Revel "It's In The Bag" Review: Pros and Cons

Replies
27
Views
417
B@tLady
Oct 12, 2024 6:04 pm

Someone here had good things to say about this pouch lube/deodorant so I ordered. It works as advertised with easy emptying and reduced odor. However: I found the product oozed out of my bag filter (sensura mio convex) and left oily stains on the pouch cover and on my clothes. I tried using filter covers but the oil of the product destroyed the adhesive. Fortunately, the company's customer service is excellent and I was given a full refund very quickly. I'll tuck my nearly new supply into a donation box and hope someone can make use of it. 

Beachboy
Oct 12, 2024 9:06 pm

Thanks for posting your experience.  I use Hollister deodorizer lube.  Works well.

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warrior
Oct 12, 2024 10:02 pm

That positive post you are referring to had additional negative comments from users.

I believe AlexT. mentioned that after using that deodorizer, his bag too suffered the same fate.

I don't think there were many positive comments on that

thread. Hmm...🫢

M-9... Works for me.

AlexT
Oct 13, 2024 12:49 am
Reply to warrior

Within a day of using it, I could smell output, which was either the lubricant eating my ring/wafer (Hollister products) or messing with the filter; I don't know which. 🤷‍♂️ Revel is refunding my money. I have basically 2 full bottles, 1 of each flavor, if anyone wants to risk, I mean try it. 😁 Let me know...

warrior
Oct 13, 2024 12:57 am
Reply to AlexT

Good sales pitch. Nice recovery. ☺️

 

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

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AlexT
Oct 13, 2024 1:02 am
Reply to warrior

😁

B@tLady
Oct 13, 2024 12:10 pm
Reply to warrior

I should have given more time to see others' experience before jumping on the order button. I'm back to my Brava product. It does the job but needs to be reapplied with every empty, which the Revel product did not. Having a busy ileostomy, I empty six or more times each day. I typically run out of it before Medicare will permit a reorder, and I fill in the gap with an Amazon buy. I'm always looking to pinch a penny if anyone has a good DIY they want to share.

B@tLady
Oct 13, 2024 12:19 pm
Reply to AlexT

Alex, it seems logical that soybean oil and adhesive is a risky mix. I hadn't thought of it until after, but I use oil like that to take off adhesive residue from tapes and bandaids 🤦🏻‍♀️ (The truth about the Coloplast Sensura filter is that, despite all their hype about its design, it does NOT do the job. Once output hits it, game over; balloon time!)

warrior
Oct 13, 2024 2:25 pm
Reply to B@tLady

That's OK. We are somewhat programmed to "jump the gun." We want that instant answer without pause.

 

This place is like the Monark Notes of ostomy living. Or Consumer Reports. Everyone is test driving their equipment.

Everyone comments on it for others' benefit. No B.S. Maybe a few use a sales pitch because they are very happy with the product.

But... we have a few mantras here.

One of the many mantras is - "It works for me, may not work for you."

Another is, "No two people are the same with illness, or complications."

I'd like to add about filters? The consensus is they don't work.

Doesn't matter the brand. It's been a misconception, and often a fabricated sales pitch.

I use the Sensura Mio click only because of the 5 corners. Not the filter. Mechanically speaking, 5 work better than four. An amazing concept. Oops, was that a sales pitch? 😆😅🤣😂 Sorry.

 

 

 

AlexT
Oct 13, 2024 2:56 pm
Reply to B@tLady

Doesn’t matter the brand, all bags with filters have that issue once output gets to them or we use water to rinse the bag out. 

Diverticulitissucks!
Oct 14, 2024 11:11 am

I've had very good luck with Revel "it's in the bag"...sorry some of my osteomates had problems!

aTraveler
Oct 15, 2024 2:35 pm

It's always a good idea to try a free sample before purchasing. I have tried lots of products but none w/o a free sample. Oil-based lubricants can be tricky to use —normally requiring only a few drops. If it is oozing out of the filter then it's probably too much, no matter what the instructions say.

aTraveler
Oct 15, 2024 2:40 pm
Reply to warrior

I am familiar with  M-9 as a deodorizer but not as a lubricant. Do you also use it as a lubricant?

warrior
Oct 15, 2024 3:54 pm
Reply to aTraveler

Hi. No, I just use M9 when I need to; otherwise, water does a good job prior to emptying it.

I'm OK doing this. Cheap. Effective. Cleans bag.

maryorwitz
Oct 15, 2024 5:19 pm
Reply to B@tLady

I use olive oil, Convatec esenta lubricating deodorant and a product to thicken output as needed called smelleze. It is also a deodorizer. Pretty much these products help but I swear I always smell my output. I also use a handheld bidet to rinse out as much output as I can. Saves on toilet paper too!!

aTraveler
Oct 16, 2024 9:13 am
Reply to B@tLady

Inexpensive odor control:

Ostomy Odor
•    Ostomy odor is created by bacteria breaking down certain foods, turning it into odorous waste and also sometimes creating odorous gases. This gas, fills the pouch with air that must be released to prevent leaks and/or blowouts.  Effluent that is contained in an appliance for  several hours builds up bacteria and is smelly when emptying.


