This topic is about finding ways to extend the wear time of an ostomy baseplate and keeping an ileostomy bag more secure and closer to the body. The person sharing their experience has been using a Coloplast Easiflex 2-piece system for a couple of years but is facing issues with skin soreness due to needing to change the baseplate every 2-3 days. Here are some suggestions and insights that might help:
1. Consider alternative systems that offer longer wear times:
- Cymed MicroSkin one-piece pouches, which some users report can last 6-7 days.
- Hollister one-piece options, such as #8624 and #88300, which can last 3-7 days and are slimmer under clothing.
- Coloplast SenSura Flex Extended Wear baseplate and Coloplast Extended Wear one-piece convex pouches, which can be changed weekly.
- Convatec 2-piece convex, moldable wafers, which can last up to 7 days.
- Salts two-piece system with a flexible, taped flange, which remains secure on day 3, with free samples available.
2. Try convexity and extended-wear adhesives:
- Switching from flat to convex wafers from brands like Coloplast or Convatec has helped some users stop leaks.
- Both Coloplast and Convatec offer "Extended Wear" adhesive options.
3. Use accessories to add wear time or security:
- Hollister Moldable seal or Eakin seal can be placed under the wafer.
- Brava elastic barrier strips can be used around the flange edge.
- Medical adhesive, either spray or brush-on, can be applied to the wafer before fitting.
- Skin-barrier wipes or sprays, especially water-based versions, can be helpful.
4. Improve adhesion with application techniques:
- Warm the wafer with a hair-dryer before applying, then press firmly for about 2 minutes.
- Remove the entire appliance every second shower to allow the skin to breathe.
- Empty the pouch at the first sign of filling to limit the downward weight.
5. Follow cleaning and skin care tips:
- Many people now use only warm water and a soft cloth for cleaning, as soaps like Dial or Ivory can leave residues or irritate the skin.
- One user recommends cleaning with Baxter Sodium Chloride solution before reapplying the appliance.
6. Secure the pouch with these methods:
- Tuck the pouch inside underwear and fold the tail upward so the closure sits at the waistband.
- Use ostomy-specific underwear with a built-in support pocket.
- Standard ostomy belts that clip to pouches with side lugs can provide additional support.
- A prototype "stoma flow guard" is being developed to prevent seatbelt pressure and keep the wafer flat, though it is not yet available on the market.
7. Manage diet and output:
- Eating smaller meals, drinking adequate water, and limiting sweets and alcohol can help reduce volume and leaks. Excessive intake can overwhelm even the best systems.
8. General recommendations:
- Request free samples from various manufacturers like Coloplast, Hollister, Convatec, Cymed, and Salts to find the best personal match.
- Be aware that filters may clog quickly when using in-bag deodorizers like M9, so unfiltered pouches might be an option.
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