Ostomy Supplies and Bags

What is an ostomy?

An ostomy is a hole, also known as stoma, that is surgically created on the abdomen that allows urine or stool to pass through. Some ostomies are temporary, while others are permanent. Ostomy surgery is typically performed on people who have inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, or on those who have had cancer or other conditions that affect the digestive tract. The procedure can be life-saving and can improve a person's quality of life.

What is an ostomy bag?

An ostomy bag, also known as a stoma bag or colostomy bag, is a medical device that is used to collect waste from the body after a person has undergone surgery to remove part of their large intestine or bladder. The waste is then passed through an opening, or stoma, in the abdominal wall and into the ostomy bag.

Types of ostomy bags

There are three types of ostomy bags: colostomy bags, ileostomy bags, and urostomy bags. Colostomy bags are used for waste from the colon, ileostomy bags are used for waste from the small intestine, and urostomy bags are used for waste from the urinary tract.

Colostomy bags

Colostomy bags are the most common type of ostomy bag and are used when the large intestine, or colon, is no longer able to function properly. This can be due to a number of conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, and bowel obstruction. A colostomy bag is attached to the skin around the stoma, which is the opening in the abdominal wall through which waste passes.

Ileostomy bags

Ileostomy bags, on the other hand, are used when the small intestine is no longer able to function properly. This can be due to inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, or colon cancer. An ileostomy bag is attached to the skin around the stoma, which is the opening in the abdominal wall through which waste passes.

Urostomy bags

Urostomy bags, also known as ileal conduit bags, are used when the urinary tract is no longer able to function properly. This can be due to bladder cancer, spinal cord injuries, or other conditions that affect the urinary tract. A urostomy pouch/bag is attached to the skin around the stoma, which is the opening in the abdominal wall through which waste passes.

Ostomy bags are typically made of plastic and are attached to the skin around the stoma using a special adhesive. The bags come in different sizes and shapes to accommodate different body types and lifestyles. Some bags are disposable and need to be replaced regularly, while others are reusable and can be emptied and cleaned as needed.

Things to consider

Living with an ostomy bag can take some adjustment, but most people are able to adapt to the changes and continue to live active, fulfilling lives. It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider and an ostomy nurse to learn how to properly care for the stoma and the ostomy bag, as well as to find the right products and accessories that fit your needs.

• Proper stoma care is crucial for maintaining good health and preventing complications.
• Keep the stoma clean and moist to prevent irritation and infection.
• Use specialized stoma care products, such as barrier wipes and skin protectants, to maintain stoma hygiene.
• Regularly empty the ostomy bag to prevent it from becoming too full or heavy.
• Clean the ostomy bag as needed to maintain cleanliness and prevent odor.
• Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional for changing the ostomy bag and applying a new one.
• Monitor the condition of the stoma and surrounding skin for any changes or signs of infection.

There are a number of different products and accessories available to make living with an ostomy bag easier and more comfortable. These can include stoma powder to help with swelling and adhesion, special belts and clothing to help secure the ostomy bag, convex (curved or domed) barriers for more comfortable fits, and odor-eliminating products. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider and ostomy nurse to find the products that are right for you.

How often do you change an ostomy bag?

Your ostomy bag should be removed and replaced with a new one every 3-5 days, thought this can vary person to person. Leaving your pouch on too long can cause leaks and skin irritation.

What are ostomy supplies?

Ostomy supplies play a crucial role in managing an ostomy by collecting the output from the stoma, ensuring there are no leaks, and promoting the overall health of the surrounding skin. There are several different types of ostomy pouches and wafers available so its important to find the one that suits you best. Trying various styles allows you to determine the ostomy system that provides the highest level of comfort and functionality for your unique needs. Additionally, you can enhance your ostomy experience by incorporating optional accessories like barrier rings and various skin care items. While these products are not obligatory, they can significantly improve the ease and convenience of living with an ostomy. Ostomy pouches are typically offered in two primary styles: the 1-piece pouches and the 2-piece systems, each with its own advantages and considerations.

