Changing appliance manufacturers

For the past six years, I have mostly used Coloplast appliances including wafers and pouches because my skin seemed to prefer that brand to others I had tried (it hates Conva-Tec for example, always blisters up and gets sores if I try their product for unknown reasons). But it hasn't always been a happy time with Coloplast. On numerous occasions, I have had their two-piece Sensura and Assura pouches come unhooked in really embarrassing situations including at work (multiple times), in bed (multiple times), at a bar (thank the gods it was dark and I could sneak out unnoticed), grocery store (not as lucky as the bar with the lighting), and in the outdoors (multiple times). The lock on them just seems to unlock itself or a few times the pouch has come off even when locked. I tried one-piece pouches but my stoma sticks out just enough that these irritate it from rubbing on the inside of the pouch. I tried their Mio line which seems to have a much better and secure lock and really nice pouches but their adhesive on these is just weak and the wafers peel off me within a day or two.

So after testing some samples that my supplier carries (which limited what I could order), I have settled on Hollister and in particular their new CeraPlus line. While I like the closure of the Coloplast pouches better than the Hollister pouches, I find the Hollister pouches to be much more secure. In addition to a solid "click" when installing onto the wafer, the belt tabs are on the pouch and not the wafer (as they are with Coloplast) so there is added security against the pouch coming off. So far my skin seems to be doing OK on the CeraPlus wafers and as long as that remains the case I plan on moving forward with Hollister.

-Aaron

I did not know that Coloplast snap-on bags could come loose. I was thinking of changing from Hollister. The only reason is that they have a stoma cap, a 2-piece, and Hollister does not. I irrigate, so I do not need a big bag. They sent me samples, but I went back to Hollister. I never had any problems with them.

Are you using a skin prep and a remover, and drying with a hair dryer? I can wear a Hollister flange for about 4 days with no problem, sometimes 5.

Mike, I pat dry and use skin prep after a shower most times. I did get the Mio to stick a little better by NOT using skin prep and replacing without a shower first. Coloplast has told me the adhesive is different than their Sensura and Assura which I've never had an issue skin or application wise. But the Mio lock ring is different than the Sensura/Assura (these two are compatible) so it won't work which is a bummer because I think the pouches are solid. If Coloplast would put the belt tabs on the pouches instead of the wafer where they are pretty useless I might go back. But I've been embarrassed by product failure one too many times now and am not confident in the Sensura/Assura lock rings anymore.

Hi CA, timely subject as I have been considering trying something new. I used Hollister after my surgery 5 years ago but soon switched to Coloplast. I have had no issues with the pouches coming off, and I work out and golf several times per week. I find the heat and humidity is a wafer killer for me. I find the 10011 wafer too stiff and plasticky. The Hollister conforms to the body better. I change my wafer and pouch every day as my lifestyle does not allow me to go 2 days. I really like the Mio wafer, but the pouch with the filter I got too much pancaking and had leaking issues. Thanks for your post, and I will research the Ceraplus products. Stay well! Penguins7

I have an adhesive allergy which only becomes a problem with tape barriers, not the wafers. The wafers don't use adhesive like the tape (yes, it's sticky, but it is meant to bond to the skin in a different way). I actually use two different types of wafers by Convatec depending on how my skin is doing underneath. If I have any sores around my stoma, I use a product with a moldable center that hugs up better against the stoma. This device has a tape barrier, so I can't wear it all the time or my skin will get irritated and often I end up with a yeast infection. When my skin is sore outside the wafer area, then I use Convatec Natura wafers that have no tape barrier and I have to cut the center out. This wafer is flexible and sticks to the weird shape of my stomach. In both cases, I use DuoDerm to either add a tape barrier or cover the existing one. I cut the sheet into 3 strips (say 2" by 6") and notch them each on one side. I then frame them on top of the wafer on both sides and the top. The bottom isn't really needed. This keeps the wafer or the attached tape barrier from lifting/sliding on my skin, provides an extra seal around my wafer, and extends my wear time to 4 - 5 days. If I don't use the DuoDerm, I might only last 24 hours before a channel opens up and I start to leak. DuoDerm is stupidly expensive to be used as tape, but it doesn't bother my skin as much and it's covered by my benefits. I can't imagine having to change my wafer every day like Penguins7. If I have a leak and have to change my appliance after a day or two, I have to be really careful or I will get skin tears (which if you have any open cut under your wafer or tape around it, it's a pain to heal. I typically burn shut and sores or tears in my skin with the silver-nitrate sticks (it isn't fun to do. I find myself shaking at times in anticipation of the pending discomfort).

