This topic is about finding the perfect ileostomy setup by combining the best features from different brands like Hollister, Coloplast, and Convatec. The goal is to maintain healthy skin without constant adjustments. Here are some insights and advice shared by others:
- After 2¼ months post-op, one person is still searching for a system that keeps their skin healthy without constant tinkering.
- With Hollister, they like the 2-piece flange that fits well but find the pouch too crinkly and loud, and the cloth cover pills. They need a barrier ring and stoma powder for skin protection.
- They love Coloplast's pouch for its quietness and excellent Velcro closure, but the Sensura Mio Click plate is hard to snap on. The adhesive one-piece attaches more easily, but they still rely on a barrier ring and powder.
- Convatec's moldable wafer is appreciated for not needing cutting, but the cloth pouch pills. They still add a slim barrier ring and powder.
- They wonder why one appliance can't combine the best features of each brand and are curious if other manufacturers or product lines are worth trying.
Here are some suggestions and insights from others:
1. Try Hollister alternatives:
- Hollister QuietWear closed bags, ref. 18323, have a low-noise film.
- A durable setup includes Hollister Bag 18183, Hollister pre-cut wafer 13505, and Salts Stoma Seal RC29 collar.
2. Using powder can help extend flange wear time, even on intact skin. Some rings dissolve quickly, so extended-wear flanges or seals might perform better.
3. Consider custom or DIY solutions. One person makes individualized baseplates using plastic sheeting and attaches any manufacturer's pouch on top. They foresee 3-D printed bespoke wafers in the future.
4. Braun Flexima Convex offers silent fabric, no pilling, and a strong hook-and-loop tail closure. It's worth requesting samples, though availability in the U.S. may vary.
5. Salts Healthcare (UK) offers:
- Confidence, Confidence Natural, and Confidence Black/White/Skin-tone lines with silky, quiet pouches and highly flexible, skin-friendly wafers.
- Salts wafers have excellent adhesion without irritation, and bags come in multiple colors for discretion.
- Salts Stoma Seal collars (e.g., RC29) can be paired with other brands.
6. A Coloplast-centric combo that works for several people includes:
- Sensura Mio Click plate and Sensura Mio pouch for quietness and easy emptying.
- Reinforcing the top edge with curved tape strips.
- Adding a Hollister barrier ring and using Coloplast Brava barrier wipes plus Hollister adhesive remover to eliminate skin issues. Wear-time is reported up to 9 days.
7. Convatec moldable wafers are popular for irregular stomas. If pilling is the only drawback, consider combining them with a preferred pouch from another brand.
8. Dansac products are praised for comfort by long-time users. Coloplast wafers are noted for containing zinc, which can soothe irritated skin.
9. General tips from several members:
- Keep sampling until you find your own "next-to-perfect" mix; what works for one person may not work for another.
- Check if irritation is localized to hair follicles (tiny red dots); additional skin-prep wipes or routine shaving may help.
- Personalized ostomy gear would be ideal but is currently cost-prohibitive. Using existing products in creative combinations is the practical path for now.
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