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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How to Get Back to Activity after Ostomy Surgery with Kimberly | Hollister

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 Hollister 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

Same here... 60 years. Vast quality deterioration with Convatec pouches. Noisy, lack of odor control is evident in the past 2 years. No leakage, however. Talked to a rep who stated she will forward my info to management. Seemed dismissive. I have both Hollister and Coloplast samples. I plan to try them out.

The Convatec pouches have become thinner and noisier. They also arrived just thrown in the box, not folded neatly like before. What is up?

Hollister as well. I sound like someone opening a Christmas gift when I bend over, etc. If anybody said anything, I would ask them, what noise???

I'm still unhappy with Convatec quality, but apparently, other brands have quality issues also. My main complaint is fusion at the drainage opening.

Tell them it is the candy wrappers in your pocket. Hopefully, they do not ask for one. I told a friend that in the past; he seemed to be OK with that answer.

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I have been using Convatec supplies since 2005. I started having trouble with their flanges 4 years ago, as you can see from the pictures. I've had numerous pictures, but I deleted a lot of them from my phone recently, stupid me. Anyhow, both convex flanges that they have are completely defective because of these ripples that you can see. They are almost impossible to use because they don't stick properly, and if you do get it to stick, it leaks within a few hours. They are painful because the part that's not adhered pulls on the part that is adhered to your skin, and it's very painful.

I had trouble with Convatec.

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c's Eakin seals a couple of years ago, but it got better. For the last eight months, I've had a lot of trouble with their Eakin seals because they are so soft they are next to useless. I get a leak anywhere between 1 hour and 6 hours after changing my appliance. I've never had trouble like I've had in the last 8 months. They're too soft, and they don't stick, and they are completely defective. I will not pay to send supplies back to Convatec; I have better things to do with my little bit of money. I haven't had coverage since January 2020, and I don't need to waste my money on defective products.

I have had many, many replacements sent to me, and like it's been noted by others, the replacements are worse than the ones being replaced. I have recently heard that they are getting a new CEO, but they also need a new manager of quality control. I've been tempted to even call that guy in Sweden or Switzerland because he's not doing his job at all.

I've been using Hollister again this year for the most part, but I don't care for their pouches. At least their flanges aren't full of ripples and ridges.

I just called and asked for some sticks from Hollister. Hopefully, they will work better than the Eakin seals. I can't use anything with alcohol, which limits my options.

Also, I spent 2 hours and 52 minutes on hold with Coloplast this morning before they cut me off. Yes, I waited on hold that long. I was hoping to get a sample of their alcohol-free paste. I actually asked for samples online this past week and still haven't heard from them. I won't wear their products because they have no belt loops on the pouches or most of their flanges.

I have to use their flanges lately due to the poor quality of Convatec's, but I really don't like Hollister pouches. Very thin and cheaply made. The only good thing Convatec is still making. Wish I could put Convatec's pouches on Hollister flanges, but they are too big. I have put the hair dryer to a Hollister pouch to soften the coupling part and then let it cool on a Convatec flange, in the past and in a real pinch. It worked, but I wouldn't recommend doing it.