Ok, venting. Explain to me why in the year 2025 supply companies cannot "fix" filter issues. They leak; I have tried more products than I can tell you, and they all leak. They do not keep smells in, they do not let air out, and they leak. Sorry, but I just had another night of washing bedclothes and everything else because of this. I know there are supposedly ones without filters, but my question remains the same. If their mother or father had to deal with this issue, someone would solve the problem. I have read other posts and know that some people use Scotch tape (I have used duct tape), but seriously, why? At first, I was very compliant and called the company and gave them the lot number, etc. It does not matter. Again, sorry. People always ask me what it's like to have an ileostomy, and my answer is always the same. It's not the ileostomy that's the issue; it's the products.
I've only had 3-4 filters leak (I think from the same shipment) in the 5+ years of having an ostomy. The easiest way to fix your problem is to order bags with no filters.
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Hi All, If you have an " old" or recent ostomy, this is the place for you. I think I've been a member for more than 15 years, but I have had my surgery, since I was a kid of 15 ( do the math-that's more than 60 years ago). As a teen, with a new ostomy ( for Ulcerative colitis) my parents dragged me off to my first ostomy association meeting. I wasn't happy, but in the long run, it's the best thing that happened to me. I met others, older, and teens like me, adjusting to the changes. A group of us started a Young adult group, and helped each other, and even visited kids who were new to the world of ostomies. But soon I married, and moved out of state, and although made some connections with other NJ ostomates, I became pretty much isolated. Until I discovered MaO. By then, I was having a myriad of other medical issues, and my aging stoma " wasn't doing well". I received a lot of help and support from members! I was pleased that I was also back to supporting others. I met a gal on line (from Papua New Guinea) who was trying to help ostomates in her country. There is a scarcity of supplies in some other countries, and unlike the US, insurance to pay for supplies isn't available. When my son followed his "love" twenty years ago, and moved to Australia I took advantage of an opportunity to help other ostomates. On one of my first visits to Oz, I brought a suitcase full of Ostomy supplies, handed them off to an Ostomy assoc. On the Gold Coast, who then had a friend take them to PNG. They were grateful for the help, and Janet and I still write.. This is the place to be, if you need help, and it also gives you the opportunity to provide help and support to others. Feel free to write, if you'd like to chat, about things ostomy, or life in general. Best REgards to all.. Marsha
All of mine leaked as well, even with the provided filter covers. The only brand I have found that hasn't leaked so far is Coloplast. Their pouches have a large plastic cover with an outer filter inside the pouch to protect the smaller filter, which helps the initial issue but causes another issue.
Or just use the pouches with no filter!
But I agree, it never seems to improve when they improve the overall pouch from time to time.
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So maybe if you understood how 'filters' worked, it might make more sense. The filtering material is made of a membrane that has very tiny holes in it. Holes so small that odors can escape, but liquid (i.e., water) cannot. But that's only under ideal conditions. If the water is in any way pressurized, it will be forced through the tiny holes of the filter. Also, note that the 'filter' on ostomy bags is also used as a 'vent' of sorts. Vents typically relieve pressure, so you can see where this is going. As long as your 'filter' is never pressurized when there's liquid on it, it should work as planned. But if there is ever any liquid (even moist vapor) in contact with the filter membrane and pressure is applied, you're out of luck, excuse the expression. I've never used filtered bags because my output is more liquid than solid, and when I sleep, my bag becomes horizontal and the filter is covered in liquid output. And obviously, that's not a good situation for any filter to be in. Buying filtered bags and covering up the filter is pretty... uuh... what's the word I'm looking for... oh yeah... not too smart (I'm being kind here), which is why they make filterless bags. If I were you, I'd go filterless or start buying your laundry detergent on sale in bulk.
;O)
Hubz has a colostomy and uses a 2-piece filterless drainable bag as he needs to keep a layer of air in the pouch to prevent pancaking.
We watch a YouTube channel, Let's Talk IBD, where the host, Maggie, showed how she uses a glue gun to seal off the filter on her pouches. There wasn't much of an explanation or demonstration, so she might've given more detail in a different video (she has many), but she also has an ileostomy.
Sorry, I can't remember which video it was on. She was showing how she goes about a basic bag change, and the glue gun to seal the filter seemed just part of her routine.
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Not all appliances come without filters. I have to put a piece of tape over the filter in mine.
Terry
Again, not all appliances come without filters. The one piece, soft convex Hollister that works best for me only comes with a filter. I put a piece of waterproof tape over the filter, easy peasy. Not a big deal.
Terry
I have blue stickers to place over filters, but I don't always use them as they can lead to pancaking.
I use a Hollister bag 18182 with a filter and have never had it leak.
Read w30bob's notes again; what he is saying is correct. Don't eat food that makes gas, but if you get gas, then just burp it.
Daystar, get the bags with no filter.
Regards, IGGIE
I've never had a filter leak in 9 years, and I've always used the same product.
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No, but most come with an alternative. The OP said they all leak, which leads me to believe the person uses or has tried various brands and styles. It would be hard to believe that the person has only tried the filtered bags that don't have a non-filtered alternative.
Unfortunately, I recognize the problem. I couldn't find a bag without a filter. That's why I used the filter stickers and extra waterproof tape over them. I recently switched to Convatec Esteem Body, the new gray bags in a figure-eight shape. When I use the filter sticker, the bag creates a strong vacuum. Without the filter sticker, I haven't had any leaks yet, so I hope it stays that way. There's supposed to be an extra plastic layer in the bag that prevents the filter from getting wet. I've been using this for two weeks now, so it's still too early to make a definitive assessment.
Ditto that comment. No issues, 9 years.
It's also been discussed and beaten to death, the subject of filters.
The majority here say they don't work. I agree.
The others said they leak. It isn't worth it, but that ... the leak is a bag failure design or flaw. Get a different brand. Try many. El cheapo is on the rise, and you get what you pay for.