Ostomy Pouch Hack: Adhesive Couplings

Hack your ostomy appliance! adhesive couplings header

Here’s a cool hack that allows you mix two brands of Ostomy appliances to customize your experience.

Intro

Quick disclaimer: I don’t use adhesive couplings because I don’t feel they are secure enough for me, so naturally, I haven’t tried this hack myself. However, I’ve had more than a few people mention that they do this without any trouble, so it may very well work just fine.  Don’t blame me if your appliance leaks!

This hack requires a two-piece appliance that uses an adhesive coupling. That means the wafer and bag attach to each other using adhesive, rather than a plastic flange.

Basically, if you can find two brands that have the same dimensions, you should be able to attach them to one another.


Why Would You Want to Do This?

Well, some brands have amazing bags, but really terrible wafers (and vice versa), so by mixing the best of each brand, you’re able to use an appliance that fits your preferences much better than just being stuck with one brand.


Examples of What These Adhesive Couplings Look Like:

Coloplast Sensura Mio Flex adhesive coupling
Coloplast has several options in their Sensura Mio Flex line. Photo courtesy of Coloplast.
Cymed adhesive coupling
The Cymed Microskin system comes with an adhesive coupling 2pc.
ConvaTec Moldable adhesive coupling close up
The ConvaTec Esteem + Moldable 1pc System (which is really a 2pc) is NOT recommended to mix with other brands.
Salts adhesive coupling
The Salts Harmony Duo (including w/ Flexifit) should be able to mix with other brands.

Combos That Have Been Known to Work

  • Coloplast Sensura Mio Flex 50mm  #12271 bags + Cymed Microskin Wafer #78000 Cut-to-fit wafers (for stomas up to 45mm) w/ thick washer.
  • Coloplast Sensura Flex 50mm #11514 bags + Cymed Microskin Wafers #58100 (for stomas up to 45mm) w/ plain barrier.

Along with those, there are several other to at least consider:

  • ConvaTec Esteem Synergy. This is a convex moldable wafer with an adhesive coupling.
  • Salts Harmony Duo comes in a 2pc with an adhesive coupling.

Keep in mind that most companies will offer different sizes to accommodate different small and large stomas. Since different brands will likely have different dimensions for their bags and wafers, you may need to mix and match various sizes before finding a pair that works.

My suggestion would be to request samples from brands who offer products with adhesive couplings to see whether they are compatible with one another.  Test them out at home when you know you’re able to take care of any leaks.

All of this seems like a lot of work, but it may be just what you need to find your perfect appliance.

Good luck!

Question: Found a combination that works for you? Let me know in the comment section.

2 thoughts on “Ostomy Pouch Hack: Adhesive Couplings”

  1. Hey guys, this was an older article I posted years ago, but I’m interested to know if anyone has found any other combinations that work for them?

    I don’t use adhesive coupling products, so I have no direct experience here. 

    Reply

Leave a comment. (Your email will not be published)