Hollister Ostomy Bags - Tips for Opening Drainable Pouch?

I am trying out a few manufacturers of ostomy bags and am finding the Hollister to be the one that works best for me.  My only beef is the drainable pouching system, I can't seem to get the darn thing opened, does anyone have a trick for this?

G-Day Susie,

Press the two ends of the tail and fold it over and press it very hard to put a crease in the two opposite sides of the outlet. This will now open a lot easier next time you try to open it.   Regards IGGIE

Agree with Iggie, that is what I do. Put a crease in the middle of each side.

Like this:

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Squeeze open plastic lips

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Create a fold by squeezing, on each side

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Finished.  Pleats created on both sides.

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Folded up, locked, and ready for duty.  When emptying, I put pressure on the ends of the plastic lips.  They slowly separate.  Sometimes poop is real sticky, I put a finger and thumb on each lip side and push each side opposite to "break the seal."

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Thumb is pushed to the right.  Finger to the left.

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Note:  Used my left hand for the picture.  Normally I use my right hand.  In that case thumb goes left, finger to the right.

 

A picture is worth a thousand words!  I am very visual and often misunderstand written instructions.  Kudos for a great post!

Stories of Living Life to the Fullest from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

I wanted to add I also reinforce the crease every time I empty.

 

Exactly like BeachBoy posted. 👍

Just wanted to add:

I learned how to do this from the experienced Ostemates here on MaO.

Thank you!

Agree

G-Day BB,

A great job with the camera. Like the lady said, a photo says a thousand words. You're the man.

Regards, IGGIE

You should be writing the user manuals! Well done!

M

xo

Wonderful, thanks for the visuals; I needed that!