The DryBuddyEZ was designed as an effective value-oriented design with patented dual features to attach the alarm box to clothing. It uses a stainless steel clip similar to many other alarms. We then adopted our patented magnetic wetness sensor to serve as a wired sensor with the same alarm box and called it the DryBuddyEZ+.

We recommend that the patient wear Pull-Ups or diapers to "protect" the clip and keep the clip from having substantial pressure placed on it by the body moving across the mattress. Many parents like to use Pull-Ups or diapers over the briefs and clip to absorb excess urine and not allow other clothing and bedclothes from getting soaked. The alarm will still wake the patient when he wets, but the clip is "protected" and will not have undue stress placed on it. And, of course, everything on the outside stays dry. It is the alarm sounding when the patient wets that helps condition the patient to recognize signs of a full bladder. So the outer protective briefs will not hinder the learning process.

An outer pair of briefs over the clip can also help protect the clip from getting "rubbed or knocked" off. Pajama pants will also help. But they will not provide the urine absorption and protection of the Pull-Ups or diapers.

The DryBuddyEZ generates 87dB of sound at a distance of 20 cms (8"), and 90 dB at a distance of 10 cms (4") from the ear. Audiologists recommend that sustained louder sounds over 85 dB could harm a child's hearing. The volume can be adjusted using the built-in volume control. The alarm sound is temporary and not high enough to cause injury. Your child may be one who does not wake up to this sound and needs additional stimulus or action by the parent or caregiver.

Please keep in mind that parental or caregiver involvement with the child is essential to help the child overcome bed wetting. This is particularly true when the alarm is first being used, as the child is not yet accustomed to hearing it. We recommend that a caregiver go to the child immediately, upon the alarm sounding, and make certain that the child is awake, and help with the child's voiding of urine, and the cleanup and other procedures that may require to be done. As the child gets more accustomed to the alarm and sensing bladder pressure, the child may handle matters more adequately on his/her own. But prompt parental checking and involvement is essential to help in the child being responsive to the alarm.

Please remember that a bedwetting alarm is intended to alarm when wetness reaches its sensor. If wetness does not reach the sensor, the device will not alarm. The alarm is NOT responsible for waking the child or patient or making the patient get up, go to the toilet, clean up, and perform other activities. Children often do not want to get up and will ignore the alarm.

The parent or caregiver must be responsible for making certain that the child or patient is responsive when the alarm sounds, and wakes up and does the needful.

A possibility, and one that has been encountered before on many occasions, is that the child does not wish to be woken up by the alarm, and intentionally turns it off. This situation is one that the parent(s) will have to deal with.

A user suggested her successful method for motivating her child to stop turning the alarm off. "What worked with my son (who is 7) was a bit of stick along with all the carrots. I told him that if he wetted at night and I found that he had switched the alarm off, he would be doing some of the yucky work of cleaning his mess. This was enough motivation for him to stop turning it off.”

The following is excerpted from https://bed-wettingalarms.com/about-bedwetting-alarms-understanding-and-using/

How a Bedwetting Alarm Works:

All bedwetting alarms work on a simple principal. If an electrical insulator such as air or dry briefs separates two electrical conductors having a small voltage across them, this results in an electrical open circuit. So no current will flow between the conductors to any electric circuit to which they are attached. When the insulator (briefs) gets wet, electricity flows more easily between the two conductors, and this triggers the sensor to create the alert. Urine contains electrolytes (salts) which makes it a better conductor of electricity than plain water. Better alarms will distinguish between water and urine (or salt water). Better alarms can also distinguish between a “rush” or quick increase of urine as opposed to a slow increase in wetness as may be caused by perspiration. Always remember that if the urine does not reach the activating part of the sensor, the alarm cannot “know” that it should alert.

This should explain why the alarm can only respond when urine reaches the activating part of the sensor, which is the gap between the 2 magnetic pads on our magnetic sensor. When using regular cotton briefs, the wetness must reach the sensing area of the sensor quickly. With the DryBuddy wetness sensing briefs, the wetness must reach anywhere between two adjacent wires. As these wires extend over a large part of the briefs, the sensing area is much larger than with regular briefs and wetness gets sensed much more readily.

