I have wondered about this, too, and also if there is any advantage to using a slim-size barrier ring. This week I ordered a sample Hollister flange with the no-cut stretchy center - it is not clear to me if a barrier ring is used with that kind of flange but maybe the directions will say.

Hi Folks, Does every ostomate need a barrier ring? Well no, the wafer will work well on it’s own. The ring is an aid to help combat problems. All the extra items are there to help but not a  requirement. The rings come in many  widths and also can be shaped and flattened 

I guess I'd rather not use a barrier ring to keep things as simple as possible.  My ostomy nurse started me on them just to be safe because of swelling after surgery.  Swelling is gone and skin around the stoma is level and smooth.  I'm a bit reluctant to try since I'm a bit new at this.  One question I have is does the edge of the wafer (after cutting the hole to fit the stoma) get softer after application?  It seems pretty sharp and hard around the edge after cutting.  I'm assuming it softens up after absorbing some moisture.  My osotmy nurse taught me to leave a bit of skin showing around the stoma, and the barrier ring would fill the gap.  Should I go all the way up to the stoma with he flange (no skin showing) if I use no barrier ring?  

Thanks!

Glenn 

Hi Glenn,

What I learned from my stoma nurse - after she cut the wafer, she ran her finger around  the cut edge to sort of smooth out any sharpness cause by the cutting. 

As far as the barrier ring, I don’t use them. But I do use stoma paste instead, to prevent (actually, just delay) leaks.  The reason I need to do this is that my stoma is flush with my skin and it opens to the side instead of straight out. It is next to impossible, even with a convex wafer, to keep stool from getting under the wafer. The paste helps, but eventually the stool starts eating through the paste. If you aren’t having any problems with leaks, I would say experiment with not using a ring and see what happens. You should be able to tell pretty quickly if the ring was serving a necessary function. Maybe try this on the weekend, when you are not at work though. 😂

Glenn as Liza has said smooth the cut edge. To tight will restrict so leave a 1.5 mm gap. That’s enough for the wafer to swell 

Hi Liza and John.  Thanks for the replies.  I'm due for a change today, so it is good timing.  I'll go with no barrier ring.  Full update will be coming soon.  

Okay.  I didn't do it.  There was a little irritation on the skin near my stoma, so after a good cleaning and a long shower, I used a barrier ring to be sure that area was covered very well.  Maybe next time.  

Ah Glenn ya wussy!! Only kidding 😂 Don’t forget to keep measuring the stoma until it’s settled 👍

@john68

You bet, John.  Yeah, this was my first skin irritation since surgery.  Just a bit red on one side.  Gave it a good rinse in the shower, and made sure it was well covered when I put the bag on.  Thanks for the advice from a pro such as yourself.  This stoma stuff is not for the timid.  😆

Hi Glenn you are doing really well. One thing I was taught in the hospital  was to turn the bag not the scissors when cutting, it gives a smoother cut.  Also,  to always cut on the far side of the line cutting the line you drew on the wafer away.  this always gives me the perfect amount of room for my stoma keeping it as Skin free as possible. With my sensitive skin this is important to me.  At the  same time it does not make it too snug for the stoma.

As soon as you realize you've got redness, the next step is a rash and it can grow and burn. Make sure you always put stoma powder on a red area, it just helps absorb any extra moisture that might get through. Blow off any extra powder.   If you can't manage it because it's under the stoma area, use a straw.

I was taught to use a barrier ring at all times but my frustration grew with the stickiness every single time I had to change my bag! I had at that time no clue that there was "adhesive remover spray" (thank you Eric, you saved my sanity!!!)  available, other than in the little pack form and that seemed useless to me.  I was using a solution the pharmacy sold me, but it burned the skin. I was so not impressed. One day while changing my bag I decided to toss the Rings and  go cold turkey without.  That was the best thing I ever did for myself.  It saves time, energy and money. The edge that we cut will soften within a few short hours and the moisture from the stoma alone forces that softening. I try to do my changes on a day I am  taking things slower. When I put on a new pouch I spend the time making sure I have enough Barrier spray  around the egde of skin around my stoma. I spray it on a wipe, then dab around the stoma.  Fan it dry with the plastic from the pouch and then fold the bag backwards,  away from you,  in half and place  it securly on the underside of my stoma.  Then using a piece of TP rolled into a tight cone, held in my teeth till i need it, lol, I  push my stoma thru the hole avoiding any contact with the wafer. Then  immediately after press the rest in place and then spend  extra time securing that edge you cut of the wafer  to my skin.  This has paid off now for about two years rash, and fairly leak free. It also allows me to catch a leak a lot quicker. Keep up the great work!!!! You've  got this  in the  bag!!! Hehe!

LK, what is barrier spray? Do you put it on before the flange/bag, and does it interfere with the  flange/bag sticking well?

Barrier spray is a silicone based product which puts a film on the skin. It can also come in a form of a wipe. Most of the companies have their own version. I have used for many years and have good results with it. I have read here it may effect extended wear products.

My stoma nurse gave me a sample of barrier spray last time I was there. She used it in crusting my skin. She put a little powder, then sprayed barrier spray, and repeated a couple times. Like John said, I think the wipes are more common. 

I love how this is an art form.  So many ways to do things, and we just keep working with things until they feel right.  You guys are a treasure.  I was never really afraid of my surgery, but this part was/is a bit daunting, because there are so many "firsts" to deal with and so many things that can go wrong.  I love how the ostomates themselves do most of the figuring out by trial and error.  Nothing like real world experience.  Thank you!

@dlkfiretruck

Thank you, LK.  Most of the time I feel like I'm just fumbling around, but things are starting to make sense.  I was lucky to have a great surgeon who gave me a nice stoma.  I appreciate your encouragement.  Take care!

@glenn-giroir is

So true glenn, I had surgery 4 months ago, and dealt with different products , methods etc. I only stayed in the hospital two days and saw the ostomy nurse once. This is definitely a learn as you go, at least that has been my experience. This site has helped me understand what goes on in the real world of having a ostomy👍 I just switched from Hollister to coloplast this past week, because of ballooning issues, so far their filter has been working for me. This is all very new to me as well, but trying to learn one to two weeks at a time!

Folks, The best way to learn anything is hands on plus listen to advice. Learn to take a good look at the stoma and the skin, look at the wafer you have removed. Plus never rush a change just take your time. 

Good point John! Plus, its been ten years and I'm still learning something new  here and there.

Posted by: @glenn-giroir

I was wondering if any of you have experience using a Hollister two-piece flange (New Image Cera Plus) with no barrier ring?

That's pretty much how I use it. I very rarely use barrier rings and really bnb only use them for less than a week at a time (only to heal irritation around my stoma). 

Barrier rings aren't necessary for all estimates and really only should be used if needed. For those of us who have to pay for supplies, they are a very expensive item to use "just because".