Ostomy Guide

Ostomy Accessories - Guide To Find The Best Stoma Accessories

The least number of products used is the first step. Adding an accessory to improve fit may be needed. Some accessories are used for fitting options, while others are for improved wear time. They can be used to offer comfort or confidence.

Skin barrier film or protectant

Ostomy nurses have different opinions regarding the use of this product. My philosophy is to protect the skin by using one. Alcohol-free is best. This way, if the skin becomes red or irritated, it will not burn with the application. A good choice is Safe N Simple Skin Barrier Film. It is available in wipe form.

Stoma powder

This should be used if the skin under the barrier is broken and moist. After cleaning the skin, allow the skin to dry, then sprinkle the powder over the red, moist skin. Tap off the excess. Use a barrier film over the powder. This will hold the powder in place and create a tacky surface for the barrier to adhere to. The barrier film spray is often used when using powder but if wipes are all you have, dab over the powder, and don’t wipe. There is enough product to soak the powder.

• Karaya Gum Powder is often used for moist, weepy skin around the stoma. It adds a layer of protection by providing absorptive properties, keeping the skin dry. This helps with adhesion and can increase wear-time.

Stoma paste

Stoma paste is used to fill in gaps or to chalk the opening of the barrier. It works like the tiles in your shower. Chalking is applied to prevent moisture leakage behind the tile.

• Coloplast Brava makes a paste that is alcohol-free.
• Coloplast Brava has a product called Strip Paste. These strips are used to fill in folds and gaps in the skin, creating an even surface for the barrier to adhere to.
• ConvaTec Eakin Cohesive Paste is alcohol-free.

Moldable rings

Moldable rings work as chalking and can be placed around the stoma, under the barrier.

• Hollister Adapt has thin, thick, and Cera (Ceramide for the skin.)
• Coloplast Brava offers thin, thick, and Protective Seal (has absorptive abilities and is great for ileostomies.)
• ConvaTec’s version of the ring is called an Eakin Seal. These rings can be shaped to fill uneven surfaces and will hold their tackiness.

Elastic barrier strips or extenders

This product is placed around the outer portion of the barrier (wafer). They extend the adhesive surface. Many like this product because it offers security and confidence.

• Coloplast Brava Elastic Barrier Strips use 2 per pouching system and are available in extra-large and Y-shape.
• Hollister Adapt Barrier Extenders are available and use 3 strips per pouching system.
• Active Life Products Sure Seal Ring can be used with 2-piece pouching systems and is placed over the barrier before attaching the pouch.

Stoma belts

Each manufacturer has a stoma belt available and most are interchangeable. The belt is recommended for those with a flush or inverted stoma and who have more frequent leakage problems. These belts are a 1” elastic band that is adjustable. Each end has a small hook that locks into belt tabs on the pouching system. The belt should fir snug, but not too tight to be uncomfortable. This will hold the pouch close to the body, minimizing leakage.

Pouch deodorants/lubricants

Emptying your ostomy pouch in a public restroom can be intimidating. Lubricating deodorants can be added to the pouch after emptying. This will help reduce embarrassing odor.

• Coloplast Brava Lubricating Deodorant is available in 8 oz bottles, .25 oz bottles for travel, or a sachet for travel.
• Hollister Adapt Lubricating Deodorant is available in an 8 oz bottle or .27 ox packets for travel. The lubricating feature helps waste slide into the pouch, preventing “pancaking.”
• Parthenon Devko Ostomy Pouch Deodorant tablets can be added to the pouch each time you empty. The tabs will absorb odor.

Biologic odor eliminator air fresheners

Odor control is a high priority for those with an ostomy. Many biological odor eliminator sprays are available in 8 oz, 2 oz, and refill bottle sizes.

• Bard Medi-Air Biologic Odor Eliminator
• Hollister M9 Odor Eliminator Spray
• Medline Simply Fresh Biologic Odor Eliminator
• Chester Labs April Fresh Biologic Odor Eliminator

Gel agents

Gelling agents can be placed in the pouch after emptying. It will turn the liquid output into a gel. This decreases leakage episodes and reduces noise related to the sloshing of liquid.

• Cymed Ileosorb Absorbent Gel Packets or Gel-X Adsorbent tablets are available.
• Nu-Hope Nu-Sorb Instant Absorption powder is available as well, offering the same benefits.

Adhesives

Adhesive agents are available for those that leak more often due to body contour or poorly placed stomas.

• Torbot Liquid Bonding Cement provides an extra-strong bond and is fast drying. You may need an adhesive remover to break down the bond when removing your pouching system. Torbot’s TacAway wipes are a great choice.
• Torbot Skin Tac is available in liquid or wipes form. This product increases the tackiness of the skin once applied.
• ConvaTec SensiCare Sting Free Skin Adhesive Releaser Spray is alcohol-free and is silicone-based which minimizes skin stripping.
• Hollister Medical Adhesive Remover Spray is alcohol-free and silicone-based as well.

No matter what problems or difficulties you may experience with your ostomy pouching, many products are available to assist with getting a good fit and an acceptable wear time.

Health Products For You carries all these outstanding products for you to try.

LIVE STRONG OSTOMATES!

 

Author Profile: Christine Kijek, Registered Colorectal Nurse

 

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