Issues with Barrier Rings Turtlenecking in Ostomy Appliances

I really like this place; everyone is so helpful. I have a question: when I change my appliances, I of course clean the area and let it dry, but the problem I am having is after I put the barrier ring on, then the appliances. I use a one-piece, and after my body warms the wax ring, it turtlenecks up into the pouch. Is this normal, or am I doing something wrong? I do cut the wafer a tad larger than the stoma because you don't want it tight up to the stoma. Does anyone have any solutions?

Hi, yes, this place is very helpful for a number of reasons.

1. Being quick to reply.

2. Separating fact from fiction.

I like it here.

I'm an ileo. I use a 2-piece system. I put an O-ring barrier behind the flange first - Adapt CeraRing - then press it into the bag adhesive area, then place it over the stoma.

Sometimes I get that turtle neck. It's okay for me because that stoma breathes. So for me, it doesn't matter. Mine is tight, though. The wafer is flush against the stoma perimeter.

No issues doing this for myself. The alien spuds do flex; it's ugly head expands, retracts.

Just dying for attention, that little sucker.

You should be fine. No leaks, right? Good wear time?

It's called "Turtle Necking." Like a turtleneck shirt.

My barrier ring does the same. For me, I want that. It helps seal around the stoma. Sometimes small pieces of the ring break off, causing me no problems.

How can you get it cut so perfectly? Are you using moldable two-piece? I thought about changing to that kind because all you do is roll it back and then it rolls back out to the stoma. I am just waiting since two weeks ago it was moved up, over, and pulled out. It was under the skin the first time, now it's better, but I have to wait until it all settles back down in size to order them.

Precut. Moldable.

For me, it works best. I can't use scissors. Arthritis in thumbs. But I have been using this two-piece for years. Mio Sensure Click. Game changer flange makes sense. 5 fingers, not 4 corners.

When I apply the entire appliance, I go to one side first, then slowly pull it over to the other side. Fits like a glove. A bit tight, but I know it will decrease in size.

Living with Your Ostomy | Hollister

You kill me with the spud begging for attention! 🤩

Mine definitely likes talking to the girls! 😁 

With 2 piece systems, you can also use a hole cutter for a more perfect circle.  Not sure anyone has a perfectly round stoma though.  I have a tiny blip on the underside but otherwise it's good with the circle cut.  I now have 2 different sizes of hole cutters.  

This doesn't work for 1 piece pouches else you'll cut the pouch.

Like warrior, I get turtle-necking too and it eventually comes off into the pouch.  I have been having good results with paste the past couple weeks now.

I think having a little space around the stoma is ok too.  If you get it too tight you could end up with granulomas.  I might be wrong but I think they're like calluses.

Hi there, I cut my wafer to fit the size and shape of my stoma since day one, with no gaps or skin showing. That will prevent your skin from getting eaten away, which hurts something fierce. It could be the type of ring you're using. The Coloplast Brava ring would swell crazily on me, and I won't tell you the rest because I don't want to scare you. But I use the Cera ring by Hollister, and I don't have the swelling problems with the ring.

Ha ha. Your stoma is a horn dog. It sees more action than I do socially. 😆

Hello Missb

You haven't mentioned if this is causing you any trouble. You have probably noticed the turtle neck returns to its normal shape after a short period, and this is normal. If this causes you no problems, then you are doing it right.

I get this swelling and "turtlenecking" on both my stomas. If there is any space at all, the ring moves into that space which is part of how the rings work to prevent leaks. 

I use precuts because peripheral neuropathy prevents me from cutting my own. My colostomy is distinctly oval in shape so I count on that swelling effect to provide a good seal. 

Thank you all for the information. I must be doing it right, and I think I am going with the moldable because my stoma isn't quite round, and I feel I will get a good fit with this. You never know; it could be the perfect thing for me. Like you all say, we are all different. Keep trying until it works and feels good for you.