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A colostomy is a surgical procedure performed when body waste cannot exit through the body through the normal process. The surgery includes connecting a part of the large intestine (colon) to the abdominal wall and creating an opening, called a stoma, for excretion.
There are numerous reasons for a colostomy, such as colon cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, etc., and is not specific to any age group. The surgery could be done for a baby, an adult, and the elderly depending on the underlying cause and can be temporary or permanent.
Whether the colostomy is short or long-term, the supplies required will remain the same. In the hospital, the nursing staff will provide you with an ostomy pouch, skin barrier, and other items. Once you are home, you can explore other ostomy supply options.
HPFY understands your needs, and we have prepared a colostomy supplies list.
A skin barrier, also known as a wafer, is a device to attach the pouch to the stoma. They are available in two options – cut-to-fit or pre-cut.
A cut-to-fit skin barrier has stoma markings inside the flange and can be cut according to the stoma's size. This type is more beneficial to those whose stoma size keeps changing, especially right after the surgery. On the contrary, the pre-cut skin barrier comes in a fixed size with a difference in the stoma opening and flange size.
Skin barriers are also available in flat and convex styles. If the stoma is normally protruding and accessible, you would choose a flat skin barrier. But if the stoma is retracted or hidden in skin folds, you need a convex barrier because it pushes the skin back to expose the stoma.
Another factor to consider is durability. A standard skin barrier is designed for normal output, while an extended-wear skin barrier works well if the output is acidic.
Certain skin barriers are infused with compounds such as ceramides which are molecules found naturally in the skin. Skin barriers containing ceramide ensure that moisture remains in the skin while keeping the skin barrier intact.
FSA Approved
Protects skin from irritating discharge when wearing a barrier for an extended period of time. Durable with a high resistance to erosion and features a floating flange to adjust the pressure on the abdomen with fingers when attaching a pouch.
09/12/22 by Sandra C. ”Works very well "
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An ostomy pouch is a bag attached to your stoma to collect waste and is available as a one-piece or two-piece pouch with a drainable/open-end or close-end.
A one-piece pouch has a skin barrier attached to it and can be applied and removed as one unit. The bag and skin barrier are two independent units sold separately in a two-piece pouch. You can replace the ostomy pouch without changing the skin barrier and vice versa.
A drainable pouch comes with an opening on the other end, which allows the user to empty the contents of the pouch, clean it, and reuse the bag. If multiple daily changes are required, a reusable pouch is an economical alternative since a closed-end pouch must be discarded after each use.
An ostomy bag can also vary in size. Smaller bags are ideal for swimming and intimacy, and larger ones can be used for everyday wear.
FSA Approved
Suitable for colostomies and ileostomies, this system drains the contents from the bottom and features plastic interlocking fasteners to close the drainage port. The pouch panels are soft and comfortable on the skin.
04/28/20 by Melissa B. ”Got them for my grandma and they were the perfect ones! She and I are both very happy. "
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A common problem among ostomates is that the pouch and wafer do not attach securely despite having their own adhesives. This could be because of leakage issues, pancaking, or irritated skin.
External adhesives provide the required strength to secure the ostomy device firmly for a long time and are removed easily with an adhesive remover.
FSA Approved
A wonderful solution for those with sensitive skin! These wipes create a protective layer between the tape and the skin to prevent allergies and skin irritation.
03/11/22 by Catherine M. ”love this product! use with both my Omnipod insulin pump and Freestyle Libre glucose monitors. helps with additional adhesive! will buy again "
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FSA Approved
An easy way to remove adhesive or barrier from the skin. Simply spray the edges of the barrier or tape the border, wait a few seconds, and remove the adhesive. Does not affect the adhesion of other appliances.
09/22/22 by Thomas S. ”The product was outstanding. I was able to easily remove my appliance with no pain!"
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One of the biggest fear of an ostomate is odor leaking from the ostomy pouch. If the pouch does not have a filter, odor and gas gets trapped until the pouch is drained or disposed.
Hollister M9 colostomy bag odor eliminator helps control odor from the ostomy pouch.
05/27/22 by Arlene G. ”Works well, removes odor in room after emptying pouch"
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Ostomy belts are great for providing support and reducing the feel of the weight of a pouch. They are wide cloth bands that are tied around the waist and have openings to hold the ostomy pouch.
Some belts have Velcro closures or pocket-style closures, which makes them easy to put on and remove. They are discreet and thin enough to be worn under clothing. Some belts also come with tabs to attach to the skin barrier.
FSA Approved
The belt attaches to an ostomy pouch and adapter to hold the pouch firmly in place and lets the wearer move around in peace.
07/20/22 by Carrie P. ”My daughter uses the belt at bedtime for added security. She likes how soft the material is, the belt they gave her from the hospital was so itchy, this was a good purchase. "
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Ostomy pastes are past-like substances used to fill uneven skin folds and crevices to provide a flatter surface for the appliance to stick properly. They act as a sealant and can be applied to the skin or the skin barrier. An ostomy paste can also be used in place of barrier rings or seals.
FSA Approved
A paste that creates an optimum seal around the stoma by filling in uneven skin surfaces and filling gaps between the skin barrier and the stoma. It increases the wear time of the appliance and protects the skin from discharge.
09/03/22 by THOMAS G.” Great Product! I have been using this since 1994, and it has never failed to do its job. "
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Other supplies include:
An ostomy is a life-saving procedure. Although the initial days are challenging, over time, you will be able to get back to your routine life with even more enthusiasm. Advancement in technology has produced many improved ostomy products to make life easier. Find the products that are right for you from our extensive range of ostomy products!
Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics, and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our reviewed content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.
HPFY Staff Writers are product experts with years of experience in medical supplies and equipment retail. They specialize in understanding the typical usage of our products, the differentiation between brands and have insights on product popularity and features. Each article ...
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