Ostomy Accessories: A Guide for Making Choices

After ostomy surgery, the quality of your life is highly dependent on choosing the right ostomy accessories for your unique needs. With the right ostomy accessories for your lifestyle and stoma type, you can avoid skin irritations, leakage, and unexpected odors in public areas. Know that you have choices and are not stuck with what was given to you at the hospital upon release home. You can continue doing all of the things you enjoyed before your surgery when choosing the right ostomy accessories.

There are More Ostomy Accessories Available to You

Hospitals do not carry all of the manufacturers of ostomy accessories and pouching systems available in the market. They are limited to suppliers they have contracts with, which may only be one or two manufacturers. It is essential to know that you have choices beyond what ostomy accessories you are sent home with.

Some of the major manufacturers of ostomy accessories are:

ConvaTec Ostomy Accessories

ConvaTec Sure-fit Natura moldable barrierAs a global manufacturer of ostomy supplies, ConvaTec is a company whose goal is to ultimately improve the quality of people’s lives. ConvaTec uses creative innovation as they continue to develop products to better fit the needs and preferences of actual product users.

ConvaTec ostomy supplies are a great example of their commitment to user-friendly products that combine advanced technology and features that are tried and true. For example, many users prefer the ostomy systems and skin barriers that feature ConvaTec’s Moldable Technology due to the easy customization and convenient use without the need for scissors to trimming to fit.

Coloplast Ostomy Accessories

Coloplast Brava Skin Barrier SprayFor over 60 years, Coloplast has been developing ostomy supplies to help make people’s lives easier. Coloplast designed their ostomy accessories to help give you a custom fit since no two bodies are exactly alike. Coloplast convex skin barriers are perfect stomas that need help with protrusion. These ostomy accessories are excellent for those with skin creases, folds, and leakage. The wide range of Coloplast Brava ostomy accessories can also help reduce leakage and protect the skin.

Hollister Ostomy Accessories

New Image Flat CeraPlus Skin BarrierHollister Incorporated has been manufacturing and developing healthcare products globally for over 95 years. The company strives to make products that allow those who use them to live a more confident and fulfilling life. They know that peristomal skin is essential in maintaining a healthy lifestyle after ostomy surgery. That is why one of their popular products, the CeraPlus skin barrier, is designed to protect the skin’s natural moisture barrier and maintain healthy peristomal skin.

Choosing Your Ostomy Accessories Supplier

The major manufacturers listed above do not sell direct to the public, and most, if not all, are unavailable for purchase from your local pharmacy. You will need to get in touch with a reputable ostomy accessories supplier to get the ostomy supplies you need.

Personally Delivered carries all of the major manufacturer brands of ostomy products and ostomy accessories. Our ostomy supplies are competitively priced and shipped with reliable, on-time delivery. If you need assistance choosing your ostomy supplies, we also have Ostomy Product Experts to help guide you through your purchasing journey and are here every step of the way to make the entire process easy for you.

If you have insurance and wish to purchase your ostomy accessories and other ostomy supplies, our sister company, 180 Medical, is the choice for you. They are the reimbursement side of our company and work with physicians and insurance providers every day. They take care of shipping your ostomy accessories and supplies discreetly to your door and file your insurance claims for you at no charge.

180 medical corporate logo

Sometimes, your insurance or Medicare will only cover a certain amount of ostomy supplies, and that is when Personally Delivered can help. You can purchase as many ostomy supplies as you need beyond what is covered by insurance and feel confident that you are in good hands and cared for by a professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate team. Our customer testimonials speak for themselves, and we are proud to know that we are changing people’s lives.

It is Normal for Your Stoma to Change

It is entirely normal for your stoma to change during the post-operative period. Your stoma may be slightly larger or swollen right after surgery and then gradually subside over time. The swelling may take several weeks to go down; therefore, you will need to use different types of ostomy accessories to accommodate your stoma changes. Correct sizing of your ostomy accessories will help prevent skin irritation around the stoma.

Here are some of the other common causes of stoma change in shape or size:

Weight Gain

Your stoma may change shape or size from weight gain. Gaining enough weight can pull the stoma inward and cause it to be flush with the surrounding skin or retract farther inward. In this case, a convex skin barrier may help increase the protrusion of the stoma. The convex shape applies gentle pressure around the skin surrounding the stoma to help ‘push’ the stoma outward.

