Hollister Drainable Pouch: How to Open the Lock and Roll Closure?

I am new to this product and cannot figure out how to get the closure to open in order to drain it. I have watched the company video, but it won't pop open, and I have to use my thumbnail. Please help. Just before I registered to join, I saw that someone spent considerable effort explaining this common problem and even included videos. It was dated January 2025. I just can't find that posting.

Hi Troubs, I have the same issue with that type of closure, so I use Convatec drainable pouches with the clip.

I struggle with opening the closure too. I usually fold it in the middle to help get it open, but sometimes use my thumbnail too. You will probably get a good answer from Beachboy. By the way, I talked with a rep from Hollister who told me that they have a new line of their pouches available that makes opening the pouch easier. However, most places are getting rid of their old stock before they sell the new ones. Hang in there.

When you do get it open, fold it back onto itself and crease the opposite sides, and they will open right away.

Regards, IGGIE

I use the Hollister new image two-piece lock and roll system. Before I use the bag, I open it and put a crease in the middle of the flat plastic pieces, creases facing away from each other. That will weaken the plastic, so when you go to empty the bag, just squeeze in the sides, and it should open right up. Before doing that, I had the same issue. I hope that helps.

Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Hi 👋

Go up to the search bar at the top and type in “trouble with Hollister drainable pouches.”

It will pull up posts and replies from members, and you can probably find the one you are looking for.

Crease the hard plastic part by pinching them together when you apply a new bag. Don't wait until you have to empty it, because they suction themselves together, if that makes sense.

Excellent advice so far. I used Hollister when I was in the hospital and was taught to crease it to make it open easier. Also, be sure to clean the end very well because leftover output can make it harder to get open.

I have these bags, and I always cut a small triangle/v (two snips) out of the very top fold. It opens right up :)

I believe this is the crimping technique everyone is describing. We caught this tip on YouTube, and it made a huge difference!

Hubz does this when putting on a new pouch, but it can be done on a well-cleaned pouch in use in case you forget.

I'm a visual learner, so here you go!🌻

(That last photo should be first.)

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Before you put the pouch on, push both sides in so it opens, grab the sides, and squeeze them to kind of form an X. It's hard to explain, but imagine the opening looking like a crab Rangoon shape. It will open easily when it's time.

Thank you so very much for the help! I read through the posts; when I received yours—eureka! I'm a visual learner as well, and your photos made the difference. You have removed all my stress. My heart thanks you.

This is what I do every time, right before I apply a new pouch. Do it several times, and you won't have an issue with opening.

Terry

I do the same. Although, I often crease 5-10 bags at a time and seal them ready for application. But I often have to refresh the crease before the first empty. Sometimes, I wait and do the crease during the first empty. It's easy enough to do when the tail is still clean. Plus, I use an IGGIE clip, so that adds another layer or two of "cleanliness." :-)

Daniel

I do the same "crease" method too.

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Sometimes if I have sticky/thick output and the drain won't open, I put my thumb on one side of the drain plastic lip, forefinger on the other side... then squeeze and push fingers in opposite directions.

Perfect photo shoot, GWTF. Nice nails as well.

IGGIE

Also use the IGGIE clip too.

"Don't leave home without it!"

G-Day Troubs,

Mysterious Mose made a comment about the IGGIE Clip, so I thought I would reintroduce it to any new members who don't know about it.

After you have emptied the bag, you can fold the opening over as many times as you wish to do a couple of things. 1. It holds the opening of the bag and stops any chance of it opening. 2. It lets you fold the end over to shorten the bag if you need to. See photos. As you can see, I have glued a small magnet to the clip; this stops it from opening by accident. I hope all you new members find this useful.
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Have a good day.

IGGIE

Thanks for this, Iggie! I hadn't seen it yet, and the magnet is a great idea to keep the ends in place! I will rig one up for hubz!

Thanks. I like to show steps as that's how I learn best, second to video. And thanks for the compliment!😊

That is exactly what I've been doing, pushing my thumb and finger in opposite directions. I'd never heard about the creasing. Love this site!

Thanks, Iggie. Another great idea.

Every once in a while, I can't force open a seal that was pre-creased. So, I use the opposed finger method. It works well.