My Experience with Cera Rings for Stoma Care

After the surgeon lifted all restrictions, I went back to my exercise routine. I always use a Hollister two-piece, changing every five days. Eventually, with increased activity, I had a few minor leaks and I could smell them. There would be poo around the stoma when I changed wafers. So, I tried rings and then paste with my changes, and also extenders. Paste didn't work so well, but the rings kept the skin very clean, so only one wet wipe was needed to clean. I will always use rings now. I'm not buying extenders, as medical tape works well for me with no skin problems. By the way, I have an outie stoma which suits using rings. I might try to stretch changes to a week.

Hello! I also use the Hollister two-piece and change it once or twice a week. I use the Cera rings - they work great for me too! Never tried the paste. The extenders gave me a red itchy rash, so I use plain old medical tape as added protection around the edge - no more skin problems. I think you could get away with a week between changes! I used to put the Cera ring around the wafer first and then put it all on, but now that I have a hernia, I've found it works best to put the ring directly around my stoma first, then put the wafer on. Thanks for sharing what works for you!

I first put the ring on the wafer too. I found it's better to put it around the stoma first so you can still mold it without sticking to the wafer. Anyway, there is no more stress on change day.

I was taught to put the barrier ring around my stoma first, then attach the wafer/bag. I hated that since I use a one-piece and it was hard to see around my stoma. So, I switched to putting it on my wafer first and then applying both at once to my skin. Way better for me personally. The game changer for me was warming it all up with a hair dryer on low for maybe 20 seconds and then applying it. Press around my stoma and then hold my hand over the whole thing for 3-5 minutes to give it time to basically weld itself to my skin. Hardly ever an issue now and I'm very hard on my equipment.

I use rings as well and like them. For a bit, I'd cut them in half and roll them out to go around my stoma. (My medical plan is minimal, so I was trying to stretch out products.) I had a leak twice, so I am back to using a whole ring around my stoma. I find it difficult to put it on the wafer. I now only change my appliance once a week. No issues. No more stress. I could go longer, but it's not recommended as your skin can get irritated. I've only been at this for a few months, but every 7 days works for me.

Living with Your Ostomy | Hollister

I use rings as well and like them. For a bit, I'd cut them in half and roll them out to go around my stoma. (My medical plan is minimal, so I was trying to stretch out products.) I had a leak twice, so I am back to using a whole ring around my stoma. I find it difficult to put it on the wafer. I now only change my appliance once a week. No issues. No more stress. I could go longer, but it's not recommended as your skin can get irritated. I've only been at this for a few months, but every 7 days works for me.

The difference is amazing. I didn't want to use rings at first because I thought it would cause a leak. After much skin irritation, I decided to try them again, and now I have barely any skin irritation at all, and the bag seems to stay on longer. Now I'm just deciding if Coloplast or Hollister are better than the other. Any opinions on that?

I’ve tried 3 brands, Coloplast, Hollister, and Eakin. IMO Eakin are the best and I prefer the stoma wrap ones over a regular ring. I use Hollister cause I think they are a close 2nd to Eakin as far as durability but they come off when you’re changing way easier and I like how they kinda melt into my skin a little better. The Coloplast did fine, nothing really impressed me with it though. 

I’ve never heard of Eakin. What do you mean they wrap around? Sorry if this is a stupid question lol I wonder if these are available in Canada would love to try them all til I decide on what kind I would like. They are so expensive barrier rings. Not that that has anything to do with it, but costs are shameful. 

The Eakin Stomawraps are bigger and not a complete circle, it is cut. So you can wrap it around your stoma way easier than a regular barrier ring. Plus, since it’s bigger, you don’t stretch it out nearly as much to get it around your stoma. 

Just looked up Eakin wrap stoma rings, too expensive. I first used the Hollister samples they sent me but I purchased 10 2mm thick, hydrocolloid from Amazon. Heagimend was the brand and cost was #15.99. just changed this morning after a week, no leakage. I just put it under my arm for a couple minutes to soften them up and then I can stretch and mold them without tearing. My first supply order I only got wafers and pouches but now that I researched, Medicare will pay for most accessories as well. I have no idea about Canada but there's a lot to choose from on Amazon.

I don’t know what’s expensive or not since my insurance pays for everything. 🤷‍♂️ 

As long as insurance pays, good for you. On Amazon 10 eakins are over &50.

K thanks for the information 😊

Hi Alex,

I put the barrier ring on my wafer too. If I'm reading right, you warm up the ring and wafer with a blow dryer before putting on the wafer?

Hi Alex,

I put the barrier ring on my wafer too. If I'm reading right, you warm up the ring and wafer with a blow dryer before putting on the wafer?

I put the barrier ring on, then warm it all up with a hairdryer on low for maybe 15-30 seconds, continually moving the hairdryer around all the sticky parts. Then, I stick it all at once on my stomach. I put direct pressure with my fingers around the barrier ring, then I put my hand over the whole thing for maybe 5 minutes while lying down.

I hear you on this issue too. I often have to wait for the place where I get my supplies from (Edgepark) to “process” my order, which typically means at least 5 phone calls to them and 3 different reasons for the delay. I have used eBay to get some products to have on backup that I cannot be without. Pretty good prices too. It's insane what the companies charge us or even our insurance for these items!

I wish I could go a couple of days! What flange/bag system is working for you?
I am very limited in the rings I can get, and because I change so often, I run out. 😞

I use Hollister and Coloplast rings. I put the ring on the flange, then put the flange on me. Then I lie down in bed for 10 minutes or so with a heating pad over the whole works and read a book! I go 7 or 8 days between flange changes. No leaks (yet!).

I will plug in my heating pad and try this next change - it makes perfect sense 😊