Seeking Recommendations for Reliable Ostomy Bags

I am in need of recommendations on the best ostomy bags to use. I am currently using the Sensura Mio Convex system, which I like, except that when I have output, it always gets sucked up in the pre-filter, and when that happens, it loses its effectiveness (ballooning, odor, etc.). I started out with Hollister's see-through, no-filter bag. Though it worked okay, I didn't like the balloon effect when I pass gas, so any recommendations would be appreciated. I have a colostomy, by the way.

I have an ileostomy, don't know about colostomies, but I use Hollister. Their bags are longer than most so there's plenty of room for waste before it reaches the filter. I use their velcro closing opaque bag with a filter and peekaboo window - #8962.

I am an ileo..and use the Mio Click you speak of..

Please explain the suck-up feature you are experiencing?

As for the filter in ANY bag, the consensus is they don't work because wetness destroys them. I had ballooning when I began my journey back in 2016.

It's what you eat that gives you gas and causes ballooning. Remember, the bag is an extension or a place replacing your colon. If you ate something that disagreed with you, you would pass gas...fart. It has an escape. The bag, even with that defect or functioning filter,

holds that gas. Can't escape. Your diet will affect your bag.

Others here will chime in with colostomies that may suffer the same fate and agree.

The Mio for me works well. But each member has their own thing.

You just may want to curb what you eat causing the gas.

I have used Convetec Natura two-piece system with Akin cohesive seal for over a year with no leaks. I change it twice a week at low flow time (7:00 a.m.), which takes about 15 minutes, and I am off to greet the day. Terry

Same issue. I switch back and forth between convetec esteem body and the mio. Try to push output down and away from filters. 

Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Colostomy here.

I use Hollister and no filters. I do use the Osto EZ Vent, which is an easy way to discreetly let the gas out. The trick with them is that you have to apply them at least 24 hours before you're going to use the bag so that they stay stuck. I usually put them on all the bags right away when I get a new shipment.

I, too, use the sensura mio convex and I have not had the problem you mentioned. I also have a colostomy. If I don't cover up the filter I experience pancaking not ballooning. I use a lubricant/deodorant and when I stand up the effluent slides to the bottom of the pouch. The pancaking occurs because the filter is removing all the air/gas from the pouch. Most of the time I cover the filter with one of the provided stickers and this can cause ballooning if I have much gas — I prefer this setup because it prevents pancaking. I can control the ballooning by dietary choices. I also place a barrier ring arround my stoma on top of the barrier. I  change the barrier every 7 days.

I have an ileostomy and I use a Hollister 2-piece with a charcoal filter, and as long as the output goes down into the bag, it's rarely a problem. I think colostomies are different because you have more solid output. It doesn't go down into the bag so easily and might stay at the top, interfering with the filter. Try to use a lubricant to keep the output going down into the bag. There are deodorizing lubricants that you can buy too that help with odor and help with keeping the output sliding down in the bag instead of staying at the top and interfering with the filter.

But at nighttime, when you're lying kind of straight, how do you keep it from pancaking then? I even bought a lift bed to slightly elevate me, and that helps some, but having the filter, the plastic just sucks to my stoma almost.

But at nighttime, when you're lying somewhat straight, how do you keep it from pancaking then? I even bought a lift bed to slightly elevate me, and that helps some, but having the filter, the plastic just sucks to my stoma almost. Then I get the soreness around my stoma from that. Also, how do you take care of the redness and it hurting? I use stoma powder and skin prep, which helps some, but it never goes away. Any advice?

As you have seen from the variety of answers you've gotten, not everyone agrees on what he best ostomy appliance is.  The real answer is that the best one is the one that works for you, and everyone is different.  It's important to try as many different products and combinations of products, as you can.  You will get ballooning from any pouch, even one with a filter, if the filter gets plugged up, which is pretty much all the time in my experience.  I use a pouch (Hollister) with a filter, but I cover it with a piece of tape, because I have had output leak through it, and because it doesn't work anyway due to getting clogged up.  Do you know how to 'burp' your pouch?  That's the easiest way to deal with gas.

Terry

You have a few options you can try:

1) Try sleeping on your side

2) Place a sticker over the filter so all the air/gas will not be removed from the pouch — with this approach, you will want to limit gas-producing foods from your diet to minimize ballooning or try taking Beano with your dinner.

3) Use a lubricating deodorant to make it easier for effluent to slide to the bottom of the pouch — if you get up during the night and take a couple of steps, gravity will pull the effluent down.

4) Use a lubricating deodorant to make it easier for effluent to slide to the bottom of the pouch — periodically during the night, manually push the effluent down (I am not a big fan of this approach since it tends to push the stoma down, making it easier to get effluent under the barrier).

As always, experiment and see what works for you.

If you are using a one piece convex mio, they do make them without the filter they just dont advertise it. Call them to get samples and the reference number for that bag.  

Other than that I switched back to convatec activelife convex one piece due to the leakage issues from the velcro at the bottom of the mio. You may not like the convatec due to a smaller outlet with a clip.  

Your best bet is stay away from bags with filters. At least this is what I have learned for myself in this journey. That big filter inside  the  mio .....what were they thinking when they designed that bag?

What works best for you is your answer. Get some samples and try them out but try to avoid seeking every brand out there, you'll drive yourself crazy, keep it simple.

Thanks for all the responses, guys. I appreciate every one of you. I will definitely experiment to find the best one that works for me.

Very well put, Terry. IGGIE

I sleep on my right side and my ostomy is on the left. I wear my bag at an angle towards the right - it fits completely inside my underwear and anything that comes out at night flows right into the bag. No bag sticking to my stoma because the gas keeps the bag expanded.