Get 15% Off*, Use Code: HPTW
Ostomy refers to an opening created surgically in the body to expel 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, 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.
Ostomy supplies are considered medically necessary for use on a person with an opening created surgically in the body to expel body wastes. It is deemed essential for colostomies, ileostomies, or urinary ostomies. The quantity of ostomy products for a person is determined primarily by the type of ostomy, its location, its construction, and the skin surface surrounding the stoma. They will vary according to an individual's needs, and their needs may change over time.
Finding ostomy bag supplies should be based on your awareness of the procedure and subsequent needs. Also, the ostomate needs to be aware of the types of ostomy products available and their differences. The basic requirements for ostomy products are an ostomy skin barrier and a collection pouch.
In a one-piece ostomy system, the ostomy pouch and ostomy skin barrier are joined and sold as a single piece. Being one unit, fixing the ostomy bag to the stoma is easier. The one-piece ostomy system makes convenient ostomy supplies for those with dexterity limitations because there is no need to fix the ostomy pouch to the barrier frequently. The one-piece ostomy system is less visible under clothing, making 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 fewer chances of the ostomy bag coming off 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 user's skin, making it tender and irritable. The whole system must be removed and re-attached every time the pouch empties. This involves spending more time on the correct positioning of the ostomy bag around the pouch and incurs the extra use of ostomy supplies like skin barrier paste, adhesive removers, and tape.
The ostomy bag and barrier are available as two units, purchased separately or as a two-piece kit. The ostomy pouch is separate from the skin barrier in a two-piece ostomy system. The barrier must be fixed to the stoma first, after which the ostomy pouch is attached to the barrier using adhesive allergy or a plastic coupling ring. Because the two items are individual buys, the user has a vast choice of skin barriers and can choose which ostomy bag to go with – small or big, depending on the activity. A small bag would be convenient if going swimming, involved in some sporting activities, or partying. The two-piece system gives the wearer flexibility and more options.
A two-piece ostomy system also makes it easy for the user to change bags fast during output removal time. The old, filled bag must be disengaged and a new one attached. There is no need to remove the skin barrier daily. It needs changing only once in 2 to 4 days. Two-piece systems protect the skin from constant irritation.
However, a two-piece ostomy system has its drawbacks, too. It costs more than 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.
The ostomy barrier is the device that fixes the skin surrounding the stoma, and the ostomy bag is attached to it. You will often hear ostomy skin barriers referred to as wafers, flanges, devices, or appliances. A flange is a plastic device on the barrier connecting to the ostomy bag. Ostomy skin barriers are designed to be standard wear, extended wear, and sometimes extra extended wear.
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 of 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.
When buying ostomy skin barriers, you must decide between three openings: cut-to-fit, pre-cut, and moldable.
Ostomy skin barriers can also be convex or flat. A flat barrier, as the name suggests, lies flat on the skin without any bulge. It is suitable for those with a regular-shaped 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 stoma products, such as Stoma Accessories, adhesives and removers, odor removers, ostomy powder paste and protectants, irrigation and drainage supplies, and ostomy belts.
Ostomy belts are developed to support your ostomy appliance by holding up the bag and keeping the ostomy pouch system in place. The ostomate is worry-free with a belt, 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 of ostomy supplies, you can pick the exact type.
Various types of ostomy pouches and ostomy skin barriers are available to provide support and pep up your colostomy supplies, urostomy supplies, and ileostomy supplies. At HPFY, these are available as one-piece or two-piece from trusted ostomy bag suppliers like Marlen, Nu-Hope, ConvaTec, Coloplast, Hollister, etc.
Coloplast is a trusted name in ostomy care, offering a comprehensive range of high-quality ostomy supplies designed to provide comfort, security, and discretion for individuals with ostomies. Coloplast ostomy supplies include ostomy bags, skin barriers, adhesive strips, and accessories that cater to different types of ostomies, such as colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy. These supplies are engineered with advanced technologies to ensure a secure fit, prevent leakage, and protect the skin around the stoma. With a focus on enhancing quality of life, Coloplast ostomy supplies provide reliability and peace of mind for everyday wear.
Customer Care available 24/7 on chat and by phone 8AM – 8PM EST
We safeguard your information. Protecting Customer privacy is important to us
A one-stop shop for most reputed brands in medical supplies and equipment.
INC 5000 company with over 95000 customer reviews
Competitive pricing, financing and flexible payment options available
Not every purchase works out, we get it.
Make informed decisions with access to articles and buying guides
Over the past 2 decades, we’ve served more than one million customers
8 Stoma Infection Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
Infection of the stoma is one of the main worries of an ostomate. Skin infection around the stoma can happen for various reasons, so it is important to check your stoma and peristomal skin with each ostomy pouch change to
Living With an Ostomy
The journey of an ostomate is challenging. We are faced with fear of the unknown, fear of the changes in our bodies and fear of acceptance.
7 Essential Colostomy Supplies You Must Have
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
An ostomy is an surgically made opening in the body, specifically in the abdomen, created surgically for the discharge of bodily waste matter.
An ostomy bag, also referred to as an ostomy pouch, is designed to collect feces or urine discharged from the stoma. It is usually made from plastic and available in varying styles and sizes.
Manufacturer recommends using an ostomy bag for a maximum of seven days. After this, the product might break down or no longer offer the protection for which it has been designed.
An ostomy or skin barrier, also known as a wafer or flange, is an ostomy device that is made to fit around the stoma. It fixes to the peristomal skin creating a seal around the stoma to prevent leakage and maintains a secure connection between the pouch and the stoma.
Hollister, Coloplast, ConvaTec,Nu-Hope, Micro-Skin all offer 1- and 2-piece pouching systems, flat or convex. Each manufacturer offers different options. As an example, some of the Coloplast lines are firmer than others. These feel more secure to some. While others like the flexibility of Micro-Skin. Velcro closures are different on each of these manufacturers' products. Some may have a skin sensitivity to one brand but not to others. Nu-Hope makes special molds for special needs. Coloplast offers deep convexity for those stomas that retract deeply when sitting. They also offer a “convex flip” for parastomal hernias. Once you are comfortable with managing your ostomy, it is recommended to request samples of others to see what features you may like better.