1-piece pouches

A 1-piece pouches, also known as 1-piece systems, are a type of ostomy pouch design that combines the collection bag and the adhesive wafer into a single unit. This means that the ostomy wafer and pouch are connected and cannot be detached from one another. If you want to change your bag, you will need to throw away the whole appliance and attach a new bag. A benefit to 1-piece pouches is that there is no worry about your ostomy wafer and the bag coming apart. They are also lower profile as compared to a 2-piece pouch, which can make it less noticeable under clothing.

You will also need to decide whether you want to use a drainable ostomy pouch or a closed-end pouch. Drainable pouches have an opening at the bottom that allows you to empty output from the bottom of the bag when it becomes full. This allows you to wear one pouch for 3 to 7 days before having to discard it. Drainable pouches can be less convenient to use. Closed ostomy bags cannot be emptied and instead must be thrown away when they become halfway full. Once the used pouch is discarded, a new pouch will need to be applied to your body. These disposable pouches tend to be more convenient to use, especially if you need to replace your bag in a public restroom. However, you will go through bags more quickly.

2-piece system

A 2-piece system is another type of ostomy pouch design that consists of two separate components: a skin barrier (or wafer) and a detachable pouch.This means that the wafer and ostomy pouch are separate and you must attach them to one another. If you choose to use a 2-piece ostomy bag, you are going to purchase your ostomy wafers and ostomy bags separately. You need to be sure that your wafer and pouch are compatible with one another. Hollister uses a color-coding system to ensure compatibility, which makes it easier to pick the correct supplies. If you have an ileostomy, a 2-piece system may be more ideal since you will have to change your bag more frequently. This way, you will only have to replace the bag rather than removing the wafer from your body every time your pouch becomes full.

An ostomy bag is one of two parts that make up an ostomy system. The other component is an ostomy barrier, which is the piece that connects the ostomy bag to your body. An ostomy barrier is also referred to as a wafer, baseplate, or flange. Much like ostomy bags, wafers are available in several different styles, such as pre-cut, cut-to-fit, and moldable. A pre-cut ostomy wafer has a hole already cut out of it that fits around your stoma. If you have a round stoma that fits within a size we carry, a pre-cut barrier is a great option since it doesn't require additional cutting. If you have an irregular shaped stoma or are in between sizes, a cut-to-fit style may be better suited for you. It allows you to cut your own hole in any shape and size that you need. Similarly, moldable wafers allow for a custom fit. This type of wafer has a soft, flexible material built into the flange itself. This material can be molded directly around your stoma, helping prevent leaks and skin irritation.

Purchase ostomy bags and supplies online with Express Medical Supplies

Express Medical Supply carries a wide variety of ostomy accessories that are used in conjunction with your ostomy pouching system. Although all of these products are not required, many ostomates find them helpful. Some ostomy accessories include barrier rings, barrier strips, stoma caps, pouch clamps, adhesive remover, and lubricating deodorant. Barrier rings are placed underneath your ostomy wafer to help fill in any gaps between your body and the flange. These rings are made from a flexible, stretchy material that expand when they come into contact with moisture. This prevents output from touching your stomal skin, which can cause irritation. When you need a more discreet solution to your regular ostomy bag, a stoma cap is a great option. These are very small closed ostomy bags that are ideal for use while swimming, exercising, and during intimacy. Stoma caps are made for short-term use and should not be worn in place of your regular ostomy bag. No matter what type of bag you use, most ostomates are concerned with potential odor from their bag. One way to combat this is by using a ostomy deodorant. These are liquid drops that you put into your pouch before applying it to your body. Not only do these drops prevent odor, but they also lubricate the inside of the pouch to help output flow to the bottom. If output remains at the top near your stoma, it can create irritation. All of these ostomy accessories are great to keep on hand so you're ready whenever you need them.

We carry ostomy products from the leading brands in ostomy care, such as Coloplast (Assura, Baza, Brava, SenSura Mio), Convatec (ActiveLife, Little Ones, Natura), Hollister (Adapt, CeraPlus New Image, m9, Karaya 5, Premier), and many others.