Trying to find a good bag

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Quietdreamer28
I'm a colostomate of a little over a year now. I have been using Sensura Easiclose Wide Outlet, Standard Wear Non-Convex, Maxi, Transparent bags for most of this time. I'm pretty happy with them for the most part. I love the easy open flap at the bottom with the Velcro to help it stay open when emptying and closed when done. It has a built-in filter which I'm really starting to think does a whole bunch of nothing because I still get what I refer to as a "Poolloon" lol, also known as a bag full of air. I'd like to branch out in the bag world and see if there are any other bags that I might also prefer. I'd like to stick with the easy open bottom, I really like that part a lot. Maybe a bag that isn't see-through and is a light skin color (I'm a white lol strawberry blond-haired female). Should I give the two-piece bags a try? Are they easy to care for and not messy? Are the wafers on some able to last longer? Maybe stick a little better? Please, any and all suggestions of different bags would be greatly appreciated.
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Past Member
Hiya,

Plenty of page views no replies!

I use (for illeostomy) Dansac Nova easifold 1 piece drainable in midi size, as just about right size, I guess pro's and con's is best way to explain

Pro's

Flesh coloured, so cannot see contents and not as obvious
Velcro fastener, very good has never yet failed
Cotton cover front and back, so cooler in summer and eliminates rustle
Filter good for 1 day fully and 2 days after with limited effect
wafer is only 0.5 mm think so descreet and plyable yet sticks very well
anti allergy type wafer so has removed skin irritation since using
can last at least 2 full days and 3 showers before needing to be replaced
easy peel tab for removal and comes off in one
size in midi just about right

cons

Filter only at best for 1 day, it is always odour free and when fails, the failure is that only limited gas can self escape after a day

Seal can fail at night, failure rate around 4 times per year so about one if 40 actual appliance fail on normal carefree diet

I used 2 peice for around 4 years and moved to one piece around 8 years ago, and have never gone back as for me far better and far more discreet etc etc, I have used various 10+ different types over the years but found Dansac to be by far the best for me. I normally google for more info and go to companies web site and most offer free samples via the product page that arrive in unmarked envelopes with supporting information and no follow up junk mail etc, this is how i normally arrive at choice as i normally get around a weeks worth risk free and then pester my GP for a change in prescription, I have used the Nova easifold for about 18 months and very happy. I do think that it is a very individual personal choice but i think you well get a balanced view via this post and i would recommend that you try a few samples.

Hope this helps

all the best
neil
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Quietdreamer28

Thanks for the reply. It's greatly appreciated...

Does anyone here use Edgepark online medical supplies to order their ostomy supplies? If so, maybe you could help me a little further. They don't show pictures of the bags and quite frankly, I don't know what half the bag terminology means. Thanks again.

Past Member

I prefer the 2-piece system... You can snap the pouch off and check the flange every few days. I use a non-drainable pouch with a vent... They are mid-size, flesh-colored, and covered front and back with cloth (who wants to see the poop anyhow!!). There is no closure to fail or leak... They cost about $50 per 30. You will need a fresh one each day but... You will feel "fresh" too. I think it's worth it. As Neil suggested, I would Google the makers and talk to customer service... They will provide samples free of charge. I buy online at RTA Medical... They have photos and are prompt about shipping (over $125 ships free). My pouch is Coloplast 12355, the flange 12716 (convex). Is the remaining colon in good health?? If so, ask your doctor or nurse about irrigation... It will change your life. What is your average wear time??
Oh... While you have them on the phone, ask for the Eakin ring samples... Good luck...

mamabear
Hi, my son has been using Hollister two-piece for the past two years now since he was 14. He likes these because the flange sticks much better, and the two-piece is more convenient for him when he wants to just throw his bag away, but has that good flange fit. Or to shower. He also is able to easily open the top, like when he is walking, real quick to release the gas. It is not see-through, easier on him. He also got a cozy from the Ostomy Cozy Company, that makes ostomy covers. He loves his and doesn't worry about his bag showing. He finally attends high school as a junior. Hooray.

Kyo* aka Nick's mom
 
Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister
mamabear

Hi, Kyo again. Edgepark has a catalog you can maybe get one online. I was able to when I was looking for supplies as well. They sent it to me in the mail.

weewee

Hello, I use the Hollister 2-piece. The filter doesn't last long due to moisture. I also have their medical adhesive that helps with staying stuck to the skin. I, like many others, have tried a lot of other products. The only true way is testing out what you like and what works best with your body.

Mike
   I like the Convectec bag myself. It interlocks with the waffer. It's great to know that there are plenty of choices out there.
Mike
   I like the Convectec bag myself. It interlocks with the waffer. It's great to know that there are plenty of choices out there.         Quietdreamer, look up companies like Hollister, Convectec, and the like. If you call them, they will be more than happy to send you some samples for free!
cee
Hi QuietDreamer,
I have had a colostomy since August. My visiting nurse signed me up for all of the Big Three
(Hollister, Convatec, Coloplast) new patient programs. I got supplies from everyone. I also order through Edgepark and have their catalogue. I order over the telephone. They will arrange samples for you too. It was bewildering initially to have all these bags and flanges...I didn't even know what a flange was initially...flying around. I settled on a one-piece system from Coloplast but had terrible skin breakdown. I no longer had home health, so I went to the hospital and saw the ostomy nurse there. Turns out my stoma was much smaller and now round, so I could get pre-cut. I had been having leaks with Coloplast. She said Convatec is best at sticking and I needed convexity. I switched, and it has been terrific. I use the two-piece Convatec with convexity and a belt. I use the Cavillon No Sting Wipes and Eakin ring and have had no accidents at all. And I do aerobics and am very active. Recently, I asked for a sample of the mini-pouch and stoma cap, which is on its way to me. If you look at your invoice from Edgepark and see how expensive this stuff is, you realize why the companies are so generous with samples. If they get you as a customer, they have a valuable commodity for life. I did have a funny thing just happen. I asked customer service at Edgepark for a sample. I get the package in the mail a few days later, and I have no idea what they have sent me. I called Convatec directly, and they had sent me a system for a urostomy patient. Huh? Oh well, no one is perfect.
lottagelady
Cee, I think you were quite lucky to have been introduced to these companies at an early stage.

All those from the UK, correct me if I am wrong - and I sincerely hope that now things have changed somewhat - 5 years ago I was given a bag in theatre - more supplies of the same bag appeared, I got 3 (whether I needed more or not!) visits from a nurse at home, then I was on my own with a repeat prescription ..... I didn't have the internet, and despite being a nurse and having a little knowledge (not my field of specialism), I had nothing like the sort of information that you need to really find the appliance that suits you - and all those accessories you can get to help it stick etc.... I didn't have much of a clue, God help those that were really clueless and had no idea about what a stoma was in the first place - no one really explained anything to me or discussed how I might feel about it (mine was supposed to have been a temp ileo to resolve the problem of wound healing). How are people supposed to manage such a change without help?

Please tell me the NHS has changed!
Quietdreamer28

Thanks everyone for the great answers. I totally forgot about the paper catalog from Edgepark, that's a great idea. I think I will get in touch with some of the makers/companies and ask for some samples, that's a wonderful idea.

Txgirl

Hi, I ordered from Edgepark once. I would request a catalog that does have pictures.
I use Sterling Medical now, much better in my opinion.
Good luck!!

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