Between 725,000 to 1 million people in the United States have a colostomy bag. It’s not surprising that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” ostomy system that works for everyone.
This guide details the different, personal factors to consider when choosing an ostomy bag for yourself, and the distinct product features that make a difference.
Considerations When Choosing A Colostomy Bag
When choosing an ostomy bag, consider your stoma, activity level, skin sensitivity, and opacity preference. Then, learn about key distinctions among different types of bags, and choose the features that work best for you.
Stoma Specifications
Stoma Type
First, consider your stoma type. An ileostomy requires a different type of bag than a colostomy, as ileostomy output has a higher liquid content (while colostomy output is mostly solid stools). Likewise, a urostomy bag needs to be designed to collect urine.
Output Volume
In addition to output content, consider output volume. Certain pouches are designed to accommodate a larger volume.
If you experience high volumes of output or frequent output, a drainable bag might be the right option for you. Drainable bags can be emptied and re-used, so a person whose output fills the bag multiple times daily doesn’t need to change out the bag each time.
The majority of ileostomies are best with drainable pouch systems.
Size & Shape
The base plate of an ostomy pouch should fit comfortably around your stoma. The base plate should encircle the stoma while leaving an approximately 1/8-inch (3mm) gap around the stoma’s circumference.
To determine your stoma’s size, use the measuring guide included with ostomy products. If your stoma is an oval rather than a circle, be sure the base plate encircles the widest part of the oval.
Location
If the stoma is located on a flat, easily accessible site, it’s likely compatible with the majority of pouches.
In contrast, a stoma on or near skin folds, scars, or bony prominences isn’t compatible with the majority of pouch systems. These areas can make it challenging to seal and secure the pouch using typical adhesive, particularly without damaging peristomal skin.
For a stoma in one of these locations, consider an ostomy pouch with a convex base plate or moldable options—particularly one designed to adapt to scars or wrinkles.
Activity Level
If you’re highly active, you’ll want to use an extended-wear ostomy pouch that’s easy to travel with. The system should have a strong seal that can resist sweat. A discreet bag with activity-oriented features (like waterproof materials) may be helpful.
Skin Sensitivity
To take care of sensitive skin around the stoma, it’s important to use a pouch system with skin-safe adhesive. Consider also seeking out features that soothe and protect skin.
Opacity Preference
Transparent colostomy pouches make it easier to see how full a bag is at a glance. Opaque pouches are more visually appealing. Some pouches split the difference, with an opaque, front-facing side and a transparent side.
Types of Colostomy Bags
Ostomy pouch systems are categorized as either “drainable” (reusable) or “closed” (disposable). They’re also categorized as 1-piece or 2-piece systems.
1-Piece Pouches
A 1-piece ostomy pouch is a single unit. It’s simpler and more discreet than a 2-piece system.
However, because the entire unit needs to be changed each time, it’s not an ideal choice for high-output stomata. Moreover, because the bag must be detached and reattached to the skin every time it’s emptied, it’s not usually the best choice for someone with sensitive skin.
2-Piece Ostomy Bag Systems
A 2-piece ostomy bag system has a base plate that attaches directly to the skin and a detachable collection bag. It’s better for those with a high volume of stoma output and those with sensitive skin.
However, 2-piece systems are bulkier and, typically, more expensive than 1-piece pouches.
Drainable Colostomy Bags
A drainable colostomy bag can usually be worn for 3-5 days before it needs to be replaced. Drainable bags are designed to be emptied and reused.
Different drainable bags use different types of closures to reseal the bag after emptying. The most common types of closures are:
- Clamp Closure
- Integrated Closure
- Curved Tail Closure
- Straight Tail Closure
- Clipless Tail Closure
- Microseal Closure (Interlocking Fasteners)
Tail closures are often “tuckable,” which makes them more discreet. Consider your degree of manual dexterity and your personal comfort when choosing a closure type.
Disposable (Closed) Ostomy Bags
Disposable ostomy bags do not need to be emptied. Instead, once they’re nearly full, the entire bag is discarded and replaced. This is convenient for those who don’t need to replace the bag often.
Types of Ostomy Bags’ Base Plate Shapes
The base plate is the part of a colostomy pouch that attaches to the skin and encircles the stoma. The most common types of base plates are flat and convex.
Flat
Flat base plates are the most common. They lie flat against the skin. They’re most used when a stoma has a healthy skin barrier, a normal degree of protrusion, and is located on a broad, flat, accessible part of the body.
Convex
Convex base plates are also fairly common. These plates have an outward curve and place pressure on the peristomal skin. This pressure can help flatten skin folds and wrinkles, and it can help a stoma protrude appropriately if its natural protrusion is not above skin level.
Flex
Some skin barrier plates are “flex.” Flex barriers are flexible. They adapt more easily to stomata in skin folds, and they’re useful when a stoma is recessed or flush.
Skin Barrier Options For Different Types of Colostomy Bags
Skin barriers use different features to attach to and fit the wearer. Cut-to-fit options are customizable, letting the wearer cut the opening themselves to fit their stoma’s size and shape.
Pre-cut options come with a hole already opened in the center of the base plate.
Moldable skin barriers are made from a flexible material that “hugs” the stoma to secure a strong fit.
Extended wear skin barriers can be worn longer than a standard plate. The adhesive is strong and resists erosion.
Best Ostomy Bags By Type
There are many great ostomy bags to choose from. Our experts highly recommend the following pouches and systems.
Best 1-Piece Colostomy Bag System
The best 1-piece ostomy bag for most ostomates is the SenSura Mio Cut-To-Fit One-Piece MAXI Drainable Pouch With Filter. The elastic adhesive empowers the pouch’s barrier plate to adapt to a range of body shapes and sizes. And, the full-circle filter combines distinct odor-defense technologies to cut the risk of ballooning and malodorous scents by 60%.
Best 2-Piece Ostomy Bag System
The Sur-Fit Natura Two-Piece High Output Drainable Pouch is an excellent 2-piece colostomy bag system, particularly for those with a high volume of stoma output. The anti-reflux valve effectively decreases output backflow, and the patented flange system makes it easy to snap on and off as needed.
Best Drainable Ostomy Bag
The New Image Two-Piece Drainable Pouch with Microseal Closure and AF300 Filter is one of the most popular reusable ostomy bags. The Lock ‘n Roll microseal closure is easy to use on the go, and it effectively controls gas to prevent ballooning and odor.
Best Disposable Colostomy Bag
The Premier MAXI One-Piece Closed Pouch with SoftFlex Skin Barrier is among the highest-rated closed ostomy bags. Its ComfortWear pouch panels and SoftFlex barrier are comfortable, even for those with sensitive skin, and the integrated AF300 filter makes it odor-free.
Best For Ostomy Bag For Sensitive Skin
The is excellent for those with sensitive skin. It’s designed to work with the skin’s natural properties to keep the area hydrated and prevent damage, erosion, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Best Colostomy Bag For An Active Lifestyle
The best Ostomy Bag for those with an active lifestyle is the Esteem Body Soft Convex 3.5mm Depth Cut-To-Fit One-Piece Closed Pouch with Stomahesive Skin Barrier. This discreet pouch is designed for extended wear, and its gold-standard adhesive and water-repellent pouch fabric keep it comfortable even when you’re working up a sweat.
Find The Best Colostomy Bag For Your Stoma With Medical Monks
Choose the ostomy pouch that best meets your needs with Medical Monks. Explore our online store today.If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to one of our agents via live chat or by calling 844-859-9400.
