Choosing an Ostomy Pouching System
How do I know which ostomy pouching system is the best for me?
When selecting a pouching system, you want to find a product that provides you with a secure seal around your stoma and helps maintain healthy skin. Your stoma care nurse can help you find a product that will work for you. To learn more about how to choose ostomy products, read the Using Ostomy Products articles in our Ostomy Learning Centre.
Using Ostomy Pouching Systems
How do I measure my stoma?
Measure your stoma using a stoma measuring guide before every skin barrier application. Stoma measuring guides are included in Hollister cut-to-fit skin barrier product boxes, and are also available through your ostomy care nurse. It is especially important to measure the stoma regularly during the first six to eight weeks after surgery, until the stoma size stabilises. After that time, measure periodically. When measuring your stoma, be sure there is no skin showing between the guide and the stoma. For more information, view our How to Measure Your Stoma video.
How do I cut my skin barriers?
First, measure your stoma using a stoma measuring guide. Then, trace the determined barrier size opening onto the skin barrier. Using a small curved scissors, carefully cut an opening in the skin barrier to match the pattern. Do not cut beyond the line on the release liner. The skin barrier should fit where your skin and stoma meet. Verify that no skin is showing between the skin barrier and your stoma to help prevent leakage and skin irritation. For more information, read our care tips on how to apply a one-piece pouching system or a two-piece pouching system.
How do I prepare my skin before putting on a new ostomy pouching system?
Less is more when caring for the skin around your stoma. For most people, water is sufficient for cleaning the skin. If soap is needed, use a mild bar soap without lotions or creams that may leave a residue or film on your skin and possibly interfere with the adhesive. Skin protective wipes or sprays are not recommended under extended wear skin barriers as this may decrease your wear time (i.e., how long you can wear your skin barrier before it fails). Make sure the peristomal skin is clean and dry before applying your skin barrier.
If you develop red, itching, irritated, or broken peristomal skin, seek the assistance of a healthcare professional. In addition, we have resources to help you identify and manage common peristomal skin problems, including:
How do I apply my ostomy pouching system?
For step-by-step instructions, read our care tips on how to apply a one-piece pouching system or a two-piece pouching system.
How often should I empty my ostomy pouch?
Pouch volume varies by pouch type but we suggest emptying your pouch when it is 1/3 to 1/2 full of output or gas. Do not let the pouch overfill, and be sure to empty it before activities and before bedtime.
Can I put water or oils in my ostomy pouch to make emptying easier?
Rinsing out your pouch with water is not necessary or recommended. Getting water near the edge of the stoma and skin barrier may cause the adhesive skin barrier to break down, which can lead to leakage. A lubricating deodorant made specifically for ostomy pouching systems, such as Adapt™ Lubricating Deodorant, can help make pouch emptying easier and is most suitable for those with colostomies or ileostomies. Do not put oils, cooking sprays, or other products not intended for use with an ostomy in your pouch.
How often should I change my ostomy pouching system?
Change your skin barrier on a routine basis. You will get more comfortable with this after you learn what works best for you. Wear time (i.e., how long you can wear your skin barrier before it fails) is based on many factors including skin condition, stoma output, abdominal creases/folds, and humidity. We do not recommend a wear time longer than five to seven days. For additional guidance, read Your Ostomy Pouching System and Wear Time in our Ostomy Learning Centre.
Why did my ostomy pouching system suddenly stop working well?
There are several reasons why you may suddenly need to change your pouch more frequently. A leaking pouching system is not normal and you should seek the advice from your ostomy care nurse.
Types of Ostomy Skin Barriers
Does Hollister have pre-sized skin barrier options available?
Hollister has many pre-sized skin barrier options. Pre-sized skin barriers are intended for round stomas that have maintained a consistent size. Stoma size will change during the first six to eight weeks after surgery and may change with any weight gain or loss. Measure your stoma frequently to ensure it is maintaining a consistent size.
What are convex skin barriers, and does Hollister offer them?
Convex skin barriers may help promote a good fit between the ostomy pouching system and the peristomal skin. Convex barriers curve outward and push down on the skin immediately surrounding the stoma (i.e., the peristomal skin) to open or flatten skin folds. They can also help the stoma protrude more, which will help direct the drainage into the pouch.
Hollister offers two types of convex skin barriers. Our soft convex skin barriers have a flexible design and may help provide gentle pressure around the stoma to help obtain the right fit. We also offer firm convex barriers if needed to achieve a proper seal around the stoma. In addition, Adapt™ convex barrier rings can be used to create convexity and help prevent ostomy output from getting under the ostomy skin barrier.
Contact an ostomy care nurse if you experience stoma/peristomal changes, pouching system leakage, or weight gain/loss that may have impacted your skin barrier seal. For more information on convexity, view these materials:
Ostomy Pouch Features
What features do Hollister ostomy pouches have?
