This topic is about managing odor and heat-related issues for someone using a Coloplast one-piece colostomy bag. The person sharing their experience is looking for advice on how to handle these challenges, especially in hot and humid weather. Here are some helpful suggestions and insights:
1. Consider trying different pouch systems:
- Convatec 2-piece with a filter can help with odor if the flange is applied correctly and the pouch is changed at the first sign of wear.
- Hollister 2-piece has a snap-off pouch for easy changes and a filter that resists moisture better.
- Coloplast Sensura 2-piece offers improved wear time and is compatible with an irrigation set.
2. Use odor-eliminating products:
- Hollister M9 Odor Eliminator Drops, though you might need more than the recommended dose.
- Hollister Adapt Lubricating Deodorant to neutralize odor and keep the pouch interior slick.
- Nascent Odor Eliminator, available online.
- Flat-D Odor Containment Pouch Cover.
- Baking soda, about 1 tablespoon in the pouch after each emptying.
- Homemade solutions like mouthwash with KY Jelly, crushed aspirin, or a dish-soap solution.
3. Try mechanical or low-tech fixes:
- Use duct tape over the filter if it starts venting odor.
- Wash reusable bags with mild soap and cool water, avoiding hot water. Scrub with a bottle brush and add a few drops of mineral oil for easier cleaning next time.
4. Manage heat and humidity:
- High temperatures can shorten flange wear time, so replace it when edges lift.
- Mycostatin powder can help prevent heat rashes under the wafer.
- An Ostomy Body Wrap can keep the pouch stable, absorb sweat, and extend wear time.
- Use a hairdryer on low heat to dry the skin before applying a new flange for better adhesion.
5. Consider irrigation:
- Some people irrigate every 24–48 hours, which can significantly reduce odor, leaks, and the need to wear a pouch. Coloplast offers an irrigation set compatible with its Sensura bases.
- A typical session lasts about 40 minutes and can provide up to 48 hours of freedom from output.
6. Follow diet and lifestyle tips to reduce odor and gas:
- Drink plenty of water and eat yogurt to thicken stool and reduce smell.
- Limit foods and drinks like eggs, beer, pepper, chewing gum, and drinking through straws, as they can increase gas.
7. Explore sample and support resources:
- Major manufacturers like Coloplast, Convatec, and Hollister offer free samples to help find the best combination.
- Keep a "pocket kit" with spare pouches, a flange, and disposal bags, and a larger car kit with extra supplies, water bottles, spare underwear, and a small cooler for used pouches when traveling.
8. Maintain perspective:
- Many people with colostomies continue to swim, use hot tubs, hunt, fish, and shower normally. Keeping a sense of humor and patience while trying different products is important.
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