Guide to colostomy bag with filter

2025-12-22
Author: Zodelo Ostomy

For stoma patients may often encounter problems such as bag swelling, unpleasant odors, and leakage. And need to frequently replace the stoma bag. Therefore, it is crucial to have a colostomy bag with filter that suits you. Scientifically maintain the colostomy bag with filter. Not only can it effectively reduce odors and bulges, but it is also the key to ensuring the comfort and quality of life of stoma patients.

Zodelo is well aware of the significance of the colostomy bag and its accessories to ostomy patients. Therefore, based on user experience, we are committed to developing the highest quality and safest ostomy bags and ostomy accessories, so that all users can 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 provide you with a detailed introduction to colostomy bag with filter.

What to know about colostomy bag with filter

1.What is a colostomy bag with filter?

The Colostomy bag with filter is based on the common colostomy bag and is equipped with an activated carbon filtration system either built-in or integrated. The Colostomy bag with filter can automatically expel gas, neutralize and reduce odors, and minimize the swelling of the colostomy bag. More stable and concealed, enhancing the wearer’s comfort and confidence.

2. Types of colostomy bag

One piece colostomy bag:

The bottom of the one-piece colostomy bag is connected to the bag body and cannot be separated. It can be used as a whole. When replacing, just tear it off as a whole directly. Simple to do, with few steps, convenient and fast.

Two piece colostomy bag:

The base of the two-piece colostomy bag is separated from the bag body and connected together through a mechanical coupling system. The Skin barrier can adhere to the skin and be reused many times. When changing, only the bag body needs to be replaced, which can reduce the irritation to the skin caused by frequent changes and base tearing. It is more skin-friendly and more economical.

Drainable colostomy bag:

There is an opening at the bottom of the Drainable colostomy bag for discharging excrement. It can be reused many times after being emptied. It doesn’t need to be replaced frequently, reduces irritation to the stoma, is more skin-friendly and economical.

Closed-end colostomy bag:

The bottom of the Closed-end colostomy bag is sealed and cannot be discharged. Single-use, discard after use, convenient and fast, no need to empty or clean, simple to operate.

3. How does the colostomy bag with filter work?

a. The gas flows into the filter channel

Microchannels are provided on the top or side of the ostomy bag. After entering the interior of the ostomy bag, the gas naturally flows to the filter area under pressure.

b. The activated carbon filtration system comes into play

Filters typically consist of: porous hydrophobic membranes (to prevent liquid leakage) and medical-grade activated carbon layers.

The activated carbon filtration system adsorbs odorous molecules such as hydrogen sulfide, allows gases to pass through, and blocks liquids and bacteria.

c. The gas is released to the outside world slowly and safely

The gas is discharged slowly. The unpleasant smell is neutralized. The volume of the ostomy bag should be kept flat.

4. What kinds of filter are there?

Currently, there is not just one type of colostomy bag with filter available on the market. Rather, based on the differences in structure, materials and functional design, they can be roughly classified into the following categories:

a. Activated Carbon Filter

The Activated Carbon Filter takes medical-grade activated carbon as its core and combines it with a porous hydrophobic membrane. Neutralize odor molecules through physical adsorption. It is the most common and also the most mature type in clinical application.

Advantages:

The odor control effect is stable.
The technology is mature and has a high clinical acceptance rate.
Cost controllable, suitable for disposable colostomy bag with filter.

Limitation:

When the humidity is high or the volume of liquid discharged is large, the adsorption capacity will gradually decline.
The service life is usually 24 to 48 hours.

Suitable for: Most patients with colostomy. Or it can be used in daily wear, work or social scenarios.

b. Hydrophobic Membrane Filter

Special microporous hydrophobic materials are adopted. Only allow gas to pass through, blocking liquids and bacteria. However, it does not have a strong ability to absorb odors by itself and is often used as a “basic protective layer”.

Advantages: Strong leak-proof and moisture-proof capabilities. It can extend the overall stability of the filter.

Limitation: The deodorizing effect is limited when used alone, and it is usually used in combination with activated carbon.

The multi-layer filtration system commonly found in mid-to-high-end manufacturing bags serves as the first line of defense for filters.

c. Multi-layer Composite Filter

It usually includes: anti-liquid hydrophobic membrane, activated carbon adsorption layer, and anti-clogging gas channel design.

Advantages: More stable exhaust and stronger moisture resistance. The effect of controlling bulges and odors is more lasting

Limitation: High cost. The structure is complex and has high requirements for the production process.

