Figuring Out Which Ostomy Products to Combine

Hey folks,

I had my ileostomy surgery on July 17th of this year and am still figuring out which products work for me. I was using Coloplast for the first 2 months and then had a delayed skin reaction...the skin around the stoma (mainly where the barrier ring was) was falling apart, so I've switched to Hollister, but I much prefer the Coloplast bags. Does anyone here combine products? I'm thinking of trying the Coloplast bag and flange, but perhaps there's a Hollister barrier I can put underneath the flange? Has anyone done this?

Hi, yes, you can mix brands up. I do. Find what you like and go for it. Welcome.

Absolutely! I use Hollister bags but Coloplast rings.

Yup. I use Coloplast bags but Hollister cera rings. I had issues with Coloplast rings. And you can use whatever brand remover, deodorant, paste, powder, barrier extenders, skin protectant... whatever brand you like and works for you and your skin... mix and match. A tip when trying new things: try it on the skin of your abdomen but on the opposite side of your stoma; that way, if you have an allergic reaction or itching, it won't be on the skin surrounding your stoma.

Yes, mixing is totally fine. Since you are in Canada, Salts products are available to you. Particularly if you are having problems with peristomal skin, I would recommend you try the Salts 'aloe ring,' which is a thin barrier ring infused with aloe, and it is really good for your skin. It's the only thing that cleared up my skin irritation when it was really bad. I wear the Salts ring with a Hollister appliance, but you could certainly combine it with Coloplast as well. Good luck.

Terry

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

Same as Terry.

We are all different, but I get a great result from Brava Seals. You can mix and match as much as you like. Regards, IGGIE