Strenuous Activity

When the stoma suddenly becomes more prominent than usual and protrudes outward, it is called a prolapsed stoma. Strenuous activity such as straining to lift heavy objects can cause a prolapsed stoma. A prolapsed stoma can sometimes and fill an ostomy bag more quickly or require the use of ostomy accessories such as a support belt. You may find using a two-piece ostomy system works better by keeping the flange in place as the bag is routinely changed. This ostomy system might help protect the prolapsed stoma.

Hernias

Hernias around the stoma happen when the intestines push outward near the stoma. These types of hernias are called peristomal hernias and cause the skin to bulge around the stoma. Hernias around the stoma can cause pain and leakage, so choosing the right ostomy accessories will help

Aging

As we age, our muscles and skin change. We lose strength and tone with age, and therefore the stoma changes along with it. The contours of the skin around the stoma may not be as smooth as before and require new ostomy accessories such as adhesive strips designed to hold the skin barrier down to eliminate any leakage.

Types of Ostomy Accessories

Adhesive Barrier Strips

ConvaTec ease Strips as ostomy accessoriesAs an alternative to stoma paste to fill uneven gaps around the stoma due to skin folds or creases, adhesive barrier strips are an excellent ostomy accessory. These barrier strips protect the skin around the stoma from further irritation and create a waterproof seal. Adhesive barrier strips can prolong ostomy appliance wear time and significantly reduce leakage.

ConvaTec ease Strips are an excellent choice for barrier strips. These thin and flexible barrier strips keep your ostomy skin barrier in place and are made of a skin-friendly hydrocolloid material for comfort. And, since they are water-resistant, you can confidently bathe and swim knowing that your skin barrier will stay secure.

Ostomy Belts

Cardinal Health Essentials Ostomy BeltOstomy belts help prevent leaks by pulling the ostomy pouching system upward toward the abdomen. These types of ostomy accessories are typically very discreet and do not interfere with the ostomy bag. An ostomy belt can help keep the ostomy pouch in place and prevent it from detaching from the stoma or snagged.

Moldable Rings and Seals

Hollister Adapt SoftFlex Barrier RingJust as adhesive barrier strips help protect the skin around the stoma that has creases or folds and prevent leakage, moldable rings and seals are effective ostomy accessories to improve the fit of the skin barrier. Moldable rings and seals can be stretched, cut, or stacked to make the seal between the skin and the barrier leak-free and comfortable.

Stoma Cap

A stoma cap is a unique little ostomy bag used for occasions when discretion is a top priority. Most of the time, a stoma cap is a choice when you will be active in some way, knowing that you won’t have much output. These activities might include swimming, working out at the gym, or times of intimacy. Stoma caps are not drainable, so they are most suitable for infrequent and predictable bowel movements.

Odor Neutralizers

M9 Odor Eliminator Apple Scented SprayOdor neutralizes are one of the best ostomy accessories to help with ostomy odors. These ostomy products cancel the unpleasant air in and around ostomy pouches rather than covering it. Odor neutralizers come in sprays that instantly neutralize odors in a room or drops that are convenient for use in your pouch before application.

Stoma Powders

Hollister Adapt Stoma PowderStoma powder works to absorb any moisture from the skin around the stoma. When this moisture is absorbed, ostomy accessories adhere to the skin better and result in a sufficient seal. Often, people do not realize that they are tearing the top line of their skin when they remove their ostomy barrier. This damage to the skin leads to irritation that stoma powder can help alleviate. A doctor should examine skin that remains moist and irritated as this may require medical attention. Medical professionals can also provide further insight into the healing qualities of stoma powder. When the skin is no longer moist and irritated, users can stop applying stoma powder as it is designed to alleviate irritation and is not meant to be used for preventable purposes.

Pouch Liners

Colo-Majic pouch liner as ostomy accessoriesPouch liners can be an economical and less messy choice for those managing their ostomy output. The ostomy pouch is protected by these ostomy accessories, therefore saving money on frequently replacing expensive two-piece pouching systems. Ostomy pouch liners like the Colo-Majic Ostomy Pouch Liners are made of biodegradable material, so they are safe to flush away and make change-out simple. Pouch liners also help prevent ballooning with their ability to release gas and prevent clogging.

