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May 20, 2014

Need a shower cover for stoma and bag - where to find?

Finding a way to keep your stoma appliance dry while showering can be a bit of a challenge, but there are several options available, both DIY and commercial. Here are some ideas and tips to help you out:

1. Low-cost do-it-yourself ideas:
- You can slide your pouch through a hole cut in a large Ziploc-type storage bag, zip the bottom, and then use paper tape to secure the top to your skin.
- Another option is to use two food-storage baggies: one placed horizontally for the pouch and another vertically over everything, secured with medical tape.
- Ordinary shower caps can also be used by slipping them over the pouch. Some people fold the bag upward and clip it with a small snap clothespin during the shower.

2. Commercial covers and suppliers:
- Hollister Direct offers a purpose-made shower cover, and you can request samples to try them out.
- Coloplast provides "shower caps," which are single-use caps that replace the bag during the shower. However, they can be pricey if not covered by insurance.
- Linda Butler in the U.K. makes reusable covers called "Ostomy Covers."
- Medical-supply stores often carry non-adhesive waterproof squares or sheets that can be taped on all four sides. Stoma nurses usually have a variety of sizes for you to try.

3. Using waterproof tape instead of a full cover:
- You can tape the three exposed edges of the pouch to your skin. The pouch might get wet, but the wafer or faceplate will stay dry.
- Recommended tapes include 3M Micropore Surgical Tape (up to 2½ inches wide) and generic waterproof, paper, or flex tape available in most pharmacies.
- After showering, blot or towel-dry the pouch and remove the tape. A hair-dryer on a comfortable heat setting can help finish drying.

4. Simply showering without any cover:
- Many people with ileostomies report that they shower daily without any protection, using systems like Hollister "New Image," Durahesive wafers, or standard one-piece bags. They towel or blow-dry the appliance afterward and still achieve 5–7 days of wear time.
- On bag-change days, some choose to remove the entire appliance, shower freely, and then apply a fresh wafer and pouch.

5. Extra tips:
- If your bags have built-in "swim tabs" to seal the vent, close the tab and fold the bag upward before showering.
- To slow output during a full change, eating 3–4 marshmallows a few minutes beforehand can help, and keep toilet paper handy for any surprises.
- A baby-size terry-cloth bib held between the flange and pouch can absorb residual moisture, and a face-cloth on the sink can act as a "drop cloth" during changes.
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