How to Choose the Best Ostomy Bag?

2025-09-29
Author: Zodelo Ostomy

Ostomy Bag can help ostomy patients collect excrement, maintain hygiene and allow patients to return to a normal life. Many beginners may not know How to Choose the Best Ostomy Bag. If the choice is inappropriate, it may cause leakage and a series of skin problems. Therefore, all stoma patients should know How to Choose the Best Ostomy Bag.

Zodelo is well aware of the crucial role of ostomy bags for ostomy patients. Therefore, we take customer experience as the benchmark and are committed to developing the highest quality and safest ostomy bags to enable users to lead a more comfortable and reassuring life. Meanwhile, Zodelo also provides you with the most comprehensive and detailed information. This article will introduce to you in detail How to Choose the Best Ostomy Bag.

What is an ostomy bag and pouching system?

When choose the best ostomy bag, we need to understand what is an ostomy bag.The ostomy bag is a medical device specially designed for patients who have undergone stoma surgery, used to collect the excrement discharged from the stoma. After undergoing colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy surgeries, patients are unable to excrete through the intestines or anus. The stoma temporarily or permanently takes over this function, helping patients return to a normal life.

The pouching system usually refers to the combined device for ostomy bag and chassis. It is usually divided into one-piece ostomy bag and two-piece ostomy bag.

1. How does an ostomy bag work?

When choose the Best Ostomy Bag, first understand the composition of the ostomy bag.

The bag body: The bag body of the ostomybag is usually made of materials with strong leak-proof, odor-proof and skin-friendly softness, and is used for collecting feces and urine.
Chassis /Skin Barrier:Basically made of skin-friendly and leak-proof hydrocolloid or silicone material, it is adhered around the stoma skin to fix the bag body, and has the functions of preventing leakage and protecting the skin.
Discharge outlet: It is usually a closed or dischargeable discharge outlet. The open discharge outlet can discharge excrement and is sealed by clips or sealing strips.
Activated carbon filter:An activated carbon filter is not essential for making bags, but it can be used to absorb odors and prevent bag swelling.

2. The function of the ostomy bag

Collecting excrement:Ostomy bags can help ostomy patients collect feces and urine.
Maintaining hygiene: Ostomy bags can help patients maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness over the long term, avoiding problems such as stains and odors from excrement. is
Regular life: Creating ostomy bagenables patients to return to a normal life, engaging in regular work, social activities, sports, and travel, etc.
Protecting the skin:The stoma bag can protect the skin from long-term contamination by excrement, which may cause a series of skin and stoma problems.

How to Choose the Best Ostomy Bag?

Many people have doubts when they first come into contact with and Choose the Best Ostomy Bag: How to Choose the Best Ostomy Bag? Choosing the most suitable ostomy bag for oneself requires a comprehensive consideration of the following factors:

1. Stoma type: colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy

Colostomy: The stool is mostly solid or formed. You can choose a closed ostomy 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 Ostomy Bag, 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. Characteristics of Excrement

Solid feces: If the stool is mostly solid, a closed ostomy bag can be chosen. It can be directly replaced as a whole. The operation is simple and it is clean and hygienic.
Loose stools:If the stool is mostly loose or liquid, a Drainable Ostomy Pouch can be chosen. It can be reused after being emptied.

3. Skin sensitivity

Sensitive and fragile skin: A two-piece stoma bag can be chosen. The base can be attached to the skin for several days, and only the bag body needs to be replaced, reducing the irritation to the skin around the stoma caused by frequent base changes.
Good skin condition: You can choose a one-piece ostomy bag, which is easier and more convenient to change and also more hygienic.

4. Lifestyle

In the early stage after stoma surgery: At the initial stage of the surgery, the stoma is still in the recovery period. A transparent stoma bag or a stoma bag with a transparent observation window can be chosen to facilitate the observation of the recovery of the stoma.
Stay at home as the main focus: You can choose an emptying ostomy bag, which offers strong privacy at home and is easy to empty, clean or replace the ostomy bag.
Long-term exposure: You can choose a one-piece ostomy bag with a carbon filter. It is quick and convenient to replace. The activated carbon filter can effectively prevent the bag from swelling and the embarrassment of unpleasant odors when exposed.
Sports and fitness: You can choose a one-piece small-capacity bag, or combine it with a sealing ring and sealant, which is light, thin and concealed.

5. Personal Preferences

Color preference: You can choose your skin tone, white, transparent or other color bags according to your own color preferences.
Convenience:In cases where any ostomy bag is suitable, those who pursue simple and convenient operation can choose a one-piece ostomy bag, while those who seek flexible operation and care for the stoma can opt for a two-piece ostomy bag.

Choose the Best Ostomy Bag at Zodelo

At Zodelo, we offer a full range of bag products. such as: Airlora Series, Calmlora Series, Mellora Series, Joylora Series and Ostomy Product Accessories. These products are suitable for patients with all diseases and physical conditions. Zodelo has always been dedicated to professional ostomy care, aiming to enable all users to lead the most reassuring, comfortable and confident life.

