Guide To Buy Colostomy Bags
Table of Contents
Colostomy bag can help stoma patients collect excrement, maintain hygiene and resume a healthy and free life. Many beginners in stoma surgery may not know how to buy colostomy bags. If an unsuitable or low-quality ostomy bag is chosen, it may lead to leakage and other complications. Therefore, whether they are stoma patients, distributors or purchasing managers, they should all have a correct understanding of how to buy colostomy bags.
Zodelo is well aware that the stoma bag is of vital importance to stoma patients. Therefore, we take customer experience as the benchmark and are committed to developing the highest quality and safest colostomy bags to enable users to enjoy a more comfortable and reassuring life. Meanwhile, Zodelo also provides you with the most comprehensive and detailed information on ostomy care. This article will elaborate on guide to buy colostomy bags.
What is a colostomy bag system?
When you want to buy colostomy bags. First of all, you have to understand what is a colostomy bag. The colostomy bag is a medical device specially designed for patients undergoing stoma surgery, used to collect the excrement discharged from the stoma. When there is inflammation, cancer or trauma in the patient’s intestines or anus. If the patient is unable to defecate normally, the doctor will connect a part of the patient’s own colon to the abdominal wall and make an incision in the abdomen. Feces can be discharged into the colostomy bag through the stoma. Colostomy can help replace the original excretory function, assist patients in maintaining normal metabolism and a normal life. The colostomy bag can collect the excreted feces and urine, effectively protect the skin around the stoma, and help patients maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness for a long time.
1. How does a colostomy bag work?
When you want to buy colostomy bags, you need to specifically understand the composition and working principle of colostomy bags.
- Bag body: colostomybag body is usually made of transparent or opaque soft materials and is used to collect the excrement discharged from the opening. It features strong leak-proof performance, strong odor resistance, and skin-friendly softness.
- Skin barrier: Basically made of hydrocolloid or silicone material, it is adhered around the stoma skin to fix the bag body, which can prevent excrement from contaminating the skin and prevent leakage.
- Discharge outlet: The discharge outlet is usually located at the bottom of the colostomy bag. The open discharge outlet can discharge loose or liquid waste, which can be emptied, cleaned and reused.
- Ostomy bag accessory:Activated carbon filter, which can absorb odors and prevent them from leaking. Leak-proof rings and leak-proof paste are used to achieve stronger sealing and adhesion, preventing leakage and odor.
2. Who needs colostomy bag?
- Colostomy patients:Usually patients with rectal cancer, traumatic intestinal perforation, diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease. The excrement is mostly solid or semi-solid feces. Commonly used Closed-end colostomy It can be used in combination with leak-proof rings and skin protective films to protect the skin and prevent leakage and odor.
- Ileostomypatients: Usually those with ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease or severe intestinal injury. Excrement is in liquid form and requires the use of a drainable colostomy bag. It can be used in combination with sealing rings and leak-proof ointment to enhance sealing performance and protect the skin.
- Urostomy patients:Those who have undergone cystectomy or have congenital urinary system defects. urostomy bag or Night drainage bag is required. Note that an anti-reflux valve needs to be used to prevent urine backflow.
- Temporary stoma patients:Short-term postoperative shunt to promote intestinal healing. A transparent colostomy bag can be used for convenient postoperative observation and care.
- Patients with long-term or permanent stoma:Permanent stoma caused by tumors, radiotherapy or chronic diseases. If you need to wear the colostomy bag for life, you can use the Two-Piece colostomy bag, which is more skin-friendly and economical.
Types of Colostomy Bags
When we are considering buy colostomy bag, we should have a comprehensive understanding of the types of colostomy bags.
One piece colostomy bag: The skin barrier and the bag body cannot be separated. The overall design is comfortable and lightweight. The replacement operation is simple and quick, suitable for beginners or those who pursue simple operation.
Two piece colostomy bag: skin barrier can be adhered to the skin for multiple uses. Just replace the bag body. There is no need to frequently replace wafers to avoid skin irritation. It is suitable for patients with excretion or sensitive skin.
Drainable colostomy bag: The discharge port at the bottom of the colostomy bag is used to expel the excrement inside the bag. It can be washed and reused multiple times, making it more economical and practical. It is suitable for patients with loose stools or large amounts of excretion.
Closed-end colostomy bag: No excretory opening, for single use only. Replace and discard as a whole. It is more hygienic and lightweight, and there is no need to frequently discharge the colostomy bag. Suitable for people with solid feces or regular excretion patterns.
Urostomy bag: It is used to collect urine continuously discharged from the stoma. It can effectively protect the skin from the continuous contamination and irritation of urine. It has leak-proof and odor-proof functions to avoid embarrassment. It can also prevent urine reflux, reduce hydronephrosis and infection problems.
Night drainage bag: Suitable for use while sleeping at night, it has a large capacity and can be connected to a drainage tube for continuous drainage. Help patients avoid getting up frequently at night to empty the urinary tract stoma.
