The topic at hand is about using an ostomy pouch while enjoying a hot tub. The main concern is whether the high water temperature might cause the adhesive to loosen, leading to the pouch detaching. Here are some helpful insights and advice from people who have experience with this:
1. General Experience
- Many people have successfully soaked in bathtubs, home spas, and gym hot tubs with temperatures around 100 °F (37-38 °C) for 15 to 30 minutes, even on a daily basis, without any issues of detachment when the appliance is properly fitted.
- Interestingly, the heat often strengthens the adhesive bond, with several users noting that their wafer adheres better after a soak.
2. Brands, Systems, and Accessories That Have Worked
- Convatec two-piece systems, sometimes used with a Nu-Hope ostomy belt, have been effective.
- Hollister two-piece systems are praised for their strong adhesion, even without a belt.
- Sure Seal Rings, a clear, thin adhesive film placed around the flange, provide extra waterproofing and can extend wear time to about five days.
- Using waterproof tape to "picture-frame" the wafer edges offers an additional seal.
- Ostomy-specific belts from brands like Convatec, Hollister, and Nu-Hope provide extra security. Some users bring a second dry belt to change into afterward.
- Ostomysecrets wraps or a snug, one-piece swimsuit can help keep the pouch flat against the body.
3. Application and Wear-Time Tips
- Warming the flange, for example with a hair-dryer for about 20 seconds before applying, can improve adhesion and make a 5-day wear time more reliable.
- If privacy allows, gently blow-drying the wafer after exiting the tub can speed up drying, though it's not essential.
- It's best to avoid entering the hot tub immediately after a fresh change to allow the adhesive to set properly.
- Hot tub use might slightly shorten wear time, so consider changing the wafer a bit sooner, such as after 5 days instead of 7-10, to prevent bacteria-related skin irritation under the wafer.
4. Extra-Security DIY Ideas
- A combination of waterproof tape, a belt, and a snug wrap or one-piece suit, known as the "triple security" method, can provide extra peace of mind.
- One person has enjoyed worry-free soaking for 20 years by adding Sure Seal Rings around a Convatec two-piece flange.
- Some less conventional suggestions include gluing a web belt to a Rubbermaid bowl to hold a rolled pouch or modifying a scuba dry-suit, though these are personal experiments rather than common practices.
Overall, the shared experiences suggest that with a well-fitted and secured pouch, you can enjoy the hot tub with confidence.
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