The Difference Between Adult Pocket, AIO, and AI2 Cloth Diapers

Adult pocket and All-in-one (AIO) diapers have long been a popular way to manage incontinence, thanks to their simplicity of use. But what is the difference between them? And what is an All-in-two (AI2). To be fair, I have yet to come across a true AI2 adult diaper version. However, many adult products use some features of the AI2. Understanding the difference between these can help you figure out which type of diaper will work best for you.

To make matters more obscure, features from these different styles are not relegated to one style only. For example, Ecoable’s pocket diaper has the option for a snap-in soaker (reminiscent of the AI2). Some diapers have both sewn-in absorbency AND a pocket for stuffing additional inserts.

As for the double gussets, any of these styles of diapers may or may not have them.

Honestly, in my opinion, I think it’s a delicate balance between maximizing absorbency without grossly increasing drying time. So there’s certainly nothing wrong with mixing features!

For a list of adult pocket and AIO diapers, check out 8 Best Adult Pocket and AIO Diapers.

What is a Pocket Diaper

While a pocket diaper has one defining feature – a pocket – it also has other aspects that differentiate it from an AIO or AI2. Since the absorbent inserts are separate from the shell, inserts can be dried quickly on medium/high heat and the shells can be line dried or dried on low.

One of the biggest pluses of the pocket diaper is that it is readily available from a variety of online stores AND comes in a wide price range. You can also find these in both snap and hook and loop closure options.

Another pro of the pocket diaper is that it allows for full customization of absorbency. You can stuff different inserts in different fabrics inside to maximize absorbency. Folded prefolds and flats make excellent absorbent and economical inserts for a pocket diaper.

*photo credit: ecoable.net

Features of Adult Cloth Pocket Diaper

Shell: the waterproof outer and liner are referred to as the diaper shell, NOT a diaper cover. Though a pocket shell could be used as a diaper cover. Gotta love the shades of gray that versatility brings, ha!

Pocket: most commonly in the back.

Front closure: via snaps of hook and loop tape.

PUL outer: pocket diapers are always made from PUL or polyurethane laminate, which is essentially the same thing. The only difference I can tell in products that use the polyurethane laminate label instead of PUL is that those products also often carry the California prop 65 warning indicating harmful chemicals were used in the production of the fabric.
Stay-dry lining: Pocket diapers have either a microfleece or suede cloth stay-dry lining that wicks moisture from the skin and into the absorbent insert. This lining protects the skin by keeping it dry.

Separate inserts: Rectangular in shape, inserts get stuffed into the pocket before use and unstuffed for washing.

What is an All-In-One (AIO)

Most like a disposable diaper, all-in-ones have a waterproof outer, sewn-in absorbency, and lining against the skin. This style of diaper is the simplest to use of all the diapering systems since it requires the least amount of work.

However, what you get in simplicity, you pay for in drying time. Waterproof fabrics should not be dried on high heat as that can cause the fabric to wear faster, so drying an absorbent AIO on medium may take 2-3 cycles.

While not as prevalent as the pocket, you can still find several options of AIO online. Not to mention that they come in both pull on and front closure options.

*photo credit: snap-ez.com

Features of Adult Cloth AIO

PUL outer: like the pocket diaper, the outer, waterproof layer of an AIO is made from PUL or polyurethane laminate fabric.

Sewn-in absorbency: often in a large, hourglass shape, the absorbency of AIOs is sewn to the wrong side of the lining and sandwiched between the lining and waterproof outer.

Lining: while pocket and AI2 typically have stay-dry linings, AIOs can have linings made from absorbent fabrics like bamboo or flannel.

Front closure or pull up: Comes in a front closure or pull on option.

What is an All-In-Two (AI2)

Basically, an AI2 consists of a shell and snap-in soaker.

When I cloth diapered my 2nd kid, Grovia’s all-in-two was my favorite cloth diaper. AND they don’t even have gussets! It consistently outperformed the other pocket diapers I used. I think it was the combination of athletic mesh and the soaker sitting right next to the body.

Just FYI, the absorbency for pocket diapers is called an insert and the snap-in absorbency for AI2s (really, any absorbency that snaps in) is called a soaker.

However, the biggest advantage that the AI2 has over the other styles is that the shell can easily be reused since the soaker is next to the body. This makes it a little more economical since soakers tend to use less fabric and are cheaper than the shells. AI2 styles can also offer a hybrid option with the removable soaker being disposable or cloth.

Classic AI2 styles rely on a snap-in soaker, but some AI2 options are designed with a yoke style pocket at the top and bottom of the liner that holds the soaker in place.

While some places sell a style of underwear that has some way of holding a pad – cloth or disposable – in place, I have yet to see any of the major players in the adult cloth diapering world offer a true AI2 system with a front closure style diaper.

Of course, you can always make your own! My upcoming pocket, AIO, and AI2 pattern gives detailed instructions and fabric recommendations on how to make each style. For those of you who don’t sew, Etsy has sellers who do offer this option.

Features of an Adult AI2

PUL outer: like the pocket diaper, the outer, waterproof layer of an AIO is made from PUL or polyurethane laminate fabric.

Lining: AI2s have a stay-dry lining. Often this is athletic wicking mesh, though in the baby cloth diaper world, I have seen options with microfleece or even just 2 layers of PUL for a wipeable interior. The lining may either have snaps or a yoke style pocket for holding the soaker in place.

Snap-in Soaker: Often hourglass shaped, the snap-in soaker attaches to the inside of the shell with snaps at the top and bottom. Other styles of diapers that have a snap-in soaker as additional absorbency usually only snap at one end.

Yoke style pocket: Other versions of an AI2 have a yoke style pocket at the top and bottom of the lining for holding in a disposable or cloth pad.

Which One is Right for You?

Once assembled, the pocket, AIO, and AI2 all function similarly to a disposable product (one item to put on and take off). However, each style has distinct pros and cons when it comes to availability and how they will work for you in your unique situation.

Successfully managing incontinence with cloth depends heavily on finding a system of products that you will be able to easily use and incorporate into your everyday life. Finding this system may require some time and experimentation and probably won’t rely solely on one style of product.

Taking time to first consider your budget and lifestyle will help you decide on what products may work best for you.