This topic is about a mother who has had a colostomy for three years and is experiencing issues with her colostomy wafer losing adhesion after years of trouble-free wear. Here’s a breakdown of the situation and some helpful advice:

- The mother has been using a ConvaTec Esteem Synergy moldable skin barrier wafer with a peel-and-stick closed-end pouch. For about two and a half years, the wafer stayed secure for seven days. However, recently, the edges of the wafer have started lifting within a day. The hydrocolloid edge-sealing strips from ConvaTec have become overly tacky, sticking to the pouch’s clear landing zone and making removal difficult.

- She uses Cavilon No-Sting Barrier Film for skin prep, having switched from wetter “wands” to “wipes.” Without the strips, the wafer peels off, but with the strips, it becomes too sticky. It’s unclear whether the issue is due to a product change, a change in skin prep, or something else. The supplier has filed a quality-control complaint with ConvaTec.

- ConvaTec’s phone support has refused nurse access, stating that the strips are working too well, but the mother insists on speaking with a nurse. She has also considered whether changes in soap, strip placement, or other factors could be the cause, but none have helped. She seeks clarification on the use of bonding cement, such as whether it should be applied over Cavilon, only to the wafer edge, if it makes removal difficult, and if it can be ordered through normal medical-supply channels.

Here are some pieces of advice and insights that might help:

1. There could be a batch or production issue. It’s worth contacting ConvaTec again and requesting support from an ostomy nurse, as faulty batches are not uncommon. A virtual session with a manufacturer’s nurse might help solve chronic leak problems.

2. Consider using bonding or ostomy cement to boost adhesion. Apply a thin coat to the wafer’s adhesive side after the Cavilon has dried, leaving Cavilon on the skin for protection. The cement should supplement, not replace, the wafer adhesive, and should only be used on the wafer-to-skin area, not on the pouch-to-wafer coupling. The wafer can be removed with normal adhesive-remover wipes or spray, and cement is available from regular ostomy-supply distributors and often covered by insurance.

3. Explore edge-sealing alternatives like 3M Tegaderm transparent film. You can buy 2-inch-wide rolls and cut them into 4-inch strips for cost-effective, reliable edge tape. Users have found these to be favorable compared to multiple hydrocolloid and silicone tapes.

4. Consider seasonal factors, as adhesion commonly worsens in hot, humid summer months. Increased perspiration might be contributing to the issue.

5. Manage skin oils, as natural skin oils can affect wafer adhesion even when the skin appears clean. Wipe the skin around the stoma with Adapt #7760 Adhesive Remover Wipes, let it dry completely, then apply Cavilon. Users have reported a near-elimination of peeling and leaks with this method.

6. Remember to ensure that the Cavilon or skin-prep layer is completely dry before placing the wafer and before applying any edge tape or strips.