Types of Ostomy Bags Skin Barrier
- Convex Skin Barrier
The raised part in the middle exerts light pressure on the skin around the stoma. It helps to enhance the sealing between the stoma base and the skin, preventing leakage. It is suitable for patients with flat stoma, slight depression, and uneven or wrinkled skin around the stoma.
This is the most common type of skin barrier. The surface of the flat skin barrier is smooth and can be directly adhered to the skin. It is suitable for cases where the stoma protrudes and the surrounding skin is flat without any depressions.
- Cut-to-Fit Skin Barrier
It can be cut according to the shape of the stoma. It is suitable for patients with irregular stoma shapes or those who have just undergone surgery.
- Pre-cut Skin Barrier
The opening size is fixed, eliminating the need for additional cutting and making replacement simpler and more convenient. It is suitable for long-term users with stable stoma dimensions.
- Malleable Skin Barrier
The moldable skin barrier can be stretched and shaped. For some patients, the stoma shape is irregular. This barrier can be freely shaped and perfectly fit the skin around the stoma, thereby enhancing the sealing performance, protecting the skin and reducing leakage.
What are flanges, wafers, skin barriers and baseplates?
- Flange:Commonly found in two-piece pouch systems, it is a snap-on connecting ring that links the baseplate to the collection bag. The Flange can effectively ensure the tight connection and sealing between the bag body and the base, prevent leakage and odor, and at the same time facilitate the replacement of the bag body. Sturdy, with a “click” sound to confirm the seal, suitable for patients who frequently change the bag body but do not want to change the chassis frequently.
- Wafer:It is a “skin protective pad” that comes into direct contact with the skin. It has the characteristics of stickiness, softness and cuttability.
- Skin Barrier: It is a skin protective film that adheres to the skin around the stoma, forming a seal to prevent stoma excrement from irritating the skin. “Skin barrier” is a functional term, emphasizing the role of protecting the skin and preventing leakage.
- Baseplate:Equivalent to the Wafer (Skin Barrier) + Flange of the two-piece pouch system. It is a complete structure.
Skin Barrier Options For Different Types of Colostomy Bags
Buy Colostomy Bags Skin Barrier according to different Stoma type, can refer to the following table.
Stoma type | Recommended types of skin barrier | Reason |
Colostomy | Conventional hydrocolloid, planar type | The excrement is formed or semi-formed, with relatively low irritation |
Ileostomy | Enhanced liquid resistance type and convex surface are available for selection | The excrement is thin and highly corrosive |
Urostomy | Liquid-resistant type + anti-backflow structure | Urine corrodes quickly and requires long-term protection |
Extra Colostomy Supplies to Consider
When buy colostomy bags, some additional ostomy accessories products are also indispensable.
- Ostomy Skin Care Powder:Helps absorb moisture and protect sensitive skin around the stoma.
- Reinforced Ostomy Adhesive Patch: Provides extra security and comfort with breathable fabric support.
- Medical Adhesive Remover:Gently dissolves adhesive residue for painless and easy removal.
- Ostomy Baseplate Adhesive Remover:Specifically designed to remove baseplate adhesive while protecting the skin.
- Ostomy Barrier Ring:Creates a secure seal to prevent leakage and protect the peristomal skin.
- Ostomy Skin Barrier Film:Forms a protective layer that shields skin from irritation and adhesives.
- Ostomy Skin Barrier Spray:Provides quick, even coverage with a convenient spray application.
- Ostomy scissors:Help cut the size of the skin barrier opening and can effectively avoid uneven, rough and angular edges.
How to buy colostomy bags correctly?
Many people feel confused when they first come into contact with making bags. So, how to choose buy colostomy bags? Buy colostomy bags that best suits you requires a comprehensive consideration of the following factors:
1.Buy colostomy bags according to stoma types: colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy
- Colostomy: The stool is mostly solid or formed. You can choose a closed colostomy bag and change it directly at one time, which is more convenient and hygienic.
- Ileostomy: The stool is mostly loose or liquid. You can choose the drainable colostomybag, which has an opening at the bottom for discharge and can be reused after cleaning.
- Urostomy:The excrement is urine, and a dedicated urostomy bag with an anti-reflux valve and a night drainage bag interface is required.
2. Buy colostomy bags according to the type of feces:
Solid feces: If most of the feces are solid, a closed ostomy bag can be chosen. The colostomy bag can be replaced as a whole, is easy to operate and clean and hygienic.
Loose stools: If most of the stool is loose or liquid, an emptying bag can be chosen. It can be reused after being emptied.
3.Buy colostomy bags according to skin sensitivity
- Sensitive and fragile skin: Two-piece colostomy bags can be chosen. The base can adhere to the skin for several days. Only the bag body needs to be replaced, thereby reducing the irritation to the skin around the stoma caused by frequent base changes.
- If your skin condition is good:You can choose one piece colostomy bag. This type of colostomy bag is easier to replace and more hygienic.
Should I buy One-Piece or Two-Piece Colostomy Bags?
When buying colostomy bags, you need to consider whether One-Piece or Two-Piece Colostomy Bags are suitable for you?
