Color Logo for MeetAnOstoMate
Sponsored by Hollister
Login   |  
Forgot password?
 
Forum
Videos
Reviews
About Us
Color Logo for MeetAnOstoMate
Where Everybody Understands You
41,480 members
Mar 17, 2023

Extended Wear Barrier - How Long Between Changes?

This topic is about how long you can leave an extended-wear barrier on after having a stoma revision. The person who started the discussion recently had their stoma revised to a more protruding shape and noticed that their barrier now stays intact much longer than before. They are curious about how long they can safely leave the barrier on and are seeking advice from others with similar experiences.

Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

1. 3–4-day schedule:
- Some people prefer to change their barrier every 3 to 4 days to avoid skin problems. They often have insurance that covers their supplies, so cost isn't a concern.
- A few have experienced leaks or issues with the bag when extending beyond 4 days, reinforcing their 3–4-day routine.

2. 4–5-day schedule:
- Many people with ileostomies or colostomies change their wafer, ring, and pouch every 4 to 5 days. The bag might be changed sooner if it gets stained or if the output doesn't move to the bottom.
- Adhesive strips or barrier extenders are used for added security. Signs like stoma discomfort, itching, or loosening edges indicate it's time for a change.

3. 5–7-day schedule or once-a-week:
- Those who pay for supplies themselves or have limited supplies often change weekly, allowing them to build a small reserve.
- Some report wearing the barrier for 5 to 9 days without leaks by using skin-prep wipes, thin barrier rings, or wide barrier straps to catch any seepage.

4. 7-plus days and special setups:
- One person regularly reaches 6 to 7 days but limits wear to six days after experiencing minor irritation.
- Another uses custom baseplates with Coloplast appliances, changing bags or sleeves monthly, and cleaning them to extend their life.
- The longest reported wear time without issues is 9 days.

5. Urostomy perspective:
- A new urostomate changes every 3 days, sometimes 4, noticing wafer erosion but healthy skin.

Factors influencing how often to change include:

- Skin condition: redness, itching, or pain means it's time to change.
- Barrier integrity: peeling edges or loosening are signs to change.
- Bag condition: staining, cracking, or pancaking indicate a need for change.
- Activity and environment: sweating, chemical exposure, or frequent showers can reduce wear time.
- Output type and consistency: different types of output affect wear time.
- Cost and insurance: financial considerations can dictate change frequency.
- Personal comfort and routine: many people stick to a regular schedule for peace of mind.

Products and accessories mentioned include:

- Coloplast SenSura Mio barrier and high-output pouch.
- Two-piece systems from Coloplast for separate wafer and pouch changes.
- Skin-prep wipes, thin barrier rings, adhesive strips, and large barrier straps.

The general consensus is to leave the barrier on as long as the skin remains healthy, with most people choosing a 3 to 7-day interval to balance skin safety, leakage risk, cost, and convenience. Trial and error are often necessary, but it's usually not worth pushing beyond personal comfort levels.
See full discusison
Gray Logo for MeetAnOstoMate
MeetAnOstoMate.org

MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,480 members.

“I found real people, real humor, and answers I couldn’t get anywhere else.”

“The support here impressed my husband’s medical team - they plan to recommend it.”

“This community saved me when I thought I was a freak. Now I’m thriving.”

“Thank god for this site - I finally knew what to ask my surgeon.”

Join Free

Popular Topics

New to ostomy
I have a question
Heyy I’m new here!
Hives & Allergy Cream & Wafers
Christmas Stocking for my Stoma
First Solo Bag Change and Embracing My New Body
DEEP POCKET CELEBS
Idk if I did this right 🥴
LIFE BACKWARDS
Need Advice on Managing Odor from Dad's Colostomy Bag

New Topics

Diabetes Management Challenges with an Ileostomy
🔮 These are the Horoscopes for the week of October 20, 2025
Right or Left
First Vacation with an Ostomy
Leaks
Stoma Surgery Bringing Confidence and a Fresh Start
B. Withers - Be Kind 71
Motorhome Off-Grid: Tips for Emptying Waste Pouches
B. Withers - Be Kind 118
Bag Belt Recommendations for Comfort and Waterproofing
About us | Privacy policy | Terms of use | Ostomy Blogs | Ostomy Q&A | Guides | Contact Us
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and Google Privacy Policy and Google Terms of Service apply.
Copyright (c) MeetAnOstoMate.org All Rights Reserved
Create Account
Login
↑