Safe n Simple Barrier Rings: Changes and Issues

Hi folks, I just got a new shipment of products - bags and seals. I've been using Safe n Simple Skin Barrier Ring Conforming Seals for several years and have rarely had any waste leak under them. I really like them and had gotten used to this ring/bag system. I used one from the new shipment this morning during my bag change and noticed the color is yellow (from tan) and very sticky, like holding a piece of gum in hot weather versus the original ring, which was like holding one in the cold. I had a bad feeling - we all know that feeling - but went to teach my class. When I was done, I started to have itching and knew I had some leakage under the ring. I called Safe n Simple when I got home and was told that, yes, they changed up their rings (why? whyyyy??), they've been getting negative feedback, and they're in the process of trying to improve things. She said she'd send me some of the old rings and a newer one to try out and suggested that, in the interim, I put a very small amount of stoma powder on my fingers to cut down on the tackiness of the current ring. I certainly won't be heating things up with a hair dryer or my ring will turn to mush. Just a heads up for anyone currently using the same ring. Why do they try to fix what ain't broken?

Because then they don't get the chance to say "new and improved!"

Brilliant!

Please let me know if the new rings that she sends are better. I have leakage under my rings no matter what brand I use. I don't know what I am doing wrong. The area is always dry before applying the flange.

I will, Lady A. Do you have any dips in the skin around your stoma? If you do, you might want to consider paste to fill in those areas. When you remove your bag, can you see where you're leaking?

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

I always have a tiny leakage under my barrier ring, but nothing that smells.

Eefy

...... sickening, isn't it - probably the bottom line accountants [naughty me] ..... for whatever reason, let's hope they continue to manufacture a product line of the former specification too ............. maybe their R&D dept just went too much over with new elements in the mix ........ if too much negative FB is received [good thinking re the HANDS UP HERE FOR other USERS] you may yet be able to continue with your tried and tested option ..... but maybe you also need a backup alternative to be found as a reserve, hey!

Good luck

BW

J

I do use paste, but not with the rings. Sure, I? Yes, I do have dips; my stoma is kind of sunken. I can't figure out where the leak is coming from. Not sure if I am cutting my hole too small or too big. I don't have an ostomy nurse to ask these questions either. 🤷🏽‍♀️

Alex is right; I always have a bit of seepage under my ring, too, but not enough to create an odor or cause itchiness (until this new ring). How much leakage under your ring are you having? If it's a little bit, I think you're normal like the rest of us. If it's more, then maybe the paste can help. The next time you take your bag off, look for those areas, and that's where you would put a little paste.

Jayne, I'm holding out hope that Safe n Simple will come back to a ring closer to the original. Its users are not happy. As Patti Smith said, people have the power!

It's a lot but no odor. I called Coloplast today for help. They gave me some suggestions on how to cut my hole for my stoma. Will let you know. Also suggested no paste or ring since my skin is irritated and weeping.

Did they explain the crusting technique to you for weeping skin? Dab skin barrier film (which is damp) on weeping areas, shake some powder on it, blow off the excess, dab again, powder again, and finish with dabbing with the skin barrier film - ALWAYS finish with the film and not the powder or else nothing will stick to your skin. Let this dry completely and apply your appliance. You do this with each bag change until your skin is healed.

Hi, yes, they did. I have been crusting. I think I am allergic to what the ring is made of. I only use water to clean around the stoma. Someone suggested using Dial or Ivory soap to cleanse the area.

Ah, ok. The Safe n Simple rings I use are latex-free. Could you be allergic to latex?

Yes, I am!!!! Thank you for your help. Are you pleased with that brand of ring?

Whoa, this may be the answer to your problem! I do like this ring very much. The newer version is a little tackier, but I'm giving it a try. And it's latex-free!

Yes! I think so too! I am almost positive we have. When I use the paste, it starts to heal.

Thank you so much!!

I will keep you posted.

I am keeping my fingers crossed for you, Lady A!

❤️

Hi Lady A,

Not having a stoma nurse does not help your situation; maybe one of your close relatives or friends could measure your stoma exactly, as it's not possible to measure yourself accurately. Get the exact measurement and shape, as they are not always round. Then go back to using cohesion rings to secure full adhesion, which will not allow leakage or sore skin. A convex bag may help the situation. Don't forget to hold the bag with your hand for 30 seconds; the heat from your hand will make for better cohesion. Poop on your skin creates irritation and soreness.

Hi Leslie, I've only ever used a convex bag. After each bag change, I do hold my hand against it for at least five minutes after warming it with a hair dryer. I may not use the dryer with these "new and improved" barriers because they soften almost too easily with the touch of my fingers. I got my Safe n Simple samples today, including five of the original ones. I know I will either get used to the new formula (I tried another ring this morning, and it's holding up) or move over to one of their other ones.

Hi eefyjig,

I have never used a hairdryer on my rings or bag because my stoma nurse suggested that you might change the adhesion level by getting them too warm. Hand heat should be sufficient. She suggested only using a hairdryer after you have removed all of the old adhesive from around the stoma with adhesive remover spray, and finish off with warm clear water before drying.

The hair dryer for five seconds has always worked for me, but maybe it depends on the ring we use? If I change my bag but don't have access to a hair dryer, my hand works just fine.

Thank you, I will try that also.

I have had the same problem you describe with Safe n Simple ostomy arcs: the last batch I received from Edgepark was very different from the ones I've been receiving for years: flimsy, and they turn into a gummy mess at the base of my hernia - not usable. After confirming with Edgepark that they did not change the product they were sending me, I called Safe n Simple. I spoke to a very understanding woman in customer service, who immediately understood what I was talking about. She took the lot number and filed a complaint for me. She said that they have recently changed manufacturers and that they in no way intended to change the product formula. She went to the warehouse and found an older lot of the arcs and sent me a tray. I hope that they can correct the issue with the manufacturer very soon, and I hope that the correction also fixes your problem with the conforming seals. FYI, I did find some of the "original" formula arcs on Amazon - but of course, Medicare isn't going to cover those.

I was told the same thing, that it's the manufacturer interpreting the formula a little differently. My rep sent me the other ring variations - integrity, longevity, resilient, etc. - and I leaked with them all. She said most folks are really liking the new formula interpretation and that I was in the minority, but she was very nice and listened. She was kind enough to send me six of the original ones I had been using. They got me through my son's wedding!