Finding the perfect ostomy appliance: Your guide for more comfort and safety in everyday life

Deciding which ostomy appliance is best for you can be a challenge as there are a variety of products and systems on the market. Every person is unique and ostomy care requirements can also vary greatly depending on health conditions, lifestyle and personal preferences. In this blog post, we will guide you through the selection process and show you how to find the perfect ostomy appliance for you.

Basics – What is an ostomy supply?

An ostomy supply is a medical device and includes all measures required to care for and maintain a stoma, i.e. a surgically created body opening. The aim is to close the artificial bowel or bladder outlet securely, to collect excretions hygienically and to protect the skin around the stoma in the best possible way. The most important components of stoma care include

Pouch: He collects the stool or urine that passes through the stoma.
Skin protection It is applied to the skin around the stoma. It ensures that the pouch is securely attached and protects the sensitive skin around the stoma from aggressive excretions.
Outlet (for ileostomy and urostomy): To drain liquid excretions.
Filter: This dissipates the gases that form in the pouch and thus prevents unpleasant odors.
Window: A window in the pouch that allows easy positioning of the supply and observation of the stoma.

Choosing the right ostomy appliance is crucial for your everyday life as it helps you to feel safe and comfortable.

What factors influence the choice of ostomy appliance?

There are many aspects that you should consider when choosing the right ostomy appliance. Here are the most important factors:

Type of stoma

The type of stoma (Colostomy, Ileostomy oder Urostomy) has a significant influence on the choice of stoma care. Each type of stoma has different requirements for the pouches and sometimes also for the skin protection materials.

Colostomy: It is created when part of the colon has been removed. The excretions are usually firmer and less aggressive for the skin.
Ileostomy: Is performed when the small intestine is (partially) removed. The excretions are more fluid and contain more enzymes and digestive juices, which can irritate the skin.
Urostomy: This type of stoma drains urine directly from the urinary tract. The pouch must therefore be specially designed to collect urine safely.

The different pouches can be distinguished by their outlets. While a colostomy pouch is completely closed, ileostomy and urostomy pouches have an outlet.

Size and shape of the stoma

Every stoma is unique – sometimes it lies flat on the skin, sometimes it protrudes slightly above the skin and in some cases the stoma is retracted inwards. The size and shape of your stoma are crucial to finding the right ostomy supply. If the opening of your stoma pouch is too small or too large, this can lead to skin irritation, leakage or discomfort. It is therefore important that you choose the right size of stoma opening and suitable convexity.

What is convexity?

Convexity refers to the outward curvature of the skin protection – similar to a dome. This exerts targeted pressure on the stoma so that it protrudes further into the pouch. This is particularly important for flat or inwardly retracted stomas.

Skin protection in convex shape: For flat stomas or stomas that are difficult to treat. The curvature lifts the stoma slightly and thus improves the seal.
Skin protection in flat shape: This is particularly suitable for prominent stomas (= stoma above the skin level).
Skin protection that can be cut out: The plate can be individually adapted to the shape and size of your stoma – preferably using special stoma scissors.
Pre-cut skin protection: Supplied with a fixed opening – suitable for consistently sized, round stomas.

Skin compatibility and skin protection

People with a stoma often have sensitive skin around the stoma, which can be irritated by moisture, excretions and the friction of the plates. Make sure that the products used are skin-friendly and hypoallergenic.

Special skin protection materials: The classic skin protection material is hydrocolloid. However, there are a number of other materials that contain substances such as alginate or manuka honey, as well as gelatine-free products.
Skin protection pastes, plates or rings: These products provide additional support for skin protection. They help to smooth uneven areas and prevent moisture from collecting under the skin protection plate.

Different types of ostomy appliances

There are different systems you can choose from, depending on your personal needs and preferences. The two main systems are the one-piece system and the two-piece system:

One-piece system

Description: In a one-piece system, the skin protection and the stoma pouch are connected to each other and form a single unit. The entire appliance must therefore be removed when changing the appliance.
Benefit: Easy to use and discreet under clothing.
Disadvantage: Changing the pouch is a little more complicated, as the entire unit has to be removed.

Two-piece system

Description: With a two-piece supply, the baseplate and ostomy pouch are separate from each other and can be connected to each other using the “clic system”, similar to bread tins. The pouch can be changed several times without having to remove the baseplate.
Benefit: More flexible in use – different pouches can be combined with one plate. Changing the pouch is quicker and gentler on the skin as the plate is worn for longer.
Disadvantage: The fixing ring makes the system slightly thicker and therefore less inconspicuous. The audible “click” when it snaps into place provides security, but there is still the possibility that the connection may not fit perfectly, which can lead to leaks.

Various cover materials & colors

Ostomy pouches are more than just functional aids – they accompany patients through life day after day. It is not only the sealing and handling that play an important role, but also the outer material, the so-called cover material of the pouch. It influences both wearing comfort and discretion in everyday life. There are various colors on the market, from transparent and beige to stylish grey or black. You can also choose from different materials such as fleece or textile.

