Problems with Convatec Wafer for 2-Piece System

I use Convatec 2-piece colostomy drainable snap-on bag system. I am having problems with feces getting trapped under the rim (bag connect side/non-sticky side). I have tried taking a Q-tip and putting baby oil under the rim to keep it from sticking, but it's not helping. It mostly happens when I sleep on my back at night. Any suggestions to keep this from happening will be greatly appreciated. I tried to upload a photograph to highlight the problem area, but it was an unsuccessful attempt. I need to stay with Convatec supplies due to skin sensitivity.

Are you sure it is sealed all the way around?

Are you talking about pancaking? If your stool is solid/semi-solid and you sleep flat on your back, it can't slide down. I sleep on my back also with my head and torso elevated at an angle. If you have a filter on the bag, try closing it. Since you didn't mention smelling, I assume it is contained within the appliance. ConvaTec makes a lubricant you may want to try.

This is the wafer. Between the outer lip and inner lip, there is a small pocket all the way around. When my stools are thicker and I sleep on my back, poo builds up in that small pocket area all the way around. No leakage, but when I change my bag, I usually have to change the wafer too! That's defeating the purpose of using the two-piece system because I have very sensitive skin. I thought not having to change the wafer out so often would be great… not so much.

Yes, I do use the lubricant. I have started wetting Q-tips and using those to clean my wafer. I finally got a picture to upload and tried to describe what is happening to the best of my ability. I am new to this and was wondering if anyone else has this problem with Convatec wafer.

Hey Tyates, I use a similar Convatec 2-piece system and have used it for 10 years or more. I too have noticed what you're describing, but I generally change the wafer and the bag at the same time. Early on, I used some smaller non-drainable pouches, but that got to be too much of a pain for me. Yes, changing both defeats the "advantage" of the 2-piece system, but it's what I've been used to for a long time. I should really investigate other options. I change out the appliance about once every 5 to 6 days.

Sorry this doesn't answer your question, but I do know what you're talking about.

Tyates, I am still confused. You are using a drainable pouch and your appliance is not smelling or leaking. Why do you need to change the pouch before changing the wafer? On average, with colostomies, the whole appliance is changed every 4 days. A 2-piece appliance is not meant to last a long time, permitting you to keep it installed while you change multiple drainable pouches that you may keep on for days. The 2-piece system provides you the flexibility to switch out a full-size pouch for a mini pouch without changing the wafer. It also facilitates using closed pouches. A drainable pouch typically lasts as long as it takes to need to change the wafer. Then you would change both. As to your original question, you typically would need to clean the wafer when you change your bag. It is not strictly necessary, and some do and others don't. In addition to ConvaTec, Hollister and Coloplast 2-piece appliances are no different in this regard.

 

You don't specify what type of ostomy you have. Regardless, if you sleep flat on your back, you are in a position to encourage seepage and pancaking. Ostomy devices operate under the principle of gravity. When you are flat on your back, down is through your abdomen, which means the stuff is going to sit there and do what it can to escape. Sneaky shit is often successful in weaseling itself through any crevice no matter how small. 😂

I think the best thing you can do for yourself is either elevate yourself a la a Traveler or train yourself to sleep on your side.

Daniel

Why not just go into a one piece?