This topic is about a clever method to prevent skin irritation around a stoma using a cone-shaped Brava Seal Ring. The person sharing this technique has found it very effective in keeping their skin healthy after surgery. Here’s how they do it:

1. Cut the opening of the pouch larger than the stoma size.
2. Use a Coloplast Brava Protective Seal ring. Remove the plastic covers, cut out a section, and reshape it into a snug cone that sits slightly above the skin.
3. Ensure the narrow inner opening fits tightly around the stoma, while the wider outer edge forms a raised barrier to stop any output from seeping under the adhesive.
4. For a 25 mm stoma, they use a 20 mm inner diameter and a 45 mm outer diameter for the cone.
5. Prepare and cut both the seal and pouch in advance. Leave them in a steamy bathroom for about 10 minutes during a shower to make the adhesive stickier.
6. Change the pouch first thing in the morning after a shower when output is minimal.
7. This method has significantly reduced or stopped skin irritation for them.

Additional insights and advice include:

- The person was not aware of commercially made “stoma collars” and appreciated learning about them from others.
- For shaping the cone, pull the outside of the Brava Protective Seal inward more than the inside to raise the middle before re-joining. Handle the seal as little as possible to keep it sticky.
- After placing the cone on the stoma, cut the pouch opening roughly midway between the cone’s inner and outer diameters, then apply and press firmly.
- They recommend changing the pouch more frequently while experimenting to ensure the skin remains safe.
- They invite feedback from others who try this method.

There’s positive feedback from several members who praise the creativity and plan to try this technique. For those who find sculpting seal rings difficult, an alternative is the Salts Healthcare “DERMACOL Stoma Collars,” available in sizes 17 mm to 41 mm. Samples can be requested from their website to find the right fit.

A general tip shared by many is that continuous sharing of personal innovations and product discoveries on forums helps everyone manage life with an ostomy more effectively.