Where should I purchase an ostomy bag pouching system?

1. Hospitals and professional medical device stores

In hospitals and professional medical device stores, there are professional medical staff who can provide the safest and most effective guidance. Moreover, the safety of bag products is guaranteed, but they may have the disadvantages of relatively limited styles and high prices.

2Professional brand (Like Zodelo)

Zodelo, as a professional ostomy bag manufacturer, offers a comprehensive product line from entry level to premium: from hydrocolloids to silicones, from basic to high-performance options—there’s always one that fits your daily routine.

We are also a professional technical R&D team, taking user experience as the benchmark, constantly upgrading R&D, all for bringing the most perfect product.

We hold ISO13485, CE, and FDA certifications. Our products are safe and reliable, of high quality, bringing you the most reassuring and comfortable life.

We will also provide the most high-quality customer service and after-sales service. Get our product catalog.

Which Skin Barrier is Right for You?

1. The function of skin Barrier

Fixed stoma: The Skin Barrier is adhered around the skin and plays an important role in fixing the stoma and preventing it from falling off.
Sealing effect: The Skin Barrier has adhesive properties and can firmly adhere to the skin, completely adhering to the skin to form a seal, preventing leakage and odor.
Protect the Skin: The Skin Barrier can effectively separate feces from urine.

2. Do you need a Flat, Convex or Moldable Skin Barrier?

Flat Skin Barrier

This is the most common chassis. The Flat Skin Barrier has a smooth surface and is directly attached to the skin. It is suitable for stoma with protruding stoma and flat surrounding skin without depression.

Convex Skin Barrier

The middle protrusion provides additional pressure on the stoma. It is suitable for patients with a flat stoma, slight depression or skin folds. Help enhance the sealing between the chassis and the skin to prevent leakage.

Moldable Skin Barrier

Moldable Skin Barrier can be pulled and shaped. For some patients, the stoma shape is irregular. This can be freely shaped and perfectly fit the skin around the stoma, which can enhance the sealing property and protect the skin, reducing leakage.

Different ostomy bags for different occasions

Postoperative recovery period: As it is in the recovery period, it is recommended to use a transparent or transparent observation window stoma bag to facilitate doctors and medical staff to observe the recovery of the stoma through a transparent membrane and better protect the stoma.
When at home: Due to the strong privacy and complete items needed at home, the drainable ostomy bag can be emptied multiple times. It is suitable to use it. You can empty and wash it multiple times according to your own drainage frequency, which is more economical and practical.
When working:It is suitable to use a one-piece ostomy bag with an activated carbon filter device. Activated carbon can absorb the unpleasant odors in the bag and reduce the problem of bag swelling, avoiding the embarrassing problem of unpleasant odors in the office. At the same time, there is no need to change the base. Just quickly replace the bag body, which is more convenient and fast, avoiding the embarrassing trouble of cleaning and changing in the office toilet.
When traveling: Choose an open piece ostomy bag with an activated carbon filter device. Activated carbon can absorb the unpleasant odors in the bag and reduce the problem of bag swelling, avoiding the embarrassment of unpleasant odors outside. The bottom opening can be used to discharge excrement, avoiding the trouble of frequent replacement during the journey. It can be used in combination with some leak-proof colostomy bag accessories, such as leak-proof rings and leak-proof paste, to enhance the firmness and sealing of the chassis, avoid leakage and odor during the journey, and prevent the problem of inability to clean and replace in time.
When exercising: It is suitable to use a one-piece small-capacity ostomy bag, which is paired with a reinforced waist and leak-proof ointment. It is lightweight and invisible, with better fit and sealing performance, avoiding leakage or falling off during exercise. Before exercising, empty the colostomy bag of excrement and gas, and prepare a new spare colostomy bag at the same time to prevent leakage, detachment and inability to replace it.

How to Change an ostomy Bag

After knowing how to choose the best ostomy bag, we also need to learn how to change an ostomy bag。

1. Things to prepare

New one-piece or two-piece ostomy bags: Patients can choose the most suitable ostomy bag for themselves according to their own needs.
Stoma scissors: It is necessary to cut the base opening 1-2mm larger than the stoma to avoid leakage or friction at the stoma due to being too large or too small.
Wet wipes or soft wipes: They are used to clean the skin around the stoma. Avoid using wet wipes with added alcohol or fragrance to prevent skin irritation.
Warm water: Used to rinse the skin around the stoma.
Glue remover: Helps remove the residual adhesive on the adhered chassis
Stoma powder:It is used to keep the stoma area dry and comfortable and protect and care for the skin.
Sealing rings or sealant:Fill the creases or depressions around the stoma skin to enhance skin adhesion and sealing performance, and prevent leakage.

