Ostomy products & Accessories

Welcome to the world of ostomy products. It can be daunting to see the array of different products and to know which one would be the best for you.

We know that just as you an individual and a unique person, your ostomy needs will be unique. We are here to help you find the pouching system that works best for you.

The minimum you should expect from your pouching system is:

  • No odor
  • No leakage
  • Reliable wearing time
  • Easy to apply – the fewer products the better
  • Enables you to participate in life: working, swimming, showering, being intimate, enjoying travel – everything you did before surgery

Types of pouching systems

There are several different types of pouching systems. Each manufacturer has each type of pouching system and accessory. Below you will find information about the basics of pouching systems.

Types of flanges

Flanges are called many things: base plates, barriers, wafers, and more. We use the term flange when referring to the piece of the pouching system that adheres to the skin.

Some flanges are flat. Some flanges are convex, which means that it has a bump that goes toward the skin. Convex flanges are used for several reasons, including for a stoma that is flush with skin level or below, or for people who have indentations around their stoma. Each company makes their own shape and depth of convexity. This photos shows just some of the variations available.

ostomy

Pre-cut flanges: no more cutting!

Almost all pouching systems come in pre-cut (the hole is already made for you) and cut-to-fit (you cut the opening for your stoma). Once your stoma is no longer swollen, often people prefer a pre-cut flange (also called a wafer, skin barrier or base plate).

Components of a pouching system

Finding the right pouching system for you means first identifying which flange works best for your abdomen and stoma. After that, you and your ET nurse will look at which options, outlined below, will work best for you.

Each system is made up of a flange (the part that adheres to your skin) and a pouch. Sometimes these two pieces are separate, and sometimes they are a single unit. The type of pouch you use will depend on what kind of stoma you have. People may also use accessories to ensure a good seal.

One-piece systems Two-piece systems
  • The pouch and flange (the part that attaches to your skin) are already together
  • They may be less bulky and lie flatter against the skin
  • Because the flange and pouch are sealed together the pouch cannot accidentally separate from the flange
  • Is comprised of two separate pieces: the flange, and the pouch. Each manufacturer has their own method of attaching the two pieces
  • The flange remains on the skin for 1-7 days, depending on your wear time (the average wear time is 4 days)
  • For a person with a colostomy, the flange remains in place and the pouch is changed when full
  • Because the flange is applied without the pouch attached, it is easy to line up with opening in the flange with the stoma to ensure a good fit

 

Closure types Use
Drainable
  • Drainable pouches are usually changed at the same time as the flange with a two-piece system
  • When the pouch is full, it is emptied
  • Drainable pouches are usually selected for people with an ileostomy or loose stool from a colostomy
  • They may have a “velcro”-like closure, or a clip
Closed end
  • Closed end pouches are removed when they are full and replaced with a clean pouch
  • Closed end pouches are usually selected for people with a colostomy who have firmer stool and empty or change their pouch 1-2 times per day
  • People who use closed end pouches always need to have one on hand when they are out as the pouch cannot be emptied
Tap or Spout
  • These are usually for people with urinary stomas

Some pouches with spouts are for stomas with very liquid stool – these are called “high-output” pouches

 Rings
  • Acts like a gasket around your stoma to get a better seal.
  • Come in different thicknesses, recipes and designs
  • Also used to protect skin, absorb moisture, and fill “dimples” or “moats”
 Pastes
  • Act like caulking
  • Fill in crevices or gaps around the stoma to maintain a seal and protect the skin
 Remover wipes and sprays
  • Helps to remove adhesive and ring residue
  • Help remove the pouching system gently from the skin to prevent skin tears and irritation
Skin protectant wipes and sprays
  • Protects skin from adhesives or effluent (stool or urine)
  • Can prevent adhesion of the pouching system to the skin in many cases
  • Is not recommended for routine use
Belts
  • Help support the pouching system on the body
Tape barrier strips
  • Skin barrier material placed on the outside edge of the pouching system
  • May provide additional support for the flange on larger abdomens
  • May be used to protect skin from tape if tape is causing irritation