What is a Cut-to-Fit Skin Barrier?

Cut-to-fit skin barrier comes with a small hole cut out of the center and various sizes and shapes printed on them. These rings serve as a guide, so one can cut the opening to match their stoma size. The patient can customize these skin wafers based on the size and shape of their stoma. These wafers help avoid leakage and reduce skin irritation as they fit well on the stoma. A cut-to-fit barrier may not be the best choice for those with weak hand strength. Cut-to-fit skin barriers come on both one-piece ostomy pouches and two-piece ostomy pouches.

Who needs cut-to-fit skin wafers?

Cut-to-fit wafers work best for the following people:

People with irregular stoma size and shape.
People who are in between common sizes.
People with oval or oblong stomas.
New ostomates whose stoma may be swollen and change size as the body heals.

How to apply Cut to Fit Wafer?

Measure your stoma using a stoma measuring guide provided before each barrier application.
Select a skin wafer at least 1/2 inch larger than the stoma size.
Trace the exact stoma size onto the center of the white release paper on the back of the skin barrier.
The skin wafer should fit where the skin and stoma meet. Ensure that no skin is showing between the skin wafer and the stoma to help prevent leakage and skin irritation.
Using curved scissors, carefully cut along the tracing. Do not cut beyond the line on the release paper.
Apply stoma paste if gaps exist between the wafer and the stoma.
Remove the release liner from the skin barrier.
Apply skin wafer over the stoma.
Hold the skin barrier onto the skin for 30 to 60 seconds to enhance adhesion.