1. One-Piece Colostomy Bag
The bag body is integrated with the wafer. Each replacement requires a complete set. It is relatively light, thin, close-fitting and has good appearance concealment.
- Suitable for:People with high tolerance of the skin around the stoma. People with inflexible hands, high activity levels or those who pay great attention to the sense of invisibility and lightness.
- Advantages: Simple and convenient operation, suitable for beginners. It is softer and more comfortable to use, and is invisible and lightweight.
- Disadvantage:Each time it needs to be replaced, the skin barrier needs to be torn off, which may irritate the skin.
2. Two-Piece Colostomy Bag
The wafer is separated from the bag body. Bonding can be done by using a flange or a attaching ring. The bag body can be replaced at any time. Wafers are usually pasted around the stoma and kept for 3 to 5 days.
- Advantages:Reduces repeated peeling and pasting damage to the skin. The bag body can be frequently replaced and cleaned more conveniently. The nursing cost is more economical and affordable.
- Disadvantage:If the connection is not installed properly, there may be a risk of leakage. It’s not invisible and thin enough.
Which Product Is Right For Me –Closed or Drainable Colostomy Bag?
When you buy colostomy bags, you need to pay attention to whether you are suitable for Closed-end Colostomy bags or Drainable Colostomy bags.
- Closed Colostomy Bag: No discharge outlet. Use once and discard. It is usually thinner, lighter and more concealed. Suitable for patients with colostomy or those with less frequent bowel movements. Or users who pursue convenience and cleanliness.
Advantages: More hygienic and lightweight, comfortable. Convenient for use in travel or social occasions.
- Drainable Colostomy Bag: There is a drain port at the bottom, which can be emptied and reused. It has a large capacity and is suitable for patients who defecate frequently or have a large amount of excretion. Patients with skin that is prone to irritation and allergies.
Advantage: Skin-friendly. More economical and practical.
Are there different sizes of colostomy bags?
Yes. When we buy colostomy bags, we also need to pay attention to choosing the appropriate size of colostomy bags.
1.Colostomy bag capacity:
Colostomy bag size | Capacity | Applicable circumstances |
Small size | 150–300ml | Daily activities, short-term outings, and high demands for concealment |
Medium size | 300–500ml | The most common one is to balance concealment and capacity |
Large size | 500–800ml | Those who use it at night, have a large amount of excretion, or during the postoperative stage |
2.Skin barrier opening size:
The opening of the skin barrier must match the diameter of the stoma, usually:
- 15-60mm (Cut-to-Fit type)
- Pre-cut (e.g. 25mm, 30mm, 35mm)
Where to Buy Colostomy Bags?
1. Hospital
This is the safest and most professional way of purchasing. Doctors and stoma nurses will assess the patient’s stoma type, excretion situation and skin condition, recommend the most suitable model and style of colostomy bag, and provide professional guidance and training.
Purchasing in a hospital can provide the safest and most effective guidance, and the product safety is guaranteed, which is also convenient for medical insurance reimbursement. However, there may also be disadvantages such as relatively limited styles and high prices.
2. Pharmacies and medical device specialty stores
Large chain pharmacies and medical device stores usually have stock on hand. The purchasing process is fast and convenient for quick use. However, it is essential to confirm whether the product comes from a legitimate channel and check if there is an FDA registration number (510k) or a CE certification number on the ostomy bag packaging. Try to choose regular products marked with “Medical Grade” or “Stoma Care Device”.
3. Brand official websites (such as Zodelo）
Zodelo, as a professional colostomy bag manufacturer. Offers a comprehensive product line ranging from entry-level to high-end: from hydrocolloid to silicone, from basic models to high-performance ones – there is always one that suits your daily life.
It holds ISO13485, CE and FDA certifications. We also have a professional R&D team that, based on user experience, continuously upgrades R&D to bring the ostomy bag, which is safe, reliable and of excellent quality.
We also offer the most favorable factory wholesale prices, professional customization services, and brand customization services. OEM/ODM.
For hospitals, pharmacies, home care dealers and household bulk purchases, Zodelo can offer you the best ostomy products and services.
Buy Colostomy Bags Now! Get free samples or please request our product catalogue.
Conclusion - Guide To Buy Colostomy Bags
How to buy colostomy bags? The colostomy bag purchased is not only related to its quality and comfort, but also to the patient’s own health and confident life. Therefore, whether it is patients, distributors, brand agents or hospital pharmacy purchasers, they all need to correctly understand how to buy colostomy bags. Only in this way can patients live comfortably and confidently.
At Zodelo, every step from material selection to research and development adheres to one belief: to reduce users’ troubles and enhance their comfort. Zodelo will always be by your side, providing you with the most comfortable, safe and reassuring stoma care products.
Get our product catalog or get free samples to boost your business.
More Resourses:
- A Guide to Ostomy Bags and Pouching Systems– uchicagomedicine
- Colostomy— NHS
- Ostomy: Adapting to life after colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy— Mayoclinic
- Colorectal Cancer: Tips for Living with a Colostomy— Rochester
- Types of Colostomies and What to Expect— Cancer.org
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