Decline in Convatec Quality? Seeking Alternatives and Experiences

I've been using Convatec products for nearly 27 years now, and I've seen a decline in the quality of the pouches.

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I use 413161 wafers and 401512 pouches. Just this year, I've begun to suffer leaks in the pouches in the tail right where the clip hinges, that is, the left side of the pouch. I noticed that this "new" collection of pouches doesn't seem to be sealed properly. That is, up until this year, the pouches that I used all seemed to be stamped closed on the edges with a prominent "ridge" that seals them tightly. The "new" pouches are flat, no ridgeline, almost as if they missed the final stamping sealing at the end of the production process. (In the picture, the “old” pouch is the one on top, clearly sealed with ridges, and the bottom one is the “new” pouch with a plain flat seal.) At any rate, the “new” pouches break open and leak on the left side at the clip hinge. They don't tear, just break open through the quasi-seal. I've contacted Convatec and spoken with several very understanding and concerned nurses who say that they know of no new design of the pouches, send me replacements, but the replacements have been the same unstamped, ridge-less pouches that simply break open after a day or two of use. Right now, I've agreed to send a box of new pouches back to them, with the breakage spots inked out so that they can send them to quality control to get a determination. (I would think that they would know if the pouches had been redesigned, but I get little response to that question. They say that they don't know, that they haven't been informed.) So I'll send the box of pouches to them when I receive the mailer. Until then, I've been trying out Hollister and Coloplast products just in case I need to switch brands. (So far, Hollister has the longest wear time and is the most comfortable.) Questions: have any of you noticed a difference in the way that your pouches have been sealed? Have any of you tried Hollister and Coloplast? Which one seems to suit you better and why? (And yes, btw, I've tried several different clips, and no, I don't clip them above the curve.)

The plastic on the Hollister pouches is noisier and maybe thinner, but no problems yet.

Send them a bag that leaked; it'll get more attention than sending them a brand new bag that hasn't had an issue yet.

Report it to Convatec. I have found that at 5-7 days the end of my ileostomy Hollister bags start coming apart. Duct tape has been helpful when I need another day or two. I have no experience with Convatec.

I can feel the little ridge on the seal on these. You're welcome to them if they'll work for you. There are 7 bags left and 2 clips.

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It's probably a defect. Call them and they will want the lot numbers from the box. They will send you new ones. If you're happy with the pouch, why switch? I've had defective Coloplast that leaked from the bottom, and I've heard of Hollister and others lately as well.

Hi all, I've used Convatec products for 30 some years and haven't had any problems. I use an opaque bag, not the clear.

Good day! I use Hollister and never have any problems. I use the two-piece Convex Wafer 11503 and the Drainable Bag 18182. I also use the Welland Seal WMHWA300 as well as the Welland Barrier Spray. It's all trial and error. Regards, IGGIE.

Thanks for the offer, but I don't use that size pouch.

Thanks for the suggestion, but I've already done that three times, and three times I was sent boxes of the same flat "sealed" pouches. That's why I'm wondering if anyone else has seen a change in the way that the pouches are sealed.

If you are having issues with Hollister Velcro starting to wear out before you are done with the bag, I suggest you use an "Iggie clip".

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Are you ordering from Amazon or a medical supplier?

I have ordered from Medical Care Products in Jacksonville, FL for years. These folks are supremely trustworthy.

Your commission is in the post, honestly.
Regards, IGGIE

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I've been using Sensura Coloplast #15521 and AllKare protective barrier wipes; they both give a great seal.

I have used Convatec products for many years. I have had issues with a couple of pouches in the past couple of years, and I have noticed the seam doesn't look or feel the same. Convatec has helped me, and they should help you if you call them.

ConvaTec has a stoma nurse who is very kind, patient, and full of helpful information!

Had an identical problem 2 years ago with urostomy bags… notified Convatec of their heat seal equipment problem (I have experience in the heat seal process) and poor quality control. They sent replacements but the same problem, same production lot #. Changed companies and had far better results. Now back with Convatec and a different product and so far so good. But it was frustrating times 2 years ago. Good luck! -Keith