The DryBuddy line of bedwetting alarms cover the range of the price spectrum, from low cost up to the higher end of the market.
But what are the differences between these alarms and which one is going to be the best choice for you?
How do they compare to other brands of enuresis alarms?
As of 2018, there are three DryBuddy systems to consider:
- DryBuddy The Flex 3
- DryBuddy 1 Wireless
- DryBuddy EZ+
The Flex3 is an update to the previous Flex2 and original Flex – although you can still find those products for sale, I have updated this review with only the current model because that’s what the company is focused on right now.
I will be covering and comparing all three current DryBuddy bedwetting alarm products in this review and guide.
What are the main differences between the FLEX3, 1 Wireless and EZ+ and which is the right one for you?
There’s a lot to all of these DryBuddy products, so I wanted to cover each one adequately to give you a solid idea of the pros and potential cons of each one, and to help you work out why one model might be better suited to particular people or situations.
In some areas the differences are clear: for example, we can see the Wireless system does away with the cables as its main benefit. Other differences between the three products might not be so obvious though.
So let’s dive into this big guide to DryBuddy bedwetting alarm products!
| DryBuddyFLEX | DryBuddyFLEX 2 | DryBuddyEZ+ | |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes | No |
DryBuddyFLEX 3
There is little to note as far as changes go between the FLEX 2 and the latest FLEX 3. The FLEX2 was a relatively popular alarm with a few flaws.
The FLEX is the mid priced model in the DryBuddy bedwetting alarm range. It’s made for children aged from 5 years old, as well as for teens and adults.
The magnetic sensor that’s used on the DryBuddy alarms aren’t found on any other brands of enuresis alarm.
It’s a unique design that they have patented specifically for these alarms (most other bedwet alarms use electronic type sensors).
The benefits of this sensor is that it’s easy to clean and dry, and is designed not to be falsely set off by sweat – something that can be a real problem with cheaper bedwetting alarm products.
The magnets act as a clamp to hold the sensor in place on the underwear.
You just put one magnet on each side of the briefs, and it attaches.
Compared with plastic clip on sensors found on most bedwetting alarms, this is a unique design and can help guard against one of the other main issues people have with enuresis alarms: the sensor coming unclipped during the night.
These small magnets are all that’s attached to the person using the alarm; the rest is taken care of wirelessly.
You can use the DryBuddy FLEX with normal underwear, or with the DryBuddy wetness sensing briefs (if you buy the FLEX2, you get these briefs in the package).
An optional extra (purchased separately) is the DryBuddyFLEX Wireless Transceiver. This is an extra transceiver that parents can take into their bedroom, and it receives a signal from the alarm sensor when it’s activated.
Plugged in to an electrical outlet, parents can then be immediately notified when your child’s alarm is going off so you can turn it off yourself and/or go and check if your child has woken.
This is a really useful addition for people who sleep a far enough distance away from your child’s bedroom that you might not hear the alarm going off on its own.
The company states that the DryBuddy Flex is perspiration resistant and that almost all other bedwetting alarms are often triggered by sweat.
There is no hard proof to state that this is the case, with some other brands also going to greater lengths to make sure that sensors don’t mistake sweat for urine. However, the DryBuddy with its unique sensor type is not known for giving off false alarms caused by sweating.
Benefits of the DryBuddyFLEX
- Wireless – kids can sleep easy without any cords under their pyjamas
- Affordable option with advanced features and technology
- Optional wireless transceiver lets parents hear the alarm easily in another room
- Parents can control the system wirelessly, making it easy to turn on and off from a distance
- 5 levels of volume control that you can set
- 2 different alarm tones – trumpet and siren
- Easy and fast to clean
- FDA registered. FCC and CE Certified
Remember:
The key to success with a bedwetting alarm like the DryBuddy FLEX is getting your child enthusiastic and involved in the process every night. The more dedicated they and you are, the faster you’re likely to get to the point of having dry nights permanently.
The FLEX is not only for children; it can be used by teenagers and adults who are struggling with bedwetting or incontinence (once a doctor has been seen to rule out any serious physical reasons).
It’s recommended that regular underwear be worn when using the alarm, although DryBuddy does separately sell “wetness sensing briefs” which can be considered. They say these briefs lessen the risk even more of the alarm activating from sweat. Many people find that normal underwear works fine the majority of the time though.
The wireless design of the DryBuddy alarms is what attracts most people to these products, with most other brands using a cord from sensor to alarm. The FLEX works with the remote control to sensor of to distances of 90 feet. It can operate at up to 110ft between transceivers. So these distances are more than enough for most houses and you’re unlikely to feel that you’re limited in range.
How loud is the DryBuddy FLEX alarm? Well, it’s being described as “very loud”. The exact volume that you hear will depend on what you’ve set it at, as well as how far from the transceiver you or your child is. As an example, consider the maximum sound level at the most common distances:
- 97.2 dB at 8 inches (20cm)
- 91.5 dB at 2 feet (60cm)
- 86.4 dB at 5 feet (150cm)
There are 5 levels of volume control so you can set it at the level that’s required. Obviously, deep sleepers will benefit from a louder alarm, while lighter sleepers can set it lower and not have to worry about a too-loud alarm going off and giving them a fright.
In addition to volume control, you can also choose between two different alarm sounds: trumpets and police siren. These are quite different from the tones you get with other bedwetting alarms (some of which have 5+ different sounds to pick from).
All bedwetting alarm sensors need to be regularly cleaned so they operate properly. The DryBuddy FLEX sensor is easily cleaned with simple soap and water and just dried off with a cloth.
This is to remove any urine residue which, over time, can crytallize and cause the sensor to give off false alarms or not work at all (this applies to all enuresis alarm products). So whatever bedwet alarm you end up using, simply make sure you keep the sensor in good shape to get the best performance out of it.
The wireless design of the DryBuddy enuresis alarms are what attracts people to them to start with. Some people have found wired alarms uncomfortable, while others just don’t even want to attempt to use one that uses a cord between the sensor and alarm unit.
The wireless remote on the FLEX gives you complete control over the alarm even if you’re not next to it. This is great for parents sleeping in the next room, and gives a child peace of mind that you’ll be able to help with the alarm any time during the night. With a range of about 90 feet, you will be able to use the remote even if you’re several rooms away from your child.
Because the wireless unit both receives and transmits signals, you can use more than one transceiver if you want to. This works simply by having the receiver get signals from the sensor and the remote, and the alarm can then be activated wherever you have a transceiver in the house. Most people will want a transceiver in the child’s room (or the person who is using the alarm), plus a second transceiver in the parent’s room.
Each transceiver houses an alarm, plus can also be connected to the optional extra bed shaker from DryBuddy. Since there is no vibration ability on the DryBuddy like on other alarms that physically attach to the person, this is something to consider for heavier sleepers.
Conclusion
There are clearly big benefits to using a wireless bedwetting alarm. If you want to do away with using wires, the 1 Wireless system will fit the bill. If on the other hand you have a lower budget and are happy to use a wired device, the EZ+ provides an affordable entry level enuresis alarm solution.