Hollister Ostomy Bags - Tips for Opening Drainable Pouch?

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susie.grohn
Jan 14, 2025 1:51 pm

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?

IGGIE
Jan 14, 2025 2:15 pm

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

Gray Logo for MeetAnOstoMate

Marjatta

This group has been my go-to during my loneliest hours whenever I've had a "bag blowout" at 3am and there was no one else in the world to talk to.

Because it's a global community, there's always someone here to lend an ear, provide advice, and just hold my hand if that's all I need.

Sure, there's also a lot of camaraderie, fun topics, and laughs, but the main reason I come here is for the total acceptance I get from the members. No one else on the planet could possibly "get" what I'm going through, not even my loving husband or supportive family.

The "Meet an Ostomate" forum is definitely a one-of-a-kind family, which I am very proud to belong to.

M
xo

infinitycastle52777
Jan 14, 2025 3:24 pm

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

Beachboy
Jan 14, 2025 3:44 pm

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.

 

Hugo
Jan 14, 2025 4:10 pm

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

 

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infinitycastle52777
Jan 14, 2025 6:44 pm

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

 

AlexT
Jan 14, 2025 8:09 pm

Exactly like BeachBoy posted. 👍

Beachboy
Jan 14, 2025 9:32 pm

Just wanted to add:

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

Thank you!

Seashore Girl
Jan 14, 2025 11:31 pm

Agree

IGGIE
Jan 15, 2025 1:32 am

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

Marjatta
Jan 25, 2025 8:21 pm

You should be writing the user manuals! Well done!

M

xo

susie.grohn
Jan 26, 2025 2:47 pm

Wonderful, thanks for the visuals; I needed that!