Hollister ostomy pouches come in different lengths and with many different features to suit your needs. Some of the most common features are:
- Drainable Pouch Closures – Hollister drainable pouches are open at the bottom to allow for emptying and require a closure to keep them closed. There are two types of pouch closures: a clamp closure or an integrated closure.
- Urostomy Pouch Tap – The Hollister urostomy pouch has a tap to either close or drain urine from the pouching system. The tap has a teardrop indicator that shows whether the tap is open or closed.
- Pouch Filters – Many Hollister ostomy pouches include our integrated AF300™ filter that allows air to escape from the pouch without an odor, and helps prevent the pouch from inflating like a balloon. This filter is protected with a material that eliminates the need for a sticker when showering or swimming.
- Visibility – Hollister offers both transparent and opaque pouch options. You can select a pouch that has an opaque soft covering on the front to help increase your comfort and provide added discretion. Alternatively, you can select a pouch with a transparent front for visibility. All of our pouches have a soft panel on the body side. In addition, we offer a viewing option on some of our one-piece pouching systems that provides the discretion of an opaque panel and the visibility of a clear pouch all-in-one.
How does an ostomy pouch filter work?
Some pouches include filters that help minimise gas from buildup, so the pouch does not inflate like a balloon. A pouch filter is designed to deflate the pouch when there is gas and to neutralise the gas odour. The keys to filter performance are airflow, deodourisation, and liquid protection. For more information, read Tips for Minimising Ostomy Odours and Gas in our Ostomy Learning Centre.
Will water ruin an ostomy pouch filter?
Our AF300™ filter, available on many of our ostomy pouches, is designed with a material to protect the filter from water. Therefore, it does not need to be covered when showering or swimming.
How do I use the Lock ‘n Roll™ microseal closure?
The Lock ‘n Roll™ microseal closure is a feature on many Hollister drainable ostomy pouches. For more information and step-by-step usage instructions, read our Lock ‘n Roll™ Microseal Closure Care Tips.
How do I use the drain tap on Hollister urostomy pouches?
The tap is a twist valve that you can turn to open and close it. In order to make urine flow, the teardrop must be facing away from your body. To make sure the drain valve is closed, the teardrop must be facing towards your body. For more information, view our “How to Empty a Urostomy Pouch” ostomy educational video.
Special Uses
What is the best ostomy pouch to use when prepping for a colonoscopy?
We recommend using a 12” (30 cm) drainable ostomy pouch or an irrigation sleeve when prepping for a colonoscopy procedure. During your preparation, you should expect to drain your pouch more frequently than normal. Regardless of the drainable pouch you choose, it is important to empty the pouch when it is 1/3 to 1/2 full.
What pouching system should I use for my high output ostomy?
Hollister offers a high output pouch with a soft tap drain that fits comfortably against the skin and eases pouch emptying. This pouch may be connected to a bedside drainage collector with no need for an adapter. These pouches are most suitable for fecal ostomies with liquid output. They are not suitable for urostomies with urine output.
What products do I use for a fistula?
A fistula is an abnormal opening between two hollow organs, or between a hollow organ and the skin. If the fistula output is minimal, gauze dressings may be sufficient for containment. However, if the fistula output volume is significant or frequently soaks through the dressing, a pouch may be more appropriate. Most pouching options can be used to manage a fistula. Please contact your healthcare professional to determine what pouching system is best to manage your fistula output. Please note that insurance may not cover the pouches. Please contact your insurance provider to discuss product coverage. For more information, read our Fistula Management Care Tips.
Is my Hollister ostomy pouching system safe for an MRI?
All of the Hollister one- and two-piece ostomy pouches and skin barriers (with the exception of the soft wire closure found on our preemie and newborn pediatric pouches and our colostomy irrigation sleeves) are non-magnetic and non-metallic, which is considered to be MRI-safe. Any of our accessory products that come in a pump-spray should not enter the MRI room due to the metal spring in the pump. Generally, if a product does not contain metal, it is safe for use in an MRI. However, we have not tested each of our products individually to assess compatibility for use in a Magnetic Resonance Environment. View a list of Hollister products tested specifically for safety in a Magnetic Resonance Environment.
What ostomy products are best for those with manual dexterity issues?
Many ostomy products offer features that may make it easier for those with dexterity challenges to manage their pouch changing routine independently:
- Pre-sized skin barriers eliminate the step of cutting the barrier opening with a scissors, and are intended for round stomas that have maintained a consistent size
- The Lock ‘n Roll™ microseal closure on Hollister drainable pouches may be more manageable for those with dexterity challenges. Aligning and pressing the centre of the security flap to the outer edges allows the user to feel the interlocking fasteners seal and ensure that the pouch is securely closed.
- Two-piece pouching systems make an audible click when the flange of the barrier and pouch lock together. However, an advantage of one-piece pouching systems is that they eliminate the need for this extra step, since there is no flange to snap together.
- Integrated pouch filters, such as the Hollister AF300™ filter, release deodorized gas from the pouch and minimise gas buildup – which can eliminate the need to “burp” the pouch
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