Stoma Bag Guide

There are many companies committed to producing quality stoma supplies of all types. If you would like to try their products then you can contact them for a sample. To ensure ongoing company support for Ostomy Lifestyle, please mention us when you call. A listing of stoma supply companies can be found in our directory.

You can download our Appliance Guide here  or contact us to receive a hard copy on admin@ostomylifestyle.org or phone 0118 3240069.

Appliances come in all shapes and sizes, and those that suit you best will depend on the type of stoma you have, your lifestyle, and your own personal preferences. All the appliances and accessories you may need are available on prescription. You are free to use whichever appliance suits you best. If you are interested in trying an alternative appliance it is always advisable to try some samples before getting a prescription. You can obtain samples by contacting your Stoma Care Nurse, delivery company or the manufacturer directly.

Types of bag

Bowel stoma (e.g. colostomy or ileostomy)

Closed stoma bags:

must be removed completely and replaced. These bags only tend to be worn by people who pass relatively well-formed motions 2-3 times a day (e.g. those with a colostomy).

Drainable stoma bags:

can be emptied without being removed. They have an opening at the bottom through which the contents are drained. This opening is usually secured using velcro or a plastic clip. These bags tend to be worn people who pass softer or liquid motions (e.g. those with ileostomy).

Urinary stoma

Urostomy bags:

have a plastic tap at the bottom which can be opened to drain the urine from the bag. This can be connected to a night drainage bag.

Many bags can be supplied as a 1 or 2-piece system

1-piece stoma bags:

the bag and adhesive base plate (also known as flange, wafer or skin protector/barrier) combined as one item.

• Lower profile, so is less bulky and obtrusive.
• Often more flexible than 2-piece.
• Quicker to apply and may feel more secure as there is no possibility of the bag detaching from the base plate.

2-piece stoma bags:

a separate bag and adhesive base plate which attach to each other using either a clip-on or stickon coupling system.

• Easier to apply base plate accurately around the stoma.
• Allows bags to be changed without removing base plate from skin
• Allows interchangability between different sized bags

Some other ways in which bags differ

Type of adhesive:

Examples of adhesive include hydrocolloid, micropore, zinc oxide, alginate, etc., recipes vary between products and manufacturers to suit personal needs.

Filters:

release wind without allowing odour to escape (not necessary for urostomy appliances).

Size and shape:

Many different formats are available to suit your output and lifestyle.

Convexity:

Most base plates are completely flat, like a CD. Convex base plates have a raised area around the stoma on the sticky side of the base plate. This allows a retracted stoma to stand proud and pass the output from the stoma directly into the bag, rather than underneath the base plate and onto the skin. Convex base plates should only be used after consultation with a Stoma Care Nurse.

Covering material:

can be made of clear plastic to see the contents, but most ranges have opaque versions or neutral coloured covers which can be water repellent or soft to touch.

Stoma Bag Disposal:

most appliances are disposed of with normal household waste. Certain bags are biodegradable and can be flushed down the toilet.

Plugs and irrigation:

are alternative methods of stoma management that are suitable for some people with colostomies. You should see your stoma care nurse for more details.

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