Because we have built in perspiration resistance in our system, the system will not respond to a gradual increase in wetness as is caused by perspiration. The wetness must come “in a rush.” This should explain why the system may not respond if your child discharges urine away from the sensor, and the discharge is small enough so that it does not percolate quickly through the material of the briefs. Also, if there is any wetness in the briefs when the sensor is attached, the sensor can sense a sudden increase of wetness from nothing to something and get triggered.

To attach the clip properly to the briefs, it is very important that the cloth of the briefs be folded and pushed all the way into the mouth of the open clip before the clip is closed. If the cloth is placed loosely (not completely inserted) in the mouth of the clip, the clip may not grab it adequately. If you are placing the clip outside both layers of the "pocket" on male briefs, please be certain that both layers are folded and inserted into the mouth of the clip, and caught by the clip when it is closed. Only one fold is required. Forcing multiple folds into the clip can damage the clip. Check that the clip is holding the briefs properly by pulling on the head of the clip, and not pulling the wire. Please do not pull so hard that you might damage the clip or the briefs. If you decide to use some form of diaper to hold in excess fluid, please do not attempt to attach the clip to the diaper. The clip must be attached to the briefs, and the diaper be worn over that.

For male briefs with a “pocket,” place the sensor inside the pocket with the magnets facing the skin. For all briefs or other clothing, the magnetic “cap” is placed on the inner side of the briefs, and clamps the magnetic sensor to the briefs using magnetic force.

For DryBuddy wetness sensing briefs, the sensor is attached at the waist-band using snaps.

If you decide to use some form of diaper (for example, Pull-ups) to hold in excess fluid, please do not attempt to attach the sensor to the diaper. The area between the two magnets must get wet, which they won't if attached to pull-ups. We recommend attaching the sensor to regular cotton briefs or DryBuddy wetness sensing briefs, and then wearing pull-ups over them. This way the sensor gets wet and the alarm should sound.

The DryBuddy magnetic sensors will work best when used with firm-fitting underwear. The perspiration resistance designed into DryBuddy sensors can result in the sensor not responding to slow moisture seepage in the material of the briefs. Positioning the sensor where the urine is discharged is important. Firm-fitting underwear allows the discharged urine to fall on or get to the sensor faster than may happen with loose-fitting underwear. We recommend not using boxers, pajama pants or any other type of loose-fitting wear to which the sensor may be attached. A firm fit is when the attached sensor makes contact with the body, and does not sag or stay away from the body. To keep the fit firm, another set of firm briefs or diaper-like devices can be worn over the briefs with the attached sensor. Please understand that urine must reach the sensor quickly in order to get consistent triggering of the sensor.

Please note that almost all bedwetting alarms have a sensor that activates on a small area where the sensor is attached and which must get wet to trigger the sensor. Almost all bedwetting alarms will trigger with wetness creeping through the briefs as they are not perspiration resistant and will respond to perspiration and other false wetness. Such triggers are often late as the wetness has to seep through the cloth of the briefs. If you have issues with a male patient who is not releasing urine near the sensor, please consider using the optional DryBuddy wetness sensing briefs which will work with the DryBuddy2, DryBuddy1 or DryBuddyFLEX. These unique and patented briefs have a very large wetness sensing area which will consistently sense the urine, regardless of the direction of its emission, and sense it immediately.

For a mechanical Clip Sensor (as used in the DryBuddyEZ 2):

The clip “jaws” at the top of the sensor can come together when the clip is closed, unless there is dry cloth to separate the ends. If so, the alarm will sound, and should. This is similar to when there is wet cloth between the clip ends so some electricity passes through indicating that the cloth is wet.

Making certain that you have a dry sensor clip, please open the clip by raising the lever. This keeps the “jaws” apart. Now when you connect the sensor to the alarm box, it should not sound. If this is so, everything is O.K.

For a Magnetic Sensor (as used in the DryBuddyEZ+ 2 or DryBuddyEZ+):

If there is any moisture between the two magnetic pads, the sensor will trigger the alarm. Please dry the sensor thoroughly between the magnetic pads.

Attach the alarm to the pajama/night shirt so that it is quite close to an ear and can be heard easily. Also place it where the vibrations can be felt properly. Try and place the alarm so that it minimizes the length of the sensor cable leading from the alarm to its insertion under the night shirt. A shorter cable is preferable since it reduces possible entanglement and discomfort.

