You’ve just been told you have a stoma. You may not know what an ostomy system or wafer is, but someone has probably already told you that they are for when your ostomy needs to be changed. You may also have heard someone refer to an ostomy pouch, and you’re left wondering what is an ostomy pouch? Where do I get one?
The answer to this question can be very simple, or it can be very complicated. An ostomy system consists of a wafer and an ostomy pouch. The wafer is attached directly to your skin, and the pouch attaches to the wafer.
You will need to change the ostomy system when it is soiled with stool or liquid waste, depending on what type of ostomy you have. If you choose to wear an ostomy pouch that adheres directly to your skin, then you also need to use an adhesive called a wafer, which attaches the pouch to your skin. If you wear an ostomy pouch that does not adhere directly to your skin, then you will need to use a wafer in addition to the pouch itself.
An ostomy system can be as simple or complex as the wearer wants it to be. Some choose to use only one kind of pouch, and they will only use one system that includes the wafer and the ostomy pouch all in one. Others choose to use different types of pouches with each system and kind of wafer, depending on what type of ostomy they have and their intended activity level for that day. Some ostomates even prefer to wear more than one ostomy pouch at a time. In this case, they will wear two or three different types of pouches, depending on what type of activity they are doing and the output that is expected from their stoma.
It can be confusing when learning about ostomy systems because there are so many options to choose from, and each option is suited for a different situation. It can help to think of ostomy pouches similarly to diapers. Diapers are available in many shapes, sizes, materials, brands, etc., so you have to consider these factors before choosing which ones you want. You may or may not use all of them at the same time, but it’s good to have a variety. Similarly, ostomy pouches are available in different sizes and shape the most common type is a sandwich bag, and they’re attached with wafers or other adhesives that may or may not be waterproof. Most pouches can be reused, and some even come with odor-absorbing filters to help reduce the smell of liquid waste.
You need to choose one that is comfortable for you, and also make sure it’s able to do its job properly. Some common factors include the material the pouch is made out of, how much support it needs (if any), whether or not it’s reusable or disposable, and what type of wafer or adhesive is needed. You may need to experiment with different options before you determine which works best for you, but once you’ve found the right one, it can be great.
An ostomy system can also include other accessories that are often needed by an ostomate. Some ostomates need a small pouch to carry around extra supplies, such as an ostomy bag for between changes. Some might prefer a belt that is designed to hold their pouch in place while they are active or going about their day. You can also get odor-absorbing wipes and ostomy paste to help seal a pouch that doesn’t have an adhesive on it.
Ostomy Specialist 