Hi all, in my search for a replacement barrier ring since Safe n Simple switched to a different manufacturer who is getting the formula a little different and caused me a leak, I've contacted several companies for free samples. I spoke with a rep from Coloplast today who said that rings actually can cause leaks, and he recommends using a convex bag with an opening that's right up against my stoma and no barrier ring. I said, "But doesn't the ring swell up and hug the stoma, thus preventing seepage under it?" He said it actually can cause a leak by swelling and breaking down. Hmm, I feel like I've been living in Bizarro Ostomy World for the past ten years where I've been using barrier rings with very few leaks. Can anyone vouch for using a no barrier ring system? He's sending me some samples of their bags and rings - they have a new black bag, so I'm stoked to give it a go. Sounds pretty badass (okay, well, he said it actually can resemble a belt or waist pack and not a "bag," and that's why people like it, but I'd rather think of myself as badass with a black bag.) I'm going to try going barrier ringless, but I think I'll wait to do it while I stay in my house. I'm interested to hear other people's experiences.

Experiences With Ostomy Bags Without Barrier Rings

eefyjig

Mar 31, 2025 7:19 pm

Reply to AlexT

I'm waiting for the free samples from Hollister to arrive so I can give them a try. I'm sure I used them with my temp ileo fifteen years ago, but that stoma had perfectly flat skin around it, and I used flat bags. Fingers crossed....

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Dyan

Mar 31, 2025 11:38 pm

Reply to AlexT

Me too.

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Kathy

Apr 01, 2025 12:42 am

My two cents!

As a long-time ileostomate, I will say that Eakin rings are the absolute best—at least for me. I have tried the others with no success.

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How To Stay Hydrated With An Ostomy With Collin

Hollister

Collin shares his top 3 tips on how to stay hydrated while living with an ostomy.

For more tips and resources, check out our Ostomy Learning Center.

IGGIE

Apr 01, 2025 12:47 am

Good luck eefyjig.

IGGIE

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eefyjig

Apr 01, 2025 12:56 am

Reply to IGGIE

Thanks, Iggie 🤗

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Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

eefyjig

Apr 01, 2025 12:59 am

Gotta go back to watching White Lotus now. Someone's going to die soon!

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Beth22

Apr 01, 2025 6:57 pm

Reply to eefyjig

I just heard about this show. How is it?

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eefyjig

Apr 01, 2025 7:12 pm

I don't think it will win any awards, but it's good fun. Three seasons, and it always starts with knowing someone is murdered; then it retraces to the beginning.

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Beth22

Apr 01, 2025 10:16 pm

Reply to eefyjig

Sounds like I might have to try and watch it. And hey, some of this stuff that wins awards really shouldn't, and the good shows that should don't, or they get canceled, unfortunately.

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eefyjig

Apr 02, 2025 1:20 am

Reply to Beth22

I agree!

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Hollister

If you've had a colostomy or ileostomy, you may experience some common food-related issues.

The good news is that you can avoid them with some small changes in your diet.

Experiences with Ostomy Bags Without Barrier Rings

Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

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