If loudness is not particularly important for the user, and the nightshirt has a chest pocket, placing the alarm box in the shirt pocket can be very comfortable and also keeps the alarm box steady during body movement.

The DryBuddyEZ was intentionally designed to provide the user with two different options to attach the alarm to the night shirt. Not only do these options provide more convenience, but also allow the user to place the alarm on different parts of the night shirt.

This depends on the preferences of the user. Use what is most comfortable.

The clip is easier to use and very effective if the alarm is to be worn at the neck/collar.

The safety-pin will hold the alarm in place and the alarm can be located wherever it is desired on the shirt. It may be a little more difficult for a younger person to use.

For some users, wearing the alarm on a shirt sleeve is comfortable. Or on the back if the user sleeps on his/her stomach. In this instance, it may be a good idea for you to get a second safety-pin and attach it to the alarm like the first pin but on the opposite side. The two safety-pins can hold the alarm quite securely to the sleeve of the shirt or any other location. No need to use an arm-strap or any other special attachment device! When attached to the shirt sleeve, if the sleeve is loose, vibration will not be an effective choice when selecting the mode of the alarm.

When installing the plastic holding clip onto the back of the alarm box by sliding it in, push the base of the clip in till you hear one "click," and then push it further till you hear a second "click." With this second "click" the rear bottom edge of the plastic clip has slipped over a "catch" ridge on the middle at the end of the alarm box. Now it is held firmly in place, and should not slip off easily.

If, on installing the plastic clip, it can be easily pulled out, you have not pushed the clip in all the way till the second "click" and it has not been installed properly.

Looking at the DryBuddyEZ video, this can be quickly noticed at about 36 seconds into the video.

To trigger the alarm, the urine must wet the briefs at the point at which the sensor clip has been attached. If the briefs are wet elsewhere, the sensor cannot "sense" that wetting has occurred.

Using cooking salt (sodium chloride) prepare a salt water solution in a cup. Attach the connected end of the sensor to the DryBuddyEZ alarm box and switch the alarm ON. Dip the end of the clip where the “jaws” come together, or both magnets of the magnetic sensor into the salt water. The alarm should sound.

Urine contains certain electrolyte salts which results in urine being a better conductor of electricity than water. The sensor will not reliably detect water. If you want to conduct a "wet" test, add some common salt (sodium chloride) to some water, and use this salty solution for your test.

We recommend cleaning the DryBuddy sensor by hand using hand soap. Liquid hand soap or dish-washing soap are both convenient for cleaning, as is using a soft sponge. Do NOT use any abrasive or scouring cleaning solution, pad or brush. Clean gently, without applying much pressure.

For the clip sensor, rinse the clip end and use gently use soap as needed. After rinsing the soap away, dry using a soft cloth. Be certain to remove any water that may be inside the clip including the end to which the wire is attached. Sometimes, jerking the clip sharply can help to remove some water inside the clip. If this is not successful, open the clip and use a hair dryer on a warm air setting and to dry it.

For the magnetic sensor and its cap, the flat surfaces make it very easy and convenient to clean and dry. When drying the sensor and cap, nominal trace water wetness is acceptable and should not affect the performance of the sensor, as the sensor will not turn on unless there is adequate urine on the cloth between the two magnet sensor points.

Do not use any cleanser that contains any oil or petroleum products which could place an electrically insulating film over the clip, magnet sensors or snaps.

The DryBuddyEZ series uses two AAA alkaline batteries which are provided. Replacement batteries are purchased by the user, They are inexpensive and easily available.

Place the sensor near the point of urination. For a boy place it about one inch below in either horizontal or vertical position. For a girl place it in the crotch vertically.

The magnetic sensor is much easier to use and clean. It is the easiest sensor to attach and detach, and this can be done in the dark. It attaches very firmly to the briefs. It is very easy to clean and dry, having flat surfaces and no moving parts. It is very unlikely to break and has a one year limited warranty.

No. The magnetic sensor holds much more firmly and is very unlikely to break.

If the alarm sounds immediately when the sensor is attached to briefs, the briefs are wet where the sensor is attached. The system is designed to be responsive to a quick increase in wetness. So if there is no wetness (the dry sensor not attached to anything) and then there is a quick increase even to a little wetness (the sensor being attached to briefs that may have even a little wetness in them) the system sees a big jump in wetness from nothing to something and gets triggered.  If the briefs are truly dry, they will not trigger the sensor when it is attached. Unless there is wetness across the sensing gap in the sensor, the sensor cannot be triggered. This wetness can be introduced when wearing the briefs, for example having wet hands or having some wetness in the groin area which the briefs absorb quickly.

