Seeking advice on odor control for colostomy bag

Replies
13
Views
2320
Pocahontas
Dec 18, 2021 11:18 pm

Hi everyone! I have a question hopefully someone can help me. I use a Hollister bag with a filter. This may be TMI but even after I empty my bag, I feel like I still smell like poop. I use deodorant in my bag and I've tried three different kinds. Is there a bag out there that covers the odor?

AlexT
Dec 19, 2021 12:27 am

Are you sure it's from the bag and not a slight leak under the bag (between your bag and skin)? I use a Hollister bag with a filter also, and I have basically come to the conclusion that the filters are pretty worthless for the most part. They work okay with a fresh bag, but that's about it. The only time I can smell anything is if a little output gets under my barrier ring, and I know that my filter isn't working because it's clogged with output and soaked with water from showering. I just brought this up with my ostomy nurse yesterday, and she remeasured my stoma. I found out that I need to cut my bag opening a little bigger as my stoma isn't perfectly round, and I had the barrier ring on an edge of my stoma, and it wasn't sticking very well.

Gray Logo for MeetAnOstoMate

Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?

First off, this is a pretty cool site with 37,000 members who truly understand you.

It's not all about ostomy. We talk about everything.

Many come here for advice or to give advice, others have found good friends, and some have even found love. Most importantly, people here are honest and genuinely care.

🛑 Privacy is very important - we have many features that are only visible to members, ensuring a safe and secure environment for you to share and connect.

Create an account and you will be amazed by the warmth of this community.

AlexT
Dec 19, 2021 12:32 am

I should add that I always use toilet paper to clean the bag opening, and then I use a flushable wet wipe to make sure I got everything before closing the bag. I'm pretty OCD about having the bag opening really clean.

Pocahontas
Dec 19, 2021 12:42 am
Reply to AlexT

Thank you, Alex, for writing back. It's not leaking, and I don't shower with my bag. I use a cap cover. My husband thinks it's just me. He can't smell anything. And I'm with you, filters don't work! LOL! I don't know, it's not all the time, just some days that I feel I can smell it. I will make sure that it's not leaking and that my wafer is really stuck. Have a great afternoon.

Longroad78
Dec 19, 2021 3:53 am

I found that sometimes, once the filter shows any signs of being wet, you're on borrowed time because it will allow smells to get through. To buy a little time, put a piece of tape on it to keep the failing filter from letting any smells get past until you can change the bag out. I use the two-piece system from Coloplast.

 

How to Manage Emotions with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Play
Pocahontas
Dec 19, 2021 6:07 am
Reply to AlexT

I am so OCD with mine too. I do the same as you plus I have bag liners.

Pocahontas
Dec 19, 2021 6:08 am

I also have a bottle you can get at Amazon that I use to rinse my bag out really well after every empty. The bottle is such an awesome item.

Paige
Dec 19, 2021 10:46 pm

I avoid using a pouch with a filter and I use M-49 drops. I have been using them for years and they work great.

patrickrichardson1946
Dec 20, 2021 9:05 pm

I have a bag with a filter and I agree that it is not very good (platinum pouch). I usually put a seal over the filter before fitting it, mainly to prevent pancaking. When the pouch balloons, I undo the pouch at the bottom and let out the excess wind, usually in the garage or in the back garden if it is dark. I do not want to smell the bathroom out. I also use an odor preventer, Na-Scent, which is not 100% effective. The Hollister odor preventer is quite expensive in the UK, I think. You are on top of your pouch, so you will be aware of odor other people won't be aware of. Good luck. Patrick



9 (platinum)

Pocahontas
Dec 21, 2021 1:22 am
Reply to Longroad78

I use the 2-piece from Hollister. I have never thought about putting tape over the filter. Thank you, I will try it.

Pocahontas
Dec 21, 2021 1:25 am
Reply to patrickrichardson1946

Thank you for responding to me. Which Hollister odor product do you use?

patrickrichardson1946
Dec 24, 2021 11:35 am
Reply to Pocahontas

I have used M9 but as I said, it is I think fairly cheap in the USA but more expensive in the UK. Best wishes.

Panko
Dec 30, 2021 12:44 pm
Reply to Pocahontas

Hi, I'm guessing you use a two-piece bag, which I tried a couple of years ago as my older brother was using them with his ileostomy bag. So, I thought I would try as it's quicker and easier to change, even better if drainable? I tried them for a week or so but did not like the fact that you did get an after smell of poop now and then. I found cleaning the base plate flange tedious and could never get the seal ring 100% spotlessly clean, even though it looked clean. Yes, I'm OCD when it comes to cleanliness, washing, etc., so I ended up going back to drainable bags and changed them every other day in tandem with my other urostomy stoma bag, so I showered every other day too. The best pouches I ever found that were bulletproof were by the oldest ostomy company in the UK called "SALTS". The pouch is called BE Confidence with a flange of 75mm. I rarely had a leak with these bags, even if you rolled on that side while sleeping! I had to change to a bigger bag as my stoma prolapsed outside my abdomen and took up half the volume of the pouch, so I use Dansac Nova Easifold 90mm flange and a bigger volume bag (350ml, I think) so I can fit my prolapsed stoma and output! I know they are owned by Hollister, so you should be able to source them in the US. The code is 815-15. Also, another great gripper of a pouch is another UK company called "OAKMED". They have excellent pouches that stick well with a great grab factor that gives you the confidence to go anywhere anytime, like the Martini girl! I use Hollister 59902 pouches for my urostomy and found they are great too with the Coloplast bra tape extenders.

ideamachine86
Mar 02, 2023 4:38 am

The best smell-proof backpack is definitely the one from Hush Hold. It's made of leather and it's got a red satin lining, and it's smell-proof... no one's beating that!! Their site is www.hushhold.com