Clip or Velcro Closures for Ostomy Bags - Which Do You Prefer?

Always had bags with Velcro here - started out using Coloplast, now using Dansac.

Emptying, cleaning, and securing Velcro closures requires hand/finger dexterity. Many ostomates have compromised or limited use of their hands and fingers. This would complicate folding and pressing the Velcro together without getting poop everywhere.

The first few times I emptied my bag, I sat on the throne and unknowingly got poop all over my fingers, all over Mr. Penis (I let the bag hang down while trying to clean my fingers 🤢). What a mess. I was thinking, "This ostomy crap is for the birds!"

But after accidentally discovering this website and reading so many excellent posts about ostomy care, I wised up.

Started with Velcro, and a few months later, I was having issues and was running low on pouches. I bought what they had at my local pharmacy, and it had a clip. I will never run low again, and I will never use a clip unless I have no other choice; the clip was a pain in the behind for me.

Definitely a clip. Much cleaner way to empty the bag than all that Velcro that gets very messy for me.

So agree

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

I'm a clip user. I do not like the Velcro closure on the bags I use. I'm interested in your clip invention. Would you please send me details?

Jean

Definitely prefer Velcro and pray it never goes out of production!

I too, much prefer the Hollister Velcro closure to any sort of clip. Also, I have been using their product line since 2016 and like the bags with the little viewing panel for accurate, easy installation of a new bag.

Velcro for my ileostomy appliance!

My husband has an ileostomy and uses Velcro. And since I'm the one doing the care, I definitely vote for Velcro.

Velcro, 100%. Wait till you drop your clip into the oozing poop in the commode. Bring a fishing pole? Or are your fingers too stiff to manage the clip? Hollister has the best Velcro closure and easiest to clean, but the worst wafer or flange.

I found that leak with Coloplast & Convetec. Hollister doesn't leak; it's a better system.

I use a stealth belt, so the length is not an issue. I would remove the Iggie clip after eating in a restaurant. Need more space in the bag.

With an ileostomy, anything can, and does, happen. I have one, tried Velcro a few times, but I just can't get it clean enough. Awkward and counterintuitive opening and closing too. Clip forever.

I've searched high and low for more info or a pic of the Iggie Clip - I presume it's just not something we can get here in the UK?

I've searched high and low for more info or a picture of the Iggie Clip - I presume it's just not something we can get here in the UK?

Aha! Just found it on an older thread on here... and as a retired civil servant, I know I have a supply of those somewhere in my desk 😉

It's basically a paper clip on steroids. 😆

The man is a genius. 👍

Not sure what is counter-intuitive about Velcro seal, particularly the Hollister bag. Fold it 3 times, seal the Velcro, fold it 1-3 times more, and add the IGGIE clip. If you are having trouble keeping the Velcro clean, I assume you are using Coloplast. In that case, I can understand. Their Velcro enclosures are inferior to Hollister.

Daniel

I've had my ileostomy since 1972. I've used both, and they both kind of have their pluses and minuses. The worst thing about a clip is it's just one more piece to have to deal with, whereas with the Velcro, it's all there. On the other hand, I have had Velcro ones that don't always lock together well. I've only had one instance where one came open, though. I've been using Hollister for the past several years, and I do prefer Velcro, just because it's all in one.

Having OA and RA in my hands, Velcro is a lifesaver for me!

The worst thing about a clip is when you drop it in the toilet!! 😂

I always use two small rubber bands. Have for 60 years.

Oh girl, talk to me about it! Do you take anything for that arthritis? Any luck relieving pain?

What problems do you encounter with the flanges?

Well... it's like Forrest Gump said while running: Shit... it happens. 😉

Here you go:

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Document binder clip. Known throughout the Ostomy world as the IGGIE clip.

Using the clip.

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Step 1, seal the pouch.

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Step 2. Fold up the drain 1 or 2 times.

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Step 3. Attach IGGIE clip.

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Step 4. Fold down clip arms. IGGIE super glued tiny strong magnets (rare earth type) to the clip tips to prevent them from unfolding when the pouch gets full. See next pictures.

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Magnets on clip tips. Can use 1 or 2 magnets. Available from Amazon or Home Depot.

Got liquid output... leaky pouch closure?

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IGGIE clip 2.0. You could add a clip to the middle too.

I have used the ileostomy pouch system from Marlen for almost 50 years, the same system I originally started with, which is a vinyl plastic type pouch. It has a 1" tail end, which is smaller than the usual bags, which makes it easier for me to empty and clean. With it, I use a plastic tail closure and secure it with rubber bands. I've tried the newer usual styles with Velcro and clips. It's hard to keep Velcro clean. I don't like the newer clips either because they are too difficult for me to use. Maybe that's just me, but my system works best for me.

Velcro

Proof that once you discover a system that works for you, stick with it.

Clip all the way, the Velcro closure is not trustworthy, and I have already had my unfortunate accident. These new bags need clip closures and should be slightly shorter.