Tips for Taking Control of Your Ostomy Care

You can do several things to ensure that you are making the best choices for yourself when it comes to your ostomy accessories so you can remain in control of your ostomy care. It would be best to advocate for yourself when it comes to the ostomy accessories that work best for you.

  • Know your ostomy appliance and accessories that make you feel most comfortable. Keep the manufacturer numbers handy in a notebook or on a spreadsheet.
  • Keep the reliable supplier contact information in a safe place and make sure you have a backup in the case of an emergency.
  • Remember that as your stoma changes, you have product selection options accessible to you. You have the right to choose your ostomy accessories and take control of your ostomy care.
  • Make sure to take advantage of all the available resources through your ostomy manufacturer, supplier, and physician of choice. They will help provide you with the best experience with your ostomy accessories and supplies.

If you have any questions or would like assistance choosing the ostomy accessories you need, our Ostomy Product Experts are here to help. Our goal is to get you the ostomy accessories and supplies you need so that you can continue to enjoy all the activities you did before your ostomy surgery.

Popular Ostomy Accessories

ConvaTec ease™ Strips

Convatec ease strips

Brava Ostomy Powder

Brava Ostomy Powder

Bard Medi-Aire Odor Neutralizer

Hollister Stoma Cap

Hollister Stoma Cap
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Ostomy Belt Advantages

Do you find that your ostomy system is not staying securely attached to your stoma? Is the weight of your ostomy pouch causing it to sag? Are you currently using an ostomy adhesive that is just not providing an adequate seal? These are all questions that may prompt the need to invest in an ostomy belt that can provide some added support and security to your ostomy system.

What is an ostomy belt?

An image of a couple of different styles of ostomy beltsFor those who have a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy, an ostomy belt is one of many ostomy accessories that can help keep an ostomy pouching system snug against the abdomen to prevent potential leakage. Depending on the type of stoma and characteristics of the surrounding skin, the ostomy pouch might not stay securely in place. With an ostomy belt, the ostomy system is pulled into the abdomen, increasing the pressure of the flange against the skin. This ostomy accessory can hold the ostomy pouching system in place by insertion through belt loops attached to the ostomy bag or attach to belt tabs on a skin barrier as it nicely wraps around the abdomen and is secured with velcro strips or other types of closures.

What is the purpose of an ostomy belt?

Ostomy belts are considered an optional ostomy accessory for an ostomy pouching system. An ostomy belt is designed to provide additional comfort, support, and discretion and is a popular choice for many ostomy patients. Using this ostomy accessory can help strengthen the seal between the barrier and your skin. It can give added security in hard-to-manage situations, such as those with a stoma that lays flat, retreats inward, or protrudes outward from the body.

The best kind of ostomy support belt will likely expand with your ostomy pouch as it fills, thus providing a very comfortable user experience while keeping all your ostomy appliances in place. Because this ostomy accessory provides this additional security to an ostomy pouching system, this ostomy accessory allows you to live life as usual. With an ostomy belt, different lifestyle activities such as running, jumping, and dancing can be done without worry.

What are the benefits of an ostomy belt?

There are a number of benefits when considering an ostomy belt that is right for you.

By using an ostomy belt, it can:

  • Provide support to the ostomy pouch, including stabilization and concealment for discreetness
  • Be used as an alternative to adhesives or for those with sensitive skin
  • Help to reduce leakage and spills of the pouch contents caused by physical movement
  • Aid in improving the seal of the ostomy pouching system to the skin surrounding the stoma, especially when using a convex skin barrier
  • Help reduce noises produced from the pouch
  • Be effective at preventing the ostomy pouch from snagging or detaching from the stoma
  • Help prevent skin irritations due to the ostomy pouch dragging or swinging
  • Preserve parastomal and incisional hernias from recurring after surgery repair by delivering extra wound support
  • Provide improved comfort and security

What are the different types of ostomy belts?