Applicable population: Patients with high demands for quality of life. People who wear it at night or go out for a long time.

d. Closable / Switchable Filter

The filter is equipped with a film or switch that can be temporarily turned off during bathing, diarrhea or in a high-humidity environment.

Advantage: High flexibility. Avoid the filter from failing under unsuitable conditions.

Limitation: The operation relies on the patient. The design is complex and the price is relatively high.

5. When is a colostomy bag with filter needed?

Not all colostomy patients have to use the colostomy bag with filter needed, but it is recommended in the following situations:

Patients with excessive intestinal gas:

Colostomy (especially in the transverse colon and ascending colon).

A constitution prone to flatulence.

Consume high-fiber, legumes and carbonated beverages.

People who need to wear artificial pockets for a long time

Patients with permanent colostomy

Long daily activity hours (work, business trips, travels)

Patients with high demands in social, work or public Settings

Office worker

Teachers, salespeople, business people

Patients who need to go out frequently

Nighttime usage scenarios

When lying flat at night: Gases are more likely to accumulate, affecting sleep. The pouch with a filter can continuously and slowly release air, making sleep more reassuring.

Advantages of colostomy bag with filter

1. Effectively reduce colostomy bag ballooning

Bacteria in the colon continuously produce gas when fermenting food. Ordinary ostomy bags cannot exhaust gas automatically. After gas accumulates, obvious bulges are likely to occur. Colostomy bag with filter continuously releases gas. Keep the bag body flat and avoid protrusions. It also indirectly reduces the risk of detachment

2. Significantly reduce unpleasant odors

Activated carbon can adsorb odorous molecules such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia. The smell is significantly reduced when the gas is discharged. Reduce psychological stress in social situations.

3. Improve the quality of life

Colostomy bag with filter can help patients go out, work and socialize more at ease. Reduce the anxiety of frequent exhaust or changing the ostomy bag. Life has become more convenient and worry-free.

4. It is more comfortable to use at night

When lying flat, gas is not easily dispersed, and ordinary ostomy bags are more likely to bulge at night. The Colostomy bag with filter can continuously and slowly release gas during sleep, reducing the feeling of bloating at night. Reduce the probability of waking up due to a bulge. At the same time, it reduces the risk of colostomy bags falling off due to bag swelling.

Disadvantage of colostomy bag with filter

The Colostomy bag with filter has a limited lifespan

The adsorption capacity of activated carbon is limited. The general effective time is 24 to 48 hours. After the validity period, the exhaust effect declines and the control of odors weakens.

It is not friendly to liquid excretion

Liquid or high-humidity environments may clog the micropores, causing the activated carbon to become damp and ineffective. Colostomy bag with filter is more suitable for colostomy and is not recommended for ileostomy or patients with high fluid output.

Scenarios such as bathing and swimming are restricted

Long-term immersion in water may cause the filter to fail prematurely and the exhaust function to decline. It is necessary to temporarily cover it with waterproof stickers in advance or select a closable filter.

Higher cost

Filters increase material and process costs, and their unit prices are usually higher than those of filter-free manufacturing bags. Long-term use by patients increases their economic burden.

How to Use the colostomy bag with filter

1. Preparations before use：

Clean and completely dry the skin around the stoma.
Confirm the position of the filter (usually at the top of the bag body)
Check whether the filter is covered with a protective film. Be sure to remove the filter protector before wearing; otherwise, you won’t be able to release air.

2. Wear the colostomy bag with filter correctly

Make sure the skin barrier adheres completely to the skin without wrinkles.
The filter should be located above the ostomy bag.
Avoid long-term pressure from clothes and belts on the filter area.

Essential Tips for Maintaining Your colostomy bag with filter

Regularly observe whether there are obvious bulges or unpleasant odors
Avoid squeezing the filter area with your hands
Avoid deliberately testing the exhaust effect
Avoid soaking the filter in water for a long time. Before taking a bath or swimming, temporarily cover it with a waterproof patch. Check the condition of the filter in time after washing.
It is recommended to use a composite filter bag for night use. Empty the excrement in the bag before going to bed to reduce moisture.
When there is diarrhea or increased fluid excretion, the colostomy bag with filter needs to be replaced more frequently.

