Finding the right stoma bag can be a confusing task as there are so many options to choose from these days. Stoma bags come in a variety of styles, shapes, sizes and colours which often leaves ostomates wondering which one they should choose. Stoma bags can also be referred to as stoma pouches.
After your surgery, your Stoma Care Nurse will take the lead in choosing which stoma bag is best for you, but once you are home you will discover there are lots of options. Before changing your stoma bag to a different type, discuss what you would like from your bag with your stoma nurse, and he/she will help guide you.
Use stoma bag samples to find one that works for you
If you are further down the line and feel confident in what you are wanting, then try sampling the stoma bags first to check you feel comfortable and confident that the bag is working well for you. Choosing the stoma bag you want, and which suits your needs, can often be down to personal preference.
We’ve put together some helpful information which will help you understand the difference between the types of bags and how to select the right one for you and your stoma.
If you need a little help finding your perfect bag, our product finder is the quick and easy way to find a stoma bag that suits you. However, if you know what you’re looking for, our stoma bag samples are free for you to order.
What different types of stoma bags are available?
The first step in selecting the right stoma bag for you, is knowing whether you need a closed bag or a drainable bag. This is dependent on what type of stoma you have and most importantly the type of stoma output, which will dictate whether you need to drain your stoma bag or not.
Following bowel surgery, most people will require a drainable stoma bag which can be left undisturbed for 24-48 hours to help the stoma recover and the surrounding skin to heal. In the following days and by the time you are home from hospital, you may need a different type of stoma bag. Your stoma nurse will guide you through this and advise you which will be best for you and your circumstance.
Ileostomists
For those who have had an ileostomy formed, part or all their small bowel (ileum) may have been removed or used as a diversion, therefore your output via your stoma will be soft/porridge-like consistency. It may be that you will need to drain the contents of your bag 4-6 times within a 24hour period, and a drainable bag will enable you to do this easily without disturbing your skin.
Colostomists
For those who have a colostomy formed, part of the large bowel may have been removed and therefore the output from your stoma is usually semi-formed to a formed stool and the frequency may return to how it was prior to your surgery. For example, once or twice per day, perhaps even three time per day. Thick or formed stools can be difficult to drain out of an appliance, so simply remove the entire closed bag as required.
Urostomists
For a urostomy, urine is diverted from the ureters through your stoma. The bladder is either removed or bypassed. You will require a urostomy bag which has a stopper or tap at the end, to enable you to drain the liquid/urine down the toilet or into a jug. Don’t forget to look out for a leg or night bag that will fit your appliance or go for a larger bag which will have a larger capacity overnight.
Should I use a one-piece or two-piece stoma bag?
A one-piece ostomy bag is attached to the flange/skin barrier. It is applied as one and removed the same way. A one-piece ostomy appliance is often found to be discreet compared to a two-piece ostomy bag, so those who practice sport or wear tight fitting clothing may prefer these. The disadvantages are that each time you have to change your stoma appliance, the whole system needs to be removed and therefore it can lead to skin irritation if this is done often too often during the day.
The two-piece ostomy appliance is when the bag and flange/skin barrier are separate, allowing you to change the bag but leave the flange/skin barrier in place. They are generally gentler on the skin as the flange/skin barrier can stay in place for 1-3days. The one big advantage is that you have the choice of changing the bag for different situations i.e. larger stoma bags overnight and small bags for swimming or intimate moments. The downside it that they tend to be slightly bulkier than the one piece.
Are there different sizes of stoma bags?
You’ll often find most stoma bags are available in standard size. Other sizes are larger such as the maxi bag and there is a slightly small range called the midi bag. These are available in both the one-piece ostomy bag and the two-piece ostomy bag
Paediatric or mini stoma bags are a smaller style of bag usually designed for children but can be used by adults who prefer a smaller type of stoma bag. The capacity will also be smaller so remember they will need to be emptied or changed frequently.
Stoma caps are a smaller still and are a very discreet closed bag. As they are a closed bag, they can only be used for short periods of time, sporting events or intimate moments.
What are flanges and wafers?
The part of the appliance that adheres to the skin can be referred to as a flange, skin barrier or wafer and is the part of the stoma appliance which adheres to your skin, directly around your stoma. This an important part of the ostomy bag system as it protects your skin from bodily waste and keeps the bag in position.
Flanges are available in different shapes and sizes; this is dependent on the size of your stoma. Your stoma care nurse will help measure your stoma and advise what size the flange should be, so its sits neatly around your stoma. Your flange can either be cut to the right size for your stoma or you can use a mouldable system which “turtlenecks” around your stoma to save on the cutting.
The ingredients of the flange are very skin friendly, as this is the part which has direct contact with your skin and stoma. They vary slightly with some being extra thin to fold easily with the contours of your stomach such as the micro skin flange, or there are some flanges made with manuka honey or aloe vera which can help with sensitive skin, or flanges containing alginate can help soothe your skin when it has become irritated and is particularly good for those with very sensitive skins or undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy.
For troublesome stomas which maybe retracted or have a smaller spout, there are convexity flanges, which have a soft or hard convex area, which goes around your stoma to help with leaks and sore skin. These must be initiated and monitored by your stoma care nurse.
What are stoma bags?
Stoma bags (or stoma pouches) are all very similar in style and shape. They are designed to follow contours of the body/stomach and should hold enough capacity for your stoma. Stoma bags are available in a soft material in either closed, drainable system or urology system.
Most stoma bags these days, except urostomy bags have a filter near the top or the sides of the bag to let gas escape. These filters vary in size and location on the bag.
Stoma bags are available in a clear material so you can see through them easily, you may want to use these if your stoma needs to be monitored closely, especially after stoma surgery or for people with poor eyesight. For those who don’t want to see their stoma or the contents, opaque bags are popular. The newer bag is available with a split screen/window where you can choose to lift the material of the bag slightly to see through stoma and contents if you need.
Stoma bags now range in colour, from the popular beige to white, off white and black material. Again, this is down to personal preference.
Here are some of our tips to help finding which is the best stoma appliance for you:
- Try to identify a what you need and want from your appliance before you search
- Look at your lifestyle to help you decide what you need
- Try not to be influenced by a friend/relative as they may have a very different stoma and lifestyle to you
- Keep up to date with the products by speaking regularly with your stoma nurse and attending patient open day and support groups
- Trial some new products by ordering a sample first to see if you like them before changing your prescription details with your surgery. It is helpful for you to let your stoma nurse know if you have changed to a different appliance, so your records can be kept up to date
- You may want to try a mixture of one piece and two-piece ostomy appliances
- Remember comfort is an important factor in your decision
- Also try to choose one which will be easy to manage on a day-to-day basis.
- Remember nothing is set in stone and you can change your mind about your products at any point.
Remember, you can find your perfect bag with our easy-to-use stoma bag product finder – or if you know what you’re looking for, take a look at our stoma bags samples available, then order your free samples.
