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The term ostomy refers to an opening, created surgically in the body to expel out body wastes. Dealing with an ostomy means a regular delivery of ostomy supplies from quality makers so you can continue to live a comfortable and normal life even with your ostomy.
Also required as part of ostomy medical supplies are miscellaneous colostomy supplies, ileostomy supplies, ostomy skin barriers, ostomy bags, stoma supplies, ostomy pouches, ostomy accessories, ostomy bag accessories, odor removers, barrier rings, stoma hats, ostomy powder (like Stomahesive Protective Powder) and paste, ostomy belts as well as drainage and irrigation kits. Together, these ostomy care products address the issues surrounding life with an ostomy bag and make it more acceptable. Once you know which ostomy supplies are most suitable for your ostomy and which ostomy care products work best for you under all circumstances, you will find it easier to handle your ostomy.
In a one-piece ostomy system, the ostomy pouch and ostomy skin barrier are joined and sold as a single piece. Being one unit, it is easier to fix the ostomy bag to the stoma. The one-piece ostomy system makes convenient ostomy supplies for those with dexterity limitations because there is no need for frequent fixing of ostomy pouch to barrier. The one-piece ostomy system is less visible under clothing so this makes it ideal for wear with tight-fitting clothes. Another advantage is that since it is a one-piece system, the user feels more secure when wearing it because there are less chances of the ostomy bag coming off from the flange. Generally, the one-piece costs less than a two-piece ostomy system hence, it is more affordable. However, there are a few disadvantages to this ostomy system. Each time the ostomy pouch needs replacing, the entire unit must be changed. This can take its toll on the skin of the user making it tender and irritable. Every time the pouch needs to be emptied out, the entire system must be removed and re-attached. This involves spending more time on correct positioning of the ostomy bag around the pouch and also incurs use of more ostomy supplies like skin barrier paste, tape, adhesive removers, etc.
In a two-piece ostomy system, the ostomy pouch is separate from the skin barrier. The ostomy bag and barrier are available as two separate units either to be purchased separately or as a two-piece kit. The barrier must be fixed to the stoma first after which the ostomy pouch is attached to the barrier using adhesive (Such as Hollister Adapt Medical Adhesive) or through a plastic coupling ring. Because the two items are individual buys, the user has a vast choice in skin barriers and can also choose which ostomy bag to go with it – small or big, depending on the activity. If going swimming, involved in some sporting activities or partying, then a small bag would be convenient. This gives the wearer flexibility and more options. A two-piece ostomy system also makes it easy for the user to change bag fast during output removal time. The old, filled bag just needs to be disengaged and a new one attached. The skin barrier need not be removed daily. It needs changing only once in 2 to 4 days. This protects the skin from constant irritation.
However, a two-piece ostomy system has its drawbacks, too. It costs more than a one-piece ostomy supplies and is also not as discreet. It is bulky under the clothing and visible if worn under tight-fitting clothes. Since they are separate units, the wearer is always worried about the ostomy bag coming away from the skin barrier and therefore, there is less sense of security. And if there is leakage and the output settles in behind the skin barrier, there is no way of finding that out immediately. It will be visible only when the barrier is removed for changing. This increases risk of skin irritation and infection.
Both these ostomy products can have either drainable pouch or closed pouch. After the one-piece ostomy system and two-piece ostomy system, you are faced with choices in ostomy skin barrier, ostomy stoma supplies, etc.
The ostomy skin barrier is the device that fixes to the skin surrounding the stoma and to which the ostomy bag is attached. You will often hear ostomy skin barriers referred variously as wafer, flange, device or appliance. A flange is technically the plastic device on the barrier that connects to the ostomy bag. Ostomy skin barriers are designed to be standard-wear, extended-wear and sometimes extra extended-wear.
The ostomy barrier adheres to the peristomal skin and provides a snug fit around the stoma to ensure no leakage. Just after surgery, the stoma will appear swollen and enlarged and is usually pink or red in color. It will gradually shrink in size over the next few weeks. Therefore, when buying your ostomy medical supplies in the first few weeks the stoma has to be measured regularly as its size will keep changing. Gradually, frequency of measurement will lessen. The better the fitting of the barrier, the lesser the chances of leakage, infections and irritability.
Standard-wear ostomy skin barriers are more suitable as part of colostomy supplies. The extended wear ostomy type, also known as Flextend barrier, is apt for ostomates with ileostomy or urostomy who are likely to be more at risk to skin irritation and infection because of the nature of the output. Because of its spread-out design, extended wear ostomy skin barrier provides extra protection from skin irritation.
Ostomy skin barriers can also be convex or flat. A flat barrier, like the name suggests, lies flat on the skin without any bulge. It is suitable for those with a regular shape stoma. A convex type has some protrusion on its back. Someone with irregular stoma shape and skin contours can opt for the convex type ostomy supplies to provide a more secure seal and better wear time. Ostomy supplies are incomplete without the relevant ostomy products such as ostomy accessories, adhesives and removers, odor removers, ostomy powder, paste and protectants, irrigation and drainage supplies as well as ostomy belts.
Ostomy belts are developed to support your ostomy appliance by holding up the bag and keeping the ostomy pouch system in place. With a belt, the ostomate is worry free knowing it will not allow the bag to weigh down the appliance.
Choosing the ostomy product best for you will depend on your needs. Because there is such a variety available of ostomy supplies, you can pick the exact right type.