Your best tools for fighting ostomy odors

Colostomy bag with filter (Core tool) :Activated carbon can adsorb odor molecules. Reduce odor release while venting.
Ostomy Deodorant:Neutralize the odor produced by excrement. It can be dropped in after each emptying to effectively remove odors.
Dietary management: Avoid eating foods that are prone to generating unpleasant odors, such as eggs, Onions, garlic, fish, etc. Edible foods that can help reduce flavors: such as yogurt, parsley, acidic fruits, etc.
Proper cleansing and skin care:Use warm water or neutral cleansing products. Avoid using cleaning products containing alcohol or fragrance. Pay attention to maintaining the health of the skin around the stoma to reduce abnormal exudate and odor.

Tips to Reduce colostomy bag ballooning

Colostomy bag ballooning refers to the accumulation of gas produced by the intestines in the colostomy bag. It cannot be discharged in time, resulting in obvious swelling and bulging of the bag body.

1. Select the appropriate bag with a filter

Give priority to multi-layer composite filters, which offer stronger exhaust stability and better moisture resistance.

2. Adjust your dietary habits

Avoid eating gas-producing foods such as beans, cabbage, Onions, carbonated drinks, and chewing gum (which ingests air).

Try to chew your food slowly and thoroughly. Avoid talking while eating. Eat small meals frequently.

3. Night management skills

Empty the pocket before going to bed.

Avoid eating too late.

Choose the colostomy bag with filter with more stable filtering performance.

4. Correct replacement frequency

Most bulging problems arise from the fact that the filter has failed, but colostomy bag with filter is still in use.

Tips for maintaining health skin around your ostomy

The key to maintaining the health of the skin around the stoma lies in: reducing mechanical damage, avoiding chemical irritation, and keeping it dry and intact.

1. Remove the colostomy bag correctly

Use colostomy bag adhesive remover instead of direct tearing.

Each time it is replaced, it should be operated gently.

Reduce the repeated shedding of the stratum corneum.

2. Keep the skin clean but avoid over-cleaning

Use clean water or mild, residue-free cleaning products.

Avoid products such as soap, alcohol and fragrance.

Dry the skin thoroughly after cleaning.

3. Use skin protection products reasonably

When there is slight dampness or seepage, stoma powder can be used.

A thin skin protective film can be sprayed before pasting.

Avoid over-stacking multiple care products.

4. Select the appropriate colostomy bag and skin barrier

The skin barrier aperture should fit the size of the stoma.

Inappropriate sizes can lead to leakage and skin irritation.

Select a flat or convex skin barrier based on the shape of the abdominal wall.

FAQs about colostomy bag with filter

Q1. Is a colostomy bag permanent?

No, it’s not necessarily permanent.

Some patients have a temporary stoma, which can be closed after intestinal recovery or a second operation
Some patients need a permanent stoma due to reasons such as tumors and severe intestinal diseases

Q2. Do I need a colostomy bag with filter?

Not necessarily. If you are prone to bloating, worried about unpleasant odors, or often go out or socialize. Or it is easy for the stoma pocket to bulge at night. It is recommended that you use Zodelo colostomy bag with filter.

Q3. Do colostomy bag with filter leak?

Under normal circumstances, it won’t leak. A qualified filter contains a hydrophobic membrane that only allows gas to pass through. No liquid or excrement is allowed to seep out.

Q4. What are the little stickers that come with some pouches?

These small stickers are filter protectors. It can temporarily cover the filter when taking a bath or swimming. Prevent moisture from entering to avoid premature failure of the filter.

Conclusion - colostomy bag with filter

The colostomy bag with filter is not merely a simple medical consumable. It is also an important tool for stoma patients to control gases, reduce odors and improve quality of life. The correct use and timely replacement of the colostomy bag with filter can make daily stoma care simpler, more comfortable and more confident.

Zodelo is committed to providing best colostomy bag with filter for stoma patients worldwide. We are constantly researching and upgrading stoma care solutions, strictly adhering to medical safety standards, and providing all stoma patients with a reassuring, comfortable and reliable stoma care experience.

Get our product catalog or contact us now!

More Resources about colostomy bag with filter

Colostomy— NHS
Colorectal Cancer: Tips for Living with a Colostomy— Rochester
Ostomy: Adapting to life after colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy— Mayoclinic
Ostomy Bag Accessories：What Ostomy Accessories Do I Need？– zodelo
Adjusting to Life With an Ostomy Bag: What To Expect— clevelandclinic
How to Choose the Best Ostomy Bag?– zodelo
Adjusting to Life with an Ostomy Bag– zodelo
Ostomy Bag Accessories：What Ostomy Accessories Do I Need？– zodelo
How To Buy Ostomy Accessories Online？– zodelo