Fleece

Most modern ostomy pouches are covered with a beige, soft fleece material. This material is comfortable on the skin, reduces friction and ensures that the pouch is less noticeable under clothing.

Textile

A few models have a textile cover that feels wonderfully soft on the skin – just like your favorite shirt.

To our Primo® range

Transparent

Some systems offer a clever combination: one side is fleece-coated, the other is transparent. This type of pouch is often used in the clinical phase as it allows easy visual control of the stoma and filling level.

Other features

When choosing the cover material, also pay attention to its properties during wearing. Evaluate rustling noises, the general wearing experience as well as the softness and flexibility of the material. Equally important is water compatibility, i.e. is the ostomy pouch water-repellent?

Testing ostomy supplies

Choosing the perfect ostomy appliance can take some time. Here are some steps you can take to ensure you find the right product:

Try out different products and manufacturers:Many manufacturers offer free samples. Use this opportunity to find out which fitting feels best for you.
Pay attention to comfort: Both the pouch and the skin protection should not disturb or hinder you in your everyday life. Make sure that both fit well and do not cause any skin irritation.
Obtain advice: Talk to your doctor, your ostomy nurse or a self-help group. They can help you find the right system – with experience and helpful tips.
Observe the behavior of the products: Check regularly whether your ostomy appliance adheres well, remains tight when you move, does not emit any unpleasant odors and behaves discreetly in everyday life, e.g. without any annoying rustling noises.

Too many different options for ostomy supplies? Use our Produkt Navigator and find your perfect match in just a few clicks.

How often should I change my ostomy appliance?

The frequency of changes depends on several factors – including the type of stoma (ileostomy, colostomy or urostomy), the supply system used (one-piece or two-piece) and your individual needs and lifestyle habits. The guideline on stoma therapy of the Specialist society for stoma, continence and wounds recommends the following replacement intervals ( version 2011):

One-piece supply systems

Urostomy: At least 1 x daily
Colostomy: 1-3 x daily (if changed too frequently, skin problems may occur due to mechanical irritation)
Ileostomy: At least 1 x daily

Two-part supply systems

Baseplates

Urostomy and ileostomy: every 2-3 days
Colostomy: every 2-4 days

Pouches

Urostomy and ileostomy: at least 1 x daily
Colostomy: 1-3 x daily (if required)

You can find out more about changing your supply here.

What to do if there are problems with the ostomy supply?

Problems can always occur, e.g. leaks, skin irritation or unpleasant odors. In such cases, there are several solutions:

Accessories: There are a number of different accessory products that can prevent or avoid problems. Skin protection creams or powders can be used in case of skin irritation. Fixation strips provide additional adhesive force of the skin protection and skin protection rings or plates ensure an improved seal of the stoma. These accessories reduce the risk of leakage and subsequent skin irritation of the skin surrounding the stoma. View all Accessories

Anpassungen vornehmen: Überprüfen Sie regelmäßig die Passform Ihrer Stomaversorgung. Manchmal ist eine kleine Anpassung der Größe oder Form erforderlich, da sich Ihr Körper im Laufe der Zeit durchaus verändern kann. Verwenden Sie dafür am besten eine Stomaschablone oder eine Stoma-Schieblehre.

Expertenrat einholen: Bei schwerwiegenden Problemen ist es ratsam, einen Facharzt oder eine Stomapflegekraft zu konsultieren, um die Schwierigkeiten zu analysieren und die beste Lösung zu finden.

Ausführliche Informationen zu Stomaproblemen sowie Tipps und Tricks dafür finden Sie hier.

Who pays for the stoma care?

The basic supply of ostomy appliances – such as ostomy pouches and baseplates – is generally covered by health insurance. The basis for this is § 33 Para. 1 SGB V. According to this, insured persons are entitled to aids that are necessary in individual cases to ensure the success of treatment, prevent an impending disability or compensate for an existing disability - provided that they are not everyday items. The assumption of costs includes not only the provision of the required aids, but also their adaptation, repair, replacement, training in their proper use and, if necessary, technical inspections. The prescription is issued by the attending physician – either monthly, quarterly or every six months, depending on the respective health insurance fund - in the form of a health insurance prescription. The health insurance company commissions a so-called aid supply company, e.g. a homecare service provider, a medical supply store or a pharmacy, to provide the aid. These receive a flat-rate payment that covers the basic care.

Products that go beyond medically necessary basic care – such as plaster removers or skin protection sprays – are considered supplementary aids. These are generally not covered by health insurance and must be paid for by the patient.

Conclusion: The perfect ostomy supply is individual

There is no “one” perfect ostomy appliance for everyone, because every person, every stoma and every skin is different. Your personal care depends on your individual needs: the type of stoma you have, your skin condition, your lifestyle and your personal preferences. Take the time to try out different options and get support from professionals to find the ideal solution. Always remember that the right care will not only help you to make your everyday life more comfortable, but will also improve your quality of life. And that's what really matters!

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