Each manufacturer has its own ostomy belt style, and not all features will be compatible with other brands of ostomy pouching systems. There are different styles and sizes of ostomy belts, so it is essential to choose one that is interchangeable with the ostomy pouching system you are using.

Cool Comfort Elastic Ostomy Belt

Nu-Hope Original Flat Panel Ostomy Support Belt, 5 inches wide, beige, 3-1/4 inch center stoma opening for a 36 to 40 inch waistMany of the ostomy belts we carry are by Nu-Hope Laboratories, a manufacturer of Cool Comfort Elastic ostomy belts that form around bulges and other body contours more naturally. Constructed of a blend of polyester, spandex, nylon, and monofilament material, the Cool Comfort elastic ostomy support belt is stretchable, soft, and breathable as it supports the ostomy pouching system.

Regular Elastic

Regular Elastic ostomy belts by Nu-Hope are made of a blend of polyester and spandex material on the inside and are best suited for those with sensitive skin. The outside of the regular elastic belt is solid and smooth to prevent clothes from snagging on the material as it supports the ostomy pouching system.

Wide Elastic

The wider the ostomy belt, the more coverage around the body’s abdominal area, which helps prevent lines and bulges. Wide elastic ostomy belts typically go up to 8 inches wide and considerably improve appearance, security, and peace of mind. The comfortable binder of a wide adjustable belt offers stoma protection and security for longer wear time.

Different Types of Closures

  • Hook and Loop Closure – With a hook and loop closure, getting a proper fit can be achieved by simply pulling the straps to the desired tension. Hook and loop closures make adjustments to make it easy to get the right pressure.
  • Velcro Closure – One of the easiest ways to adjust an ostomy support belt to the desired fit is with the velcro closure. This velcro closure option also allows a patient to get precise pressure.
  • Plastic Belt Buckle – Plastic belt buckles provide the ultimate grip, support, and comfort. The plastic buckles are made to fit ostomy skin barriers that feature belt tabs that match each style.

Ostomy Belts With or Without a Stoma Opening

Brava Adjustable Ostomy BeltOstomy belts that feature an opening reinforced with a durable plastic ring allow for a 360-degree skin barrier and pouch support. This type of belt provides hernia support around the stoma and allows for longer wear time. Ostomy belts without a stoma opening are thinner and only hook onto an ostomy pouch with belt loops or skin barriers that feature belt tabs, such as the Brava Adjustable Ostomy Belt. This belt fits all SenSura and Assura barriers with belt tabs.

Left, Right, or Center Stoma Opening

If you choose an ostomy support belt with a stoma opening, it is essential to select one with the stoma opening on the correct side. By making sure to get this ostomy accessory with the correctly placed stoma opening, you will be sure to get the most comfortable fit without risking any pulling to cause discomfort.

How do I choose the right ostomy belt?

When choosing an ostomy support belt, considering the following attributes can be helpful.

The ostomy belt should:

  • Be flexible enough to allow the body to move naturally as the pouch fills with waste
  • Have multiple hole placements, left, center, and right
  • Feature various hole diameters for a comfortable fit around your ostomy pouching system
  • Have an adequate width for desired abdominal coverage
  • Be made of high-quality and durable material
  • Be a comfortable fit without being too tight

It is important to note that since ostomy belts are constructed of elastic, they will stretch out over time with repeated use and should be replaced once they show the appearance of becoming worn out.

An ostomy support belt is an excellent investment as an ostomy accessory for ostomy patients. If you are unsure about what type of belt to purchase, you can ask for help from our Personally Delivered Product Experts.

Shop Popular Ostomy Belts

ConvaTec Ostomy Appliance Belt

ConvaTec Ostomy Appliance belt adjustable up to 42 inches

Coloplast Brava Adjustable Ostomy Belt

Brava Adjustable Ostomy Belt size 43-1/3 inch also offered in 49 inch as item 4220

Nu-Hope Cool Comfort Ostomy Support Belt

Nu-Hope Original Flat Panel Ostomy Support Belt, 5 inches wide, beige, 3-1/4 inch center stoma opening for a 36 to 40 inch waist

Hollister Adapt Adjustable Ostomy Belt

Hollister Adapt Adjustable Ostomy belt size Medium 26 to 43 inch hips also in large to fit 29 to 49 inch hips
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