2. Specific steps for changing the ostomy bag

Step 1: Wash your hands thoroughly before replacement to prevent surgical bacteria from contaminating the stoma.
Step 2: Gently remove the adhered base plate. If it cannot be removed, use it in combination with a glue remover and discard the old ostomy bag
Step 3: Observe the stoma. A normal stoma should be bright red and moist. If the color is incorrect or there is erosion and exudation, seek medical attention at a hospital promptly.
Step 4: Gently clean the stoma with warm water and a soft towel. Wait for the stoma to dry or use stoma powder to dry it again to prevent the skin from getting wet and causing the adhesion to be loose.
Step 5: Use a measuring card to measure the stoma and determine its diameter
Step 6: Based on the measured diameter, the opening diameter of the cutting base needs to be increased by 1-2mm. Confirm that the cutting edge is smooth and flat
Step 7: Remove the backing of the chassis, and gently stick and press it against the joint to ensure a firm and seamless bond.
Step 8: Empty the bottom of the bag, fold it and fasten the clips or Velcro tightly to ensure a seal and prevent leakage.

Living with an ostomy bag

The daily life of a stoma patient involves constantly carrying the stoma bag, and the patient changes or empties the stoma bag according to their own specific conditions.

In the early stage, there may be anxiety and irritability, worrying about others’ strange looks. However, as the operation becomes more proficient and habitual, the stoma bagbecomes a part of the daily life of stoma patients.
Patients with stoma can exercise normally, such as walking, jogging, yoga, swimming, etc. As long as the range of motion is not too large, they should check in time after exercising for any curling or leakage. It is recommended to use sealing ring sealant or a belt in combination to enhance skin adhesion and sealing performance.
Carry spare plastic bags, wet wipes and sealed bags with you to travel with peace of mind. Wearing loose and soft clothing, the bags can be hidden inside the clothes, being light, thin and concealed.
Most stoma patients can return to work smoothly. They just need to prepare a stoma bag in the office and choose comfortable clothes.

Foods to Avoid if You Have an ostomy Bag

Foods and beverages that are prone to producing gas: bean products, Onions, garlic, carbonated drinks, etc. Excessive gas can cause bag swelling and increase the risk of leakage.
Foods that are prone to causing unpleasant odors: garlic, Chinese chives, eggs, fish, etc. Avoid strong odors, which may cause embarrassment in social or outdoor situations.
Indigestible foods: such as enoki mushrooms, rice cakes, nuts, celery and other foods, to avoid blocking the stoma due to indigestion.
Videos that can easily cause diarrhea: such as overly spicy or cold foods, should be avoided to prevent harm to the stomach and intestines. At the same time, they can also frequently irritate the skin when changing the bag body.

FAQ About How to Choose the Best Ostomy Bag?

Q1. Are ostomy bags permanent?

Whether the ostomy bag is permanent depends on the specific condition and physical state of the patient. It is generally divided into temporary colostomy and permanent colostomy.

Temporary ostomy is suitable for certain inflammatory intestinal diseases or intestinal repair surgeries. A stoma will be temporarily established. Once the intestinal function recovers, the normal intestinal function will be restored.

Permanent ostomy is suitable for some irreversible colorectal cancers or intestinal necrosis. It requires the removal of the diseased intestine, and the stoma becomes a permanent outlet for excrement discharge. Therefore, ostomy bags need to be worn for life.

Q2. What are some common problems with ostomy bags?

Leakage issues: Due to the bag being too full or the poor fit of the bottom, leakage may occur, which can contaminate clothes, irritate the skin, and cause unpleasant odors and other embarrassing problems.

Solution: The cause of the leakage should be checked and the bag body replaced in time. Use the sealing ring and stoma paste in combination to keep the skin clean and comfortable.

2. Odor issue: Due to the bag not being emptied in time and the presence of strongly odorous foods in the diet, the odor becomes severe, causing social embarrassment and other problems.

Solution: Select a bag body with an activated carbon filter to adsorb odors; Avoid excessive intake of Onions, garlic and fish. Use stoma deodorant when necessary.

Skin problems: Redness, swelling, itching, erosion and other symptoms on the skin are prone to occur.

Solution: Use skin protective films and stoma powder to reduce irritation. If the situation is serious, medical attention should be sought promptly.

Bag swelling issue:Due to the consumption of gas-producing foods and beverages, the bag body swens, increasing the risk of leakage.

Solution: Drain in time or use a bag with a carbon filter.

Stoma Blockage:Due to the consumption of indigestible food causing the stoma to be blocked, abdominal pain, reduced or stopped excretion, and nausea may occur.

Solution: If symptoms persist, contact a doctor immediately and avoid eating hard-to-digest foods.

Conclusion — How to Choose the Best Ostomy Bag?

At Zodelo, we believe that How to Choose the Best Ostomy Bag is the first step for all users to rebuild their confidence and restore their quality of life. From material selection to meticulous design, every step stems from a belief: to reduce users’ worries and enhance their comfort.

Zodelo not only focus on the product itself, but also pay attention to the long-term health and psychological adaptation of patients. Zodelo will always be with you. If you have any questions or needs, please feel free to contact us at any time.

More resources:

A Guide to Ostomy Bags and Pouching Systems— Uchicagomedicine.org
Choosing the Right Pouch— Colostomyuk.org
Colostomy— NHS
Ostomy: Adapting to life after colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy— Mayoclinic

How to Choose the Best Ostomy Bag?

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