Stories of Living Life to the Fullest from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

If the CeraPlus line ever gives you trouble, look into the Hollister New image line. Very solid "snap" on closure, tabs on the pouches, good adhesion. I like to top off with the Aqua Seal by Costa Medical, which helps make everything waterproof and ensures a very good seal for the wafer for a good 7 days. I have been very happy with this combination for over a year.

Interesting subject. I use the Colopast mio line and have had no problems. I think the secret to my having few issues was when I started using the barrier strips that go on each side of the appliance. The strips secure the edges of the appliance. I have only had my bag come unattached once in the past 3 years. I still dont know if I forgot to click the locking mechanism or it failed. Got it back on pretty quick after a moment of panic.

The only issue I have had so far with the Hollister pouches is the filter leaks and stains my wraps. It doesn't seem to work anyway like most filters so I might just ditch the filter pouches.

I use the Hollister 8515 Premier with built-in tabs for the security belt, plus the Hollister Adapt rings. I'm a heavy-set guy, so I have a stomach roll, lol, and yet it's still secure. I don't like the filter kind; I can smell it. Now, for better sticking, I use the no-sting barrier spray, which works great even if my stoma gets irritated, and I pour stoma powder then spray it, no problem. Now, if you really have sticking problems, there's an adhesive by Nu Hope that works really good. Since my new bag, I haven't had the need for the glue. Oh, and the bag has a built-in roll and snap clip. I've gotten down to around 5 minutes to change my bag now. Oh, and did I mention it comes pre-cut to my stoma size?

CA, try putting a small piece of tape over the filter, and that should take care of the leaking issue.
Penguins7

Penguins7, that is exactly what I did until I got the no filter models. Problem solved. Now that I'm used to the Hollister pouches, I like them better than Coloplast and I have no fear of them coming apart from the wafer. Skin is also doing very well with the CeraPlus wafers, in fact with convex wafer I don't even need a barrier ring.

CA, I would like to change to the no-filter pouch. The filter does not allow any air to stay in the pouch, and that can cause some serious pancaking around the stoma. I'm going to get some samples and try them. I'm working on developing a device to cut my wafers the same each time, as the scissors are not consistent. Thanks again, CA! Penguins7

Is your stoma symmetrical? There are pre-cut wafers, either round or oval, in a variety of sizes available if your stoma is symmetrical and either of those shapes. Mine is not, so I made a template exactly for my stoma using one of the wafer plastic cover sheets. Once I use it to trace with a marker onto the next wafer, all I have to do is remember to cut exactly on the OUTSIDE of the marked line (which is the exact shape of the template hole), and I get the same hole every time. If the problem, however, is your control of the scissors (and it could be for any number of reasons, including neuropathy of the hands causing shaking, etc.), that's not a solution. When you finish your device, could you let everyone know by posting as a new thread? I believe that might be a help for many people on this site. Thanks.

Hello,
My ostomy nurse insisted that I wash off with soap and water after each step of a change. The adhesive leaves a residue as does the adhesive remover. Even soap leaves a residue. And she said to only use a very fine line of paste as it works opposite of what you want. Will actually cause the bag to lift.

I used layers of stoma powder and prep when my skin was irritated called crystallizing ?

Finding bandages without latex was a real problem. The doctors office didn't have any that they used at all. All I could find retail was Nexum brand.

I wish I had access to you folks advice while I had my ostomy or even known I'm allergic to latex! It would have saved me all kinds of grief. Instead I was virtually home bound changing leaky bags 3 times a day.

I've said before, if I ever have a permanent bag I'm sure there are ways to live with it. That's the key isn't it? LIVING with it.

Charlotte

I use baby wipes, and when the stoma is irritated, I spray some peroxide, then the powder, then the spray. You're not supposed to wash it too much, especially with soaps. You don't do enemas with soaps, just water, and not too much because it's bad for you in the long run. Keep it simple.

My name is Steve, living in Chicago, IL. I have had an iliostomy since 2013. The only issue I have is with the wafer coming loose.