Hydrogen Peroxide as Deodorizer  
•    An inexpensive odor Eliminator is adding 10 – 20 ml of hydrogen peroxide to your pouch. If the reduction in odor is not enough use 30 ml.
•    Hydrogen peroxide has limited antibacterial effects — while hydrogen peroxide isn’t always effective as antibacterial agent, it inhibits reproduction of bacteria.  
•    When injected into water, hydrogen peroxide releases a large amount of dissolved oxygen which has a strong oxidizing effect, destroying odors.  
•    This means hydrogen peroxide is more effective with liquid or semi-liquid output.
•    It is reported that hydrogen peroxide is decomposed before absorption in the intestine. Solutions of hydrogen peroxide displays poor penetration when applied to tissue.


Aspirin as Deodorizer
•    Aspirin has been used historically for odor control; however, the stool must be liquid for aspirin to be effective. Also, if the aspirin comes in contact with the stoma, it may irritate the stoma.
•    Just cut an aspirin tablet in half and place half in bottom of pouch. Some need two halves and others with a very thick stool need to dissolve an aspirin tablet in an ounce or two of water.


Lavender Essential Oil as Deodorizer  
•    An inexpensive odor eliminator, for colostomies, is applying 10 drops of lavender essential oil into your pouch during colostomy bag exchange and spreading the oil around the entire inner surface of the pouch.  
•    For many years, lavender essential oil has been used for  its antibacterial properties.  


Note: Pop into your pouch a few peppermint altoids, many ostomates say they work really well.

B@tLady
Oct 19, 2024 2:58 pm
Reply to warrior

Aries 🔥here. Epitome of shooting from the hip🙄

Totally agree about filters. Hollister never worked. Sensura Mio never works. I thought the Sensura Flip would be the answer with its wider support ring to decrease contact between output and filter.  It was very comfortable to wear with its star shape but EVERY one gassed up and blew out within 24 hours! Back to MIO, accepting that "the devil you know is better than the devil you don't know." 

B@tLady
Oct 19, 2024 3:27 pm
Reply to aTraveler

Thanks! Great help! I have used a couple of TicTac mints or a single drop of peppermint oil for odor control. Both work, but the lube factor is nil. I've been thinking about trying hair conditioner for that.

Griselda
Oct 20, 2024 12:41 pm

After trying many products, I finally found Diamond sachets. Not only did they stop odor cold, but also gelled excess liquid. When I empty my bag, I squirt in some baby oil to make emptying fast and clean, then I drop in the sachet. I wear a one-piece Sensura bag.

Flowills
Oct 20, 2024 12:51 pm
Reply to B@tLady

I am having the same issue as I am using the same appliance (sensura mio convex). I found that it's also odor time. Help, please.

Heather Williamson
Oct 21, 2024 6:02 pm

I also use the Coloplast Sensa Mio 1 PCE convex and the Brava lubricating deodorant. This helps things slide out and suppress odor. I used to use too much and was advised that up to 8 drops is optimal - and have found this too.

As for the odors over and above, there are a number of foods that are listed on the "smelly" list that I avoid when possible: onions, garlic, fish, very spicy foods, and some veggies. Broccoli is bad, but I eat it anyway (in small amounts) because it's good for me!

AlexT
Oct 21, 2024 6:11 pm
Reply to Heather Williamson

They told me to use less than the recommended amount also. My theory is that if the recommended amount affects my bag, a lesser amount will also, just not as fast. I won’t risk having an issue, especially at work or while out. 

warrior
Oct 22, 2024 12:08 am
Reply to maryorwitz

You use Olive Oil? 

What does Popeye have to say abt that? 😋😁🤣😂

B@tLady
Oct 22, 2024 2:47 am
Reply to Flowills

Beyond using a pouch deodorant (Brava) or a drop of peppermint oil, the only thing that has helped me with odor is rinsing the bag at emptying time and changing every 3 days. We're all put together so differently and have our own unique body chemistry, though, so the best thing is to keep researching, keep an open mind, and try others' suggestions. Until the manufacturers come up with better solutions, it's all we've got!  

Nini4
Oct 22, 2024 2:53 am

I am one of the people who ordered it and I loved it. At first... 

After several days I started to notice, like Alex did that I could smell the output more than I did prior.  I wonder if that is due to the amount of oil? I liked how easier it made it to empty the bag,  but I've had to change bags in between change days.  I've not had to do that prior to using it. 

I still like the ease of emptying from it, but I'm going to switch back to my Hollister adapt and see if I notice anything.

 

B@tLady
Oct 22, 2024 2:53 am
Reply to AlexT

Exactly. The "engineers" suggested using less. I used the same reasoning as you did, plus the fact that oily stains are tough to get out of clothes. I can't afford to toss out my shirts! I opted for a refund instead. 

Nini4
Oct 24, 2024 12:45 am

Thought I'd update. Day 2 of using Adapt instead of the Revel product. The bag still looks great, and there is no smell. I have to assume it's because of the oil in the Revel product breaking down the filter and causing odor? I'm sticking with Adapt.

 

AlexT
Oct 24, 2024 2:11 am
Reply to Nini4

Exactly my results too. Wish the Revel stuff worked for someone, I have 2 full bottles that are useless to me. 🤷‍♂️