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Oct 31, 2025

Ostomy Bags Not Sticking Properly

This topic is about dealing with the challenge of ostomy pouches that need frequent changing because the wafer won't stick properly. If you're experiencing this issue, here are some helpful tips and advice:

1. Reach out to a stoma or ostomy nurse or surgeon as soon as possible. Share details about your routine, the condition of your skin, the type of pouch you use, and any scars or skin folds you have. This can help them identify why the adhesion isn't working well.

2. When cleaning the skin around your stoma, use only warm water. Avoid soaps that have oils, moisturizers, or skin softeners. Make sure the skin is completely dry by patting it or letting it air-dry before you apply the wafer.

3. If you have abdominal folds that make it hard to get a flat surface, try lying down when you apply the appliance. This can help stretch the skin around the stoma flat.

4. Consider using adhesive enhancers:
- Torbot Liquid Bonding Cement for ostomies can be applied to the wafer to create a strong bond that holds up during showers and on non-flat tummies. Use spray adhesive remover or adhesive-remover wipes when changing the wafer.
- Some people find that general prosthetic glues work better than standard wafer adhesives.

5. When selecting and fitting your appliance:
- If you use a two-piece system, ensure the flange opening is cut closely—about the thickness of a dime—from the stoma to reduce leaks.
- For oval stomas, Hollister offers printable templates for cutting flanges.

6. Check out resources like the VeganOstomy website, which provides step-by-step videos and guides on pouching techniques, trimming flanges, and troubleshooting leaks.

7. Determine if the problem is due to leakage or just the wafer not sticking. Different solutions, such as barrier rings, convex wafers, or belt support, might be needed depending on the specific issue.
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