After having an ileostomy, colostomy, or urostomy, you will need various products to manage your new lifestyle. It is essential to focus on choosing the right ostomy supplies. Here is information on how to select the right ostomy supplies.
Basic Types of Ostomy Bags
Ostomy bags are an excellent place to start. Depending on the surgical procedure you went through, there are three primary types of ostomy bags you can choose from. To avoid leakage of gas, urine, or stool after the surgical procedure, it’s a must to wear the right kind of ostomy bag. If you are unsure which one you need, ask your healthcare team.
Ileostomy Bags
Ileostomy surgery redirects your small intestine. An ileostomy bag is typically fitted on the right side of the abdomen and requires frequent emptying.
Colostomy Bags
Colostomy bags are necessary when a part of the large intestine is redirected into a stoma on the lower left side of the abdomen. Colostomy bags collect firm, formed stool that needs to be emptied a few times daily.
Urostomy Bags
When the bladder is removed or bypassed, surgeons perform a urostomy, which diverts the urine from the ureters to the small intestine. Just like ileostomy bags, urostomy pouches go on the right side of the abdomen.
Choosing the Right Ostomy Bag
There are different styles of ostomy bags, too.
One-Piece Ostomy Bags
One-piece ostomy pouches are more discreet than two-piece units and are preferred by patients who participate in sports and like to wear form-fitting clothing. When choosing a one-piece ostomy pouch, look for one with a double-layer adhesive to ensure maximum security and discretion.
This type of ostomy bag has the potential to cause skin irritation, so choose one with an integrated filter. A built-in filter also neutralizes odor. A drainable filtered one-piece ostomy pouch also allows for easier emptying.
Two-Piece Ostomy Pouches
Two-piece ostomy bags are more comfortable and cause less skin irritation, but are more prominent than one-piece bags. When looking for a two-piece ostomy pouch, opt for a drainable one that’s separate from the barrier so you can change the pouch without changing the barrier for 2-4 days.
Closed-End Pouches
Closed-end pouches are arguably the most accessible ostomy bags to use as they don’t need clips or clamps. They’re also low-profile and have an odor filter in every pouch. What’s more, they have skin-friendly adhesive to avoid irritation.
Ostomy Accessories
Choosing ostomy supplies doesn’t end in selecting the right bag. Here are other ostomy supplies that you might need.
- Ostomy Belts: Use an ostomy belt made of soft and comfortable material that’s discreet to wear and adjusts to the contours of your body.
- Skin Barrier Rings: A skin barrier holds the pouch in place. Choose a skin barrier ring with a convex, pre-cut barrier for extended wear, added security, and skin protection.
- Seals: Choose a skin barrier seal with a moldable hydrocolloid barrier that forms a gel to prevent skin damage while sealing the area.
- Odor Control Supplies: They neutralize odors, are easy to use, and are ideal for all pouching systems.
- Adhesive Removers: Adhesive removers get rid of the residue that ostomy adhesives can often leave behind on your skin after they’re removed.
- Ostomy Barrier Paste: Pastes form a protective skin barrier and filler to help increase ostomy wear time while protecting the skin.
- Protective Powder: Helps form protective barrier for excoriated or weeping skin.
- Skin Barrier Wipes: These wipes form a barrier to protect the skin from adhesives, friction and body fluids.
Choosing the right ostomy supplies can make life much easier and more comfortable after surgery. Make sure to buy from only trusted medical supplies providers. Simply Medical provides safe and medical-grade ostomy supplies to make the lifestyle change easier for you.