Exploring Alternatives to My Current Ostomy Bag

I'm an Colostomate of a little over a year now. I have been using SENSURA EASICLOSE WIDE OUTLET, STANDARD WEAR NON-CONVEX, MAXI, TRANSPARENT Bags for most of this time. I'm pretty happy with them for the most part. I love the easy open flap at the bottom with the velcrow to help it stay open when emptying and closed when done. It has a built in filter which I'm really starting to think does a whole bunch of nothing because I still get what I refer to as a "Poolloon" lol also known as a bag full of air. I'd like to branch out in the bag world and see if there are any other bags that I might also prefer. I'd like to stick with the easy open bottom, I really like that part a lot. Maybe a bag that isn't see through and is a light skin color (I'm a WHITE lol strawberry blond haired female). Should I give the 2 piece bags a try?? Are they easy to care for and not messy?? Are the wafers on some able to last longer? Maybe stick a little better?? Please any and all suggestions of different bags would be greatly appreciated.

Hiya,



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I use (for ileostomy) Dansac Nova easifold 1 piece drainable in midi size, as just about the right size, I guess pros and cons is the best way to explain



Pros



Flesh-colored, so cannot see contents and not as obvious

Velcro fastener, very good, has never yet failed

Cotton cover front and back, so cooler in summer and eliminates rustle

Filter good for 1 day fully and 2 days after with limited effect

Wafer is only 0.5 mm thick so discreet and pliable yet sticks very well

Anti-allergy type wafer so has removed skin irritation since using

Can last at least 2 full days and 3 showers before needing to be replaced

Easy peel tab for removal and comes off in one

Size in midi just about right



Cons



Filter only at best for 1 day, it is always odor-free and when fails, the failure is that only limited gas can self-escape after a day



Seal can fail at night, failure rate around 4 times per year so about one in 40 actual appliance fail on normal carefree diet



I used a 2-piece for around 4 years and moved to one piece around 8 years ago, and have never gone back as for me far better and far more discreet etc., I have used various 10+ different types over the years but found Dansac to be by far the best for me. I normally google for more info and go to companies' websites and most offer free samples via the product page that arrive in unmarked envelopes with supporting information and no follow-up junk mail etc., this is how I normally arrive at choice as I normally get around a week's worth risk-free and then pester my GP for a change in prescription, I have used the Nova easifold for about 18 months and am very happy. I do think that it is a very individual personal choice but I think you will get a balanced view via this post and I would recommend that you try a few samples.



Hope this helps



All the best

neil

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Thanks for the reply it's greatly appreciated...



Does anyone here use edgepark online medical supplies to order theirostomy supplies??? If so maybe you could he

lp me a little further. They don't show pictures of the bags and quite frankly I don't know what half the bag terminology means. Thanks again



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i prefer the 2 piece system... you can snap the pouch off and check the flange every few days. i use non-drainable pouch with vent...they are mid size, flesh color and covered frt and back with cloth{who wants to see the pooh anyhow!!}. there is no closure to fail or leak... they cost about 50$ per 30. you will need a fresh one each day but...you will feel "fresh" too. i think its worth it. as neil suggested i would google the makers and talk to customer service...they will provide samples free of charge. i buy online at   rta medical...they have photos and are prompt about shipping{over 125$ ships free} my pouch is coloplast 12355  the flange 12716{convex}. is remaining colon in good health?? if so ask your dr or nurse about irrigation....it will change your life.  what is your average wear time??

oh...while you have them on the phone ask for the eakin ring samples... good luck...

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Hi, my son has been using hollister, two piece for the past two years now since he was 14. . He likes these because the flange sticks much better, and the two piece is more convenient for him when he wants to just throw his bag away, but has that good flange fit. Or to shower. He also is able to easially open the top, like when he is walking, real quick to release the gas. It is not see through, easier on him.  He also got a cozy from the ostomy cozy company, that makes ostomy covers. He loves his and doesnt worry about his bag showing. He finally attends highschool as a junior. Horray.



Kyo*  aka Nicks mom

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Hi, Kyo again. Edgepark has a catalogue you can maybe get one online. I was able to when I was looking for supplies as well. They sent it to me in the mail

hello i use the Hoillister 2 piece the filter doesnt last long do to moister and i also have their medical adhesive  that helps with staying stuck to skin  i like many others tried alot of other products and the only true way is testing out what you like and what works best with your body

  I like the Convectec bag myseklf it interlocks with the waffer its great to knhow that theres plenty of choices out there

  I like the Convectec bag myseklf it interlocks with the waffer its great to knhow that theres plenty of choices out there       Quietdreamer Look up the companies like hollister, convectec, and the like if you call them they will be more than happy to send you some samples free !

Hi QuietDreamer,

     I have had a colostomy since August.  My Visiting Nurse signed me up for all of the Big Three

(Hollister, Convatec, Coloplast) New Patient programs.  I got supplies from everyone.  I also order through Edgepark and have their catalogue.  I order over the telephone.  They will arrange samples for you too.  It was bewildering initially to have all these bags and flanges...I didn't even know what a flange was initially...flying around.  I settled on a one piece system from Coloplast but had terrible skin breakdown.  I no longer had Home Health so I went to the hospital and saw the Ostomy Nurse there.  Turns out my stoma was much smaller and now round so I could get pre-cut.  I had been having leaks with Coloplast.  She said Convatec is best at sticking and I needed convexity.  I switched and it has been terrific.  I use the 2 piece Convatec with convexity and a belt.  I use the Cavillon No Sting Wipes and Eakin ring and have had no accidents at all.  And I do aerobics and am very active.  Recently I asked for a sample of the mini-pouch and stoma cap which is on its way to me.  If you look at your invoice from Edgepark and see how expensive this stuff is you realize why the companies are so generous with samples.  If they get you as a customer they have a valuable commodity for life.  I did have a funny thing just happen.  I asked customer service at Edgepark for a sample.  I get the package in the mail a few days later and I have no idea what they have sent me.  I called Convatec directly and they had sent me a system for a Urostomy patient.  Huh?  Oh well, no one is perfect

Cee, I think you were quite lucky to have been introduced to these companies at an early stage.



All those from the UK, correct me if I am wrong - and I sincerely hope that now things have changed somewhat - 5 years ago I was given a bag in theatre - more supplies of the same bag appeared, I got 3 (whether I needed more or not!) visits from a nurse at home, then I was on my own with a repeat prescription ..... I didn't have the internet, and despite being a nurse and having a little knowledge (not my field of specialism), I had nothing like the sort of information that you need to really find the appliance that suits you - and all those accessories you can get to help it stick etc.... I didn't have much of a clue, God help those that were really clueless and had no idea about what a stoma was in the first place - no-one really explained anything to me or discussed how I might feel about it (mine was supposed to have been a temp ileo to resolve the problem of wound healing). How are people supposed to manage such a change without help?



Please tell me the NHS has changed!

Thanks everyone for the great answers. I totally forgot about the paper catalog from edgepark that's a great idea. I think I will get in touch with some of the makers/companies and ask for some samples that's a wonderful idea.

Hi, I ordered from Edgepark once, I would request a catalog, that does have pictures.

I use Sterling medical now, much better in my opinion.

Good luck!!