Changing Bag Without Changing Wafer?

Does anyone here change their bag without changing their wafer?

Haven't done it for years, but in the early days, I occasionally used to change bags every couple of days (and still left the wafer on for up to 5 days). One benefit of the two-piece system was that I could check things out and give it a good clean without removing the whole shebang.

I am sometimes tempted to change my bag between changes of the whole appliance, like if it looks disgusting and really sh-tty.

Lee

Hmm. Well, for me, it's the whole shebang. Around 4-6 days of wear time.

I replace everything only when there is a smell indicating a breach or a potential blowout.

My bag is kept clean on the outside to last 4-5 days, and that's usually the life of the entire appliance for me.

I ditch a bag every day or more, and the flange lasts about 10 days or more.

My Ostomy Journey: April | Hollister

Hi infinity,

There's no problem doing that, and it's why a two-piece exists. I change my bag without changing the barrier if I get it really dirty working on machinery or if I catch it on something and tear it. Just change it when your stoma isn't active and clean around the sealing lip really well before you put a new bag on. Easy-peasy.

;O)

Which bag or wafer lasts longer in a two-piece system? Doesn't it spring a leak within three days? The price of a Hollister bag is less than half of a Coloplast one here. Why is that? Is it the same in the US? Anyway, which, in your experience, is the best bag, one that prevents frequent leakage?

I use a Hollister 2-piece because when I tried the Coloplast one, it didn't work. I had several problems with it. But what is best is what works best for you in your situation. If cost is an issue and Hollister is cheaper and still works well for you, I say stick with that. Just see what works best in your situation.

Yeah, finding a time when my stoma isn't active can be a challenge. I think it knows when I am changing the appliance because it always chooses then to go. I got up today and, before eating anything, had a shower with the bag off and was fine in the shower, but when I went to put the new bag on, wouldn't you know, poop city. And that was on an empty stomach. I hardly ever can change my appliance without some output, especially when I press on the wafer to stick down the ring. My stoma doesn't like to have the skin around it pushed on.

Wow, 10 days. I change the whole appliance every 3 days, as that is what my ostomy nurse taught me. My bag gets pretty worn out after 3 days.

Yeah, I change the whole thing every 3 days. I guess I just think about changing the bag sooner because it looks so dirty. I guess I am doing okay, though, with changing the whole thing every 3 days.

I have a two-piece appliance, using a closed pouch, and I change the pouch 2 to 3 times per day and the wafer every 4 days. I have a colostomy.

Ok. Thanks, infinitycastle.

The ConvaTec pouch is the best pouch I have used. However, the adhesive on the Coloplast is better. All things considered, I use a ConvaTec appliance with Coloplast straight flange extenders.

I change my bag at least 1 to 2 times a night. Why at night? But that's when they get full, and I mean full. I have a parastomal hernia, so I have found the flip Coloplast equipment the best for me due to my spine issue. At night, I am under the influence of medication, so even emptying the bag is not an option. Sitting on the 🚽 and trying not to fall asleep is the biggest issue. It is easier with the Coloplast equipment; they come off easily, and the new bag goes on easier than any others. If you look at my pics of the surgery done, just think it was done twice.

I will try that one out when I find out who distributes them. There is no such thing as free samples here. Best wishes.

I use Hollister 2 piece. Change bags when they get totally soiled. Only change the wafer every 7 to 9 days. At 16 months post-op, I've never had a leak or bag blowout.

I use Hollister deodorizer lube. When a bag is soiled with sticky, pancake output... open up the bag drain (holding it up) pour in some lube. Swish, then drain and flush.

Have you tried eating a few marshmallows just before changing your wafer? My nurse suggested this to me. I was skeptical at first, but now it is part of my routine. I can't believe how well it works.

I have tried it exactly once (I'm very new to this), and it was awful. It was an adhesive coupling 2-piece, and pulling the adhesive bag off put enough traction on the flange to pull it up and break the seal, causing it to leak. I was not impressed.

I've been thinking of switching to one-pieces since considering I don't ever change the bag without changing the flange. I had some samples, and I LOVE the comfort and the way they fit.

But on the other hand, I want to try closed bags (I have very thick, fairly predictable output from my colostomy), which usually would necessitate a 2-piece. I'd prefer a mechanical coupling.

I've been using Coloplast because that is what they gave me at the hospital. I tried a Convatec sample (the moldable one, instead of cut-to-fit), and I got the best seal I've had since I have had this ostomy. I really want to try more of that, but I'm not sure I want to commit to a whole month's supply. I may see if they can send me samples of their two-piece so I can try that out.

I have been trying to get Hollister samples for a week without success. Nothing happens when I request online. When I call, I get the “our call volume is high, you can leave a message and we'll call you back”….

I change all every 4 days and change before bed. My stoma is less active compared to in the morning.