Ostomy Tips

5 Best Ostomy Wafers

For those living with an ostomy, the seemingly unlimited number of ostomy wafers available can make your head spin. It certainly doesn’t seem like trial and error would be a sane option. So how do you know which ostomy wafer might be right for you? Let’s take a closer look. 

Anatomy of an Ostomy 

Learning that you need to have an ostomy, whether an ileostomy or colostomy, may seem devastating and scary. There is so much misinformation and so many myths floating around, how do you know what suits your situation or not? The first thing to do is to understand what type of ostomy you may require. The main difference between the two ostomy types is location: 

• Ileostomy: A stoma is created by bringing the small intestine through the abdominal wall. 
• Colostomy: An incision is done in the abdomen to bring the colon or large intestine through the abdominal wall. 

Depending upon your lifestyle and personal preference, choosing what could be the most important part of an ostomy system, the wafer or skin barrier, can make all the difference in the world. The first step is understanding exactly what an ostomy wafer is. Basically, an ostomy wafer uses an adhesive that is safe for the skin to connect the ostomy system to the area around your stoma. The stoma is surgically created in the abdomen to safely remove waste from your body. Ostomates must then decide whether to use a one- or two-piece bag system. This is usually determined by personal preference considering lifestyle. The differences between these two systems are: 

• One Piece System: The bag and ostomy wafer are together in one piece. When the bag needs to be changed, the wafer is also changed. 
• Two-Piece System: In a two-piece system, a separate ostomy wafer is attached around the stoma and the bag system is then connected to the skin barrier or wafer. When the bag is changed, the wafer stays in place longer before needing replacement. 

Your level of independence, activity level, and personal preference can be determining factors when choosing your wafer and pouch system. 

Five Great Ostomy Wafers 

It may be dizzying when you see all the available options when trying to decide upon an ostomy system. Talk about a headache! The first thing you need to know is that there are a few different types of wafers and what they offer. The different types are as follows: 

• Precut Wafers: These are exactly what they sound like and come in precut diameters. They are perfect for those with uniform, circular stomas.  
• Cut-to-Fit Skin Barriers: Since most stomas are not uniform, these ostomy wafers allow you to custom cut the opening to better fit the stoma. 
• Moldable Wafers: These allow you to customize the skin barrier opening without the need for scissors. 

With all the ostomy wafers available to ostomates, how do you decide which wafers are right for you? We have taken some of the guesswork away. Let’s highlight the 5 top-rated ostomy wafers: 

5 Best Ostomy Wafers

1. Genairex Securi-T Pre-Cut Hydrocolloid Skin Barrier Strip

FSA Approved

Can be used on the top or bottom of an appliance to fill in any skin irregularities for a better seal around the stoma. Precut and shaped, these hydrocolloid strips are great for those allergic to tape and can minimize skin irritation. 

2. ConvaTec Natura Stomahesive Standard Wear Moldable Skin Barrier with Accordion Flange

FSA Approved

 FSA-eligible and latex-free, these moldable skin barriers make pouch application easier and much more pleasant. The barrier is malleable for a custom fit which is so important in order to protect and maintain healthy skin. But the benefits don’t stop there! This skin barrier offers maximum protection and is great for traveling, swimming, and bathing. 

3. Hollister Extended Wear Skin Barrier

FSA Approved

 The ElastaFlex backing of this cut-to-fit skin barrier makes it resistant to discharge and it is designed for extended wear. Recommended for at-home use, it is also approved for swimming and bathing to maintain independence and an active lifestyle. 

4. Torbot Colly-Seel Discs

FSA Approved

 Made with healing Karaya to help calm irritated skin and also helps maintain peristomal pH levels. These discs come with a ½ inch starter hole and can be cut with ostomy scissors to customize the fit around the stoma. They are easy to use, nonmedicated, and most importantly, they are very comfortable to wear. 

5. ConvaTec Stomahesive Skin Barrier

FSA Approved

This multi-purpose skin barrier protects the skin around the stoma and can be applied to wet or dry skin. Simple and economical, this skin barrier is FSA-approved, gentle, and easy to fit, apply, and remove. 

Navigating through the jungle of available ostomy supplies may seem complicated and daunting at best. Ask your ostomy nurse or doctor which wafers may be more appropriate for you and be sure to visit our site HPFY for all your ostomy needs. 

 

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