Seeking Alternatives for Easy-Drain Ostomy Pouches

Hi everyone,

I used to use Coloplast SenSura Mio. Over time, they didn't stick well, so I'm trying to find an alternative. All samples stick well. My problem is the draining. With the Mio, I used to cut off the very bottom plastic part to make draining easier and less messy. I find all the samples I have tried so far, apart from one, are messy to drain due to the hard plastic at the bottom. They just don't want to stay open. The one that is easy is a Marlen brand, but I can't get it due to manufacturing problems, and it is also cosmetically not very nice due to the thin covering. It has some good points as it's slightly longer (why do they make them so short) and you can see through the wafer part, so if it's deteriorating, you can tell. I'm trying to find my ideal pouch but can't find it. And yes, I am fussy. I have tried cutting the draining areas in various different ways but have not found a solution to any samples yet. I'm in the UK, so I rely on what the NHS will allow me to use (which is anything at the moment). I was happy with the Mio draining once I had trimmed the bottom.

So what do you all use? Am I alone with this problem? Well, I don't think I am, as the lady who is trying to help me from one of the suppliers said other people have said the same thing.

I am all about…less is more…I have tried several products and always seem to go back to the simplest of all ConvaTec's #22771. It uses a “clip” for closure. jb

We are all looking for our perfect bag, and we all need different things to make it perfect. Unfortunately, what they have out there is what we are stuck with using. Pretty much pick the best out of the lot that works for you. It's frustrating because so much more could be done to improve issues. But question: why did you cut the bottom of the bag, and then how did you close it?

I've used Salts Confidence Natural for the last 10 years or maybe longer, not too short, but I would prefer them a bit longer myself (I remember days gone by when they made most bags in small, midi, and large sizes; not everything changes for the better!). Since they changed the flange on them a few years ago, they stick better than ever. If you can get an actual face-to-face appointment with a stoma nurse at the hospital, they will have a good selection of bags you can see in person. If you are anything like me, you know just from looking at them if you like it or not, lol.

I have a colostomy and use Hollister 2 piece system.   Been 2 years since my surgery, never had a leak or problem.  I like being able to snap off a soiled bag and quickly replace it with a new one.  I change wafer every 7 days.

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

It did not take me long to decide on the Hollister 2-piece system. On reason is the same as Beachboy mentions, the other because I am short and the bags come in a couple of different lengths.

I do have a question about the 3M Cavilon no sting barrier film that, since my last order, has been on reorder, and they have no prognosis of when it will be available again or what the reason is.  I found this product to be good for me, as there has absolutely not been a problem with the skin under and around the wafer. They recently sold that item to another company.  Maybe that is the reason.  I wish that people would leave things alone.  Change for the sake of change is not good.

180medical is great! They immediately send you extra supplies if you need them and they work with your insurance!

Thanks for you replies

Just Breathe....in the past alot of pouches used clip closure,or wire clips , they drained fine. It's something I'll look into.

Beth...the mio's bottom edges are not the same length, the only one I have seen like that, the extra bit serves not purpose, just something extra to get messy, cutting it off improves the pouch. I had no problems with this pouch until it stopped sticking to me. I tried to get support from coloplast but I couldn't get a response from them.

Ben....yes I remember when you could get different sizes too. I always asked for the longest in the past. They are far to short now. Would love to design my own! Good point about face to face appointment with a stoma nurse, I'll do that. Thanks

I've never tried a 2 piece system. I'm happy to do a daily change, and I use a washer first to protect my skin around the stoma as the stoma can vary in size.

I have a few other samples to try yet. I am in a better position than I was because they all stick,  just trying to find the best draining one.

Thanks again everyone

Hey puppy I am not sure what your talking about. I use sensura mio and there is no extra parts on the bottom of the bag and they are the same length. 

I have used Sensura Mio for most of my ostomy life. Once I tried a Convatec that had a soft opening but found it very messy and difficult to open for cleaning. I'm all for the firm fold and velcro system on the Coloplast product. 

I love the firm  “out-spouts” on most systems, therefore I keep test driving different products - a few of those Velcro ends have leaked.  The soft spout on the Convatec bag doesn’t really give me any issues ….I can still hear the nurse who first demo’d the bag for me saying “ be sure to make a cuff or you will be sorry ! “. It was great advice and she was right.  Some of the main reasons I always return to this system are:

very little bulk once applied - fits very flat to my belly

they have a wide wax-like barrier and then a really good 1/2” tape which holds it in place (the hole I cut must match my stoma or I will experience seepage - I also use a slim barrier(gasket) I have never had a full blown leak in 4 years - however, I do have a bit of seepage around the slim barrier…have read on here that is normal (?)

finally most folks do not like a clamp - but I love it - it has never leaked 

I just received a 2 piece system in the mail today….I have a months supply…the downside of getting a few samples does not give me enough time to test.  I would like a product that doesn’t crinkle like my one piece.  I read early on on this site that they have changed the plastic that is used - thus the crinkle sound ….  jb

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Hi Beth,

Hope the photos explain what I cut off.

Ah thanks for calling me puppy, it made me feel all young again. Ah those were the days.

Hey poppy I had a feeling that's what you said you cut off. But that services 2 purposes . One that's what you flip back(and there are Velcro tabs that hold it) so you can empty the bag. So both sides are sturdy when emptying. And 2 it flips over and closes the bag before you roll and Velcro it shut. 

Well it don't stick to me so I'm not using it anymore. Not found the perfect one for me yet, altho I have ordered a prescription for one I am happy to use until I find it.