Why Is My Barrier Leaking So Much? Need Help!

My barrier has been leaking too much and my stool is very watery. I have been changing my barrier about 4 times a day the last couple of days. I have been using a barrier ring and skin barrier film and it still ends up leaking. Any ideas as to why it leaks and pointers to help with the leaking issues.

Are you using flat barriers or convex? Your handle and picture would indicate you are a large person. People who are obese tend to have more problems with leaks, according to my ostomy nurse. If you are not using convex wafers, I suggest you try those. Also, make sure your skin is bone dry before applying your wafer. Personally, I have issues with skin barrier film as it causes irritation. I am also more apt to leak if I use it. But, that is maybe due to not letting it dry enough after application. For me, using nothing at all works best.

Daniel

Try wearing a belt to help hold things in place.

Try flange extenders. If it starts to itch, it is probably starting to leak.

Ciao! I am a bigger person too and started with leaks all over the place before I found my way around bag & co.

I have a urostomy, so watery is all I know and gosh it stings on the skin and messes things up...

I do change the flange while lying down to minimize flow (cannot stop it) and use a big period tampon to absorb what comes out while changing (without pushing it in, of course!).

I use powder and leave it for 10 seconds before blowing away the excess, then wear the flange (pre-warmed under the armpit so it sticks better), immediately put on the bag and stay lying down for 5 minutes with hands or a small soft cushion pressed on top of the stoma, etc....

I have found that being flat down and not moving creates no creases until it's put, and that holding something to help adhere, maybe even warm like hands, helps the flange stick better.

I also wear a tube wrapper or elastic briefs to help support the weight.

Hope it helps you as well!

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Do you start with an extremely clean, dry, well-shaved area for placement? This is KEY for starters…

Is your skin irritated at all? If not, don't use the barrier film and see how that works. It's only intended to be used if your skin is actually irritated. I would guess there's more to what you're doing/using that's causing the issue, but that's an easy thing to start with.

I have found that using barrier film makes it more likely I will have a leak eventually. It also tends to irritate my skin. Fortunately, I do not otherwise have problems with irritation and, as long as I can keep my skin free from leaks, I attach the appliance to clean, dry skin. Dry being the operative word. I've only had to resort to a crusting technique a couple of times. Even then, dry is the word. :-)

Daniel