If the sensor is defective so that it triggers when there is no wetness across the sensing gap, the sensor’s battery would be depleted within three to four days, as the sensor would get triggered every two minutes. The sensor would then stop working. If the sensor is triggering, this indicates that the sensor is working.

In the case of the DryBuddy briefs, as with the magnetic pads on the sensor, the wetness must come “in a rush.” These briefs, and the sensor, are very sensitive to even a little urine “suddenly” being sensed. We, and our many users, have found that if the briefs are truly dry, attaching the sensor does not trigger the alarm. However if, when putting on the briefs, any moisture is placed on them (for example hands that are not fully dry, or a drop of urine or wetness is on or around the penis or crotch), when the sensor is attached the sensor sees a sudden increase in wetness and activates the alarm.

You can test the dryness of the briefs by attaching the sensor to them. If they are truly dry, the alarm will not get triggered. We would suggest doing this while the dry briefs are on a dry table and not being worn. If the sensor is not triggered, then the briefs are dry, and leaving the sensor attached to the dry briefs should not trigger the alarm indefinitely, unless some moisture is introduced.

If the alarm is triggered and it appears that the briefs are not wet, it is very likely that some moisture has been introduced. Even a drop of moisture can trigger the sensor. The wetness sensing briefs are even more sensitive to sensing wetness than standard briefs due to the large and more sensitive wetness sensing area.

A quick way to check whether the briefs are wet is to disconnect the sensor from the briefs, and then reattach the sensor at the same spot where it is being triggered. After the two minutes built-in pause, the sensor will trigger if the briefs are wet.

This same test can be performed by not detaching the sensor. After the alarm has been turned OFF to silence the alarm, switch it ON again after two minutes. The alarm will trigger if there is wetness on the briefs.

This can happen with any sensor. A possible deterrent is to use Pull-Ups or diapers over the briefs to which the sensor is attached. This can prevent accidentally detaching or displacing any sensor. It can also help absorb any excess urine at the time of the "accident."

No. We only ship and support our products from our Savannah, GA location.

This depends on where you live. You may have to pay whatever taxes apply in your location.

In the U.S.: USPS (U.S. Postal Service) or FedEx (Federal Express).

To Nations outside the U.S.: USPS (U.S. Postal Service).

S8270 is a valid 2019 HCPCS code for Enuresis alarm, using auditory buzzer and/or vibration device or just “Enuresis alarm” for short. This is used for Medicare, Medicaid, and several other third-party payers.

S8270 has been in effect since 07/01/2005. It is often used as a CPT code for general medical insurance. Please verify this with your insurer.

We attempt to process every order within one business day of receiving the order.

This depends on your delivery location and your desired shipping preference.

Yes, but it must clear our financial institution prior to shipping your order. This can take several days.

We accept major credit cards (VISA, Master Card, Discover, and American Express) on our site at www.DryBuddy.com. PayPal and checks.are also accepted, but the order would have to be placed by telephone.

Yes, but all our support technician will do is fill out the online order form for you. You will still need a valid email address and payment method.

We have been in business since 2003.

DryBuddy, and its parent company, Enuresis Solutions, LLC are located in Savannah, Georgia.

Email is the best. Telephone is often time consuming. For detailed or complicated questions a telephone conversation may be necessary.

Email:Service@DryBuddy.com

Telephone: 912-352-8854

Telephone support is generally available on Business Weekdays from 9:30 a.m. till 4 p.m. Eastern Time.

When the sensor is attached to underwear that is wet with urine, the sensor will send an ON signal to the receiver, which switches the alarm ON. The alarm is turned off by pressing the OFF button on the receiver.

Please remember that all DryBuddy systems are designed to work with urine, and not plain water.

For the DryBuddy+ with a magnetic sensor, please immerse the sensor's two magnets into salt water, and not plain or tap water.

For the DryBuddyEZ with a clip sensor, please immerse the ends of the sensor's clip (where the two clip ends come together) into salt water, and not plain or tap water.