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Oct 14, 2023

First Time Applying Two-Piece Pouch System

This topic is about someone who has just applied their first two-piece ostomy pouch system and is seeking advice on whether they need to start over because they forgot to use a liquid skin barrier. They are also looking for general tips on using a two-piece setup. Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. Terminology: Whether you call it a "system," "appliance," or "wafer & pouch," people will understand what you mean.

2. Skin-barrier films/wipes:
- Modern wafer adhesives are generally gentle, so only use barrier spray or wipes if your skin is irritated.
- Forgetting the barrier once is unlikely to harm healthy skin, so there's no need to remove everything and start over.
- A simpler routine can lead to quicker changes and fewer adhesion issues.

3. Removing the wafer (while the pouch is still attached):
- Use an adhesive-remover spray to loosen the outer tape, then wipes to release the inner seal. Press your skin down rather than pulling the wafer up.
- Dispose of the used wafer/pouch in the disposal sack provided in Hollister boxes.

4. Cleaning the stoma/skin:
- Water is safe for the stoma, so feel free to shower with the wafer off if you like.
- Use plain, dye- and fragrance-free soap, such as Cetaphil.
- Moistened, folded paper towels are gentler and less linty than toilet paper; pat dry instead of rubbing.

5. Cutting and fitting the wafer:
- Use the sizing guide and leave about a 1/8" gap to prevent rubbing if the wafer shifts.
- Let your skin air-dry thoroughly before application; many users spend extra time letting the area breathe.
- Save the plastic backing from the wafer as a cutting template for the next change.

6. Applying the wafer & pouch:
- After positioning the wafer, run warm hands around the flange to activate the adhesive.
- Before snapping on the pouch, you can add a lubricating deodorizer if desired by squirting it through the flange opening.
- Use a hand-held mirror to ensure the bottom of the flange is fully engaged.

7. Wear time guidelines (these can vary by individual):
- Some change the wafer every 7 days and simply pop on a new pouch 2–3 times a week.
- Others change the entire two-piece system twice weekly but feel it could last a full week.

8. Barrier rings & hernia management:
- For parastomal hernia or raised skin, moldable barrier rings can protect uneven areas better than the wafer alone.
- Tips: wear gloves when molding; cut the ring once, start placement at the stoma bottom, then work upward; flatten for a larger diameter but note this thins the ring.
- Some place the ring directly on the skin; others stick it to the wafer first—experiment to see which seals better with a hernia.

9. Belts & extenders:
- Nu-Hope hernia support belts can press the wafer inward; if it digs into your skin, consider switching to a lighter belt that clips to the flange.
- Hollister Adapt Barrier Extenders may cause rashes for some; waterproof medical tape can be a gentler substitute.

10. Accessory products mentioned:
- Hollister 7815 Slim Moldable Barrier Ring
- Hollister Adapt Barrier Extenders
- Nu-Hope hernia support belt
- Hollister flange-attachment belt
- Medline Remedy Calazine Skin Protectant
- Cetaphil gentle soap
- Coloplast barrier rings

These tips should help you feel more comfortable and confident in managing your two-piece ostomy pouch system.
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