Ostomy belts provide a much needed sense of security and peace of mind. They are designed to protect your dignity while you continue to be confident and live an active life. We carry different types including those for the right side stoma and left side stoma, regular elastic, wide elastic, washable, latex-free or latex belts. We assure you that you will find the belt that meets your size and specification requirement.
What are ostomy belts
Ostomy belts are ostomy support devices and an accessory for your ostomy equipment. An ostomy belt holds the ostomy pouch securely in place, prevents leakage as well as protects the stoma from tight clothes, pant belts, seat belts, etc. These belts allow users to be as active as possible without having to worry about the ostomy bag getting detached from the stoma. They fit securely over the stoma but allow free outflow into the ostomy pouch without causing obstructions.
Ostomy belt benefits
Ostomy bag support belts provide security and comfort. When they are worn around the abdomen and over the stoma, they hold the ostomy bag snugly in place. And for those who have a sensitive skin, the belt also serves to hold up the ostomy pouch without the need for adhesives. They help the pouch remain discreet under the belt.
Ostomy belts are strong enough to support the weight of the pouch and yet, are flexible and expand along with the pouch as it fills up.
When does an ostomy belt become a must
There are certain conditions in which you will find it is more beneficial to use an ostomy belt. If the shape of your stoma is irregular and the surrounding skin has folds then using an ostomy belt will help push the convex flange against the skin flattening out the skin barrier and the skin folds against the abdomen. This will keep the pouch discreet under the clothing as well as prevent the leakage of output under the skin barrier. Any kind of leakage under the flange can cause irritation and lead to infections.
Using an ostomy belt over your pouch if you find the flange borders have started lifting up prematurely serves to provide security. If there is constant leakage at the stoma edge, then wearing an ostomy belt would cover the leakage and prevent embarrassing situations. If your ostomy pouching system does not provide a secure fit over your stoma then any little activity will attempt to dislodge or shift the pouch. Using an ostomy belt in such a scenario would be a beneficial alternative to hold the pouch snugly against the abdomen.
Some like using a support belt during the night when there is turning and tossing and the risk of the bag being displaced is high. Others use a belt when involved in activities.
Wearing an ostomy belt
Not all pouches require a belt. Those that need have tabs and loops to accommodate a belt. Some brands have tabs on the pouch while there are others with tabs on the skin barrier.The belt is secured to the pouch through these tabs or loops.If you use a closed system then selecting a pouch with tabs on the skin barrier will work out better as you have to change the pouch a few times in the day.
The adjustable ostomy belt from Hollister can be used with pouches that have belt tabs. The Brava Belt from Coloplast has four belt hooks to provide a stable pressure on the baseplate. It can be used with all SenSura Mio Click baseplates.
Choosing your ostomy belt
Your ostomy belt should fit snugly against your abdomen and not tightly. If it is tight it will not only be uncomfortable but may obstruct the outflow from your stoma into the pouch. Too tight a belt can also create pressure areas or cause ulcers.
Sizes available are basically small, medium and large with variations in them. Getting the right size is important. You can check which size is yours by attaching the ostomy belt to one of the loops and then taking the belt all around the waist. At its existing location, the end of the belt should be around 1.5-2 inches from the next tab. The right fitting will allow you to slip two fingers under the belt.
Ostomy belt types
We have several ostomy belt options – regular elastic, cool comfort elastic, wide elastic and belts for the right side stoma and left side stoma. We also carry belts with stoma opening and without stoma opening.
Nu-Hope ostomy belts are popular for their versatility and options. The Nu-Hope Nu-Form elastic support belt protects abdominal hernia repairs and prevents recurrence. The Nu-Hope Original Flat Panel belt has a soft vinyl ring in a no-stretch panel for pouch and hernia support.
The Hollister Pouchkins pediatric ostomy belt is designed to be used in the shower or while swimming. It is washable and reusable. Other than these, there are belts from top manufacturers like Nu-Hope, Marlen Manufacturing, Perma-Type, Coloplast, ConvaTec and more.
