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A Mini Guide to Ostomy Supplies : Barrier Rings (w/ video)

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VeganOstomy
(@veganostomy)
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Joined: 11 years ago
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Let's discuss barrier rings!

My written article for this topic can be found by clicking on the link below.

Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate.
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~


   
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(@What is a colostomy bag)
Joined: 10 years ago
Posts: 3
 

Great tool. I will be sure to put it on my list.

Usually, the leakage occurs because of a imprecise cut of the wafer that connects to the pouch because ostomates have to do this on their own. A new technology called Lewcardia LAD is going to automate this process so everyone has a properly cut wafer. Pretty cool. Hopefully it works out.


   
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VeganOstomy
(@veganostomy)
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Joined: 11 years ago
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Yes, these rings will help if you don't make perfect cuts. I've seen the custom cut products being offered,however, I find that my stoma is never always the same size (fluctuates a few millimeters ),so I'd feel more comfortable measuring every time.

They do make moldable wafers, which eliminate the need to cut altogether. You might want to try those if you've had issues. I talk about them in an upcoming video.

Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate.
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~


   
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(@Sarah)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 6
 

I use a two piece and I have had trouble getting a perfect cut on the wafer so once I put the bag on and look through the window, after awhile the ring starts to swell up. And I was thinking last night the feces was wearing the ring down in small chunks. I don’t know if this is bad and I need to change my bag. I have done it once and the same thing happened again. I know if I take this bag off, after just putting it on last night, it will probably be very hard on my skin but if the ring being exposed through the side of the wafer is bad, I am not sure what to do. I need some advice as I am obviously having trouble. And I am also interested in hearing about putting the ring on the wafer instead of around the stoma.


   
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VeganOstomy
(@veganostomy)
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Joined: 11 years ago
Posts: 4375
Topic starter  

Hi Sarah,

Many barrier rings do "melt" away, which means they are less effective at preventing leaks.

Have you tried different brands to see if some are better than others for you? You may also find that using a thicker barrier ring will work better in some cases compared to a thin ring (most brands offer both thicknesses).

As for putting the ring on the wafer first, I find this to be the easiest way, but it's personal preference. Regardless of how you do it, it's really important that your stoma (which is wet) does NOT touch the bottom of the wafer or ring or else the adhesive will not stick well.

Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate.
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~


   
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(@Betty Nassivet)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 4
 

Bonjour,
j'utilise des anneaux hollister "ceraplus" j'arrive a conserver mon socle 3 jours (B.Braun ).
mais cela n'est pas indiqué si il est composé de matière animal ! merci !


   
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VeganOstomy
(@veganostomy)
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Joined: 11 years ago
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Salut Betty,

J'ai confirmé avec Hollister qu'il n'y a pas d'ingrédients d'origine animale dans les CeraRings :)

Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate.
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~


   
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 Tina
(@Tina)
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 1
 

Join the discussion...


   
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(@Sheila Patterson)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 2
 

Is there anyone besides Coloplast that makes a barrier for a large hernia? My leaks are happening because of the creases/folds in my Hollister barrier. I have hand arthritis so it makes it EXTREMELY difficult to use the Sensura click setup.


   
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VeganOstomy
(@veganostomy)
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Joined: 11 years ago
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Hi Invictus, most barrier rings can be torn, reshaped, and combined with more than one ring to get the right fit. Additionally, you may benefit from using a barrier strip, which can be contoured to fit the shape you need. Some may be easier to reshape than others, which may benefit you if arthritis is a concern. Good luck!

Hollister also carries oval, convex barrier rings which may be helpful: https://www.hollister.ca/en-ca/products/ostomy-care-products/ostomy-accessories/barrier-rings-and-strips/adapt-convex-barrier-rings

Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate.
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~


   
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(@Lois Cooper)
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 1
 

Hi... Wondering if you have any wisdom on the advantages and disadvantages of thin vs thick barrier rings. I’ve been using the thick ones. Do the thin ones break down faster? I was thinking about trying the thin ones to see if they assure a better fit.


   
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VeganOstomy
(@veganostomy)
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Joined: 11 years ago
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@Lois Cooper Hi Lois. Thicker rings should delay leaks and they provide a little extra pressure which can help some people. I prefer the thin ones as thick rings tend to give me MORE leaks, but I really only use rings to heal my skin, not for leak prevention. 

If you notice that your barrier rings have been breaking down or "melting" quickly, you may want to stay with the thicker ones or try another brand that is more durable. 

Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate.
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~


   
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(@Elise Steichen)
Joined: 4 years ago
Posts: 1
 

When the barrier rings "melt," do they leave pill-like (almost like when your sweater pills) remains around or even on the stoma? Do you have to wipe this off or can you just leave it? I am a new ileostomate and on my second bag change at home, when I had the bag w/ barrier ring & wafer on for 5 days (Sat-Wed), I had an extremely difficult time getting all of the adhesive off of my stoma and the skin around it with the adhesive remover wipes. It took forever and of course my stoma was very talkative while I was cleaning it...


   
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VeganOstomy
(@veganostomy)
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Joined: 11 years ago
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Hi Elise,

Some barrier rings leave more residue than others and they can sometimes look like gum or flakes. It's also possible that you might be seeing dead skin or skin that's coming off from being moist. It happens to me too, and I use a wet gauze pad and wipe the skin around my stoma so it's clean.

If there's residue leftover from a barrier ring, which may be difficult to clean with just water, I recommend using adhesive remover wipes.

Take it slowly. I found that things stuck far more aggressively for the first while after having my surgery, likely because the skin is still pretty new to having adhesives on it.

As long as the area is clean, you shouldn't have to worry too much. I try to get everything off, but if this is causing irritation then leave the residue there and put the wafer over that. Just be sure that if you are using an adhesive remover, you need to clean the skin or the adhesive remover might affect the new wafer.

Best to you!

Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate.
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~


   
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 Dal
(@Dal)
Joined: 3 years ago
Posts: 1
 

Hi. Fantastic info. I used to apply this 3M sticky sponge to my skin before applying the new wafer, but now I keep things super simple. Remove old wafer, adhesive wipe, warm paper towel, dry completely and on comes the barrier and wafer.


   
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cygo
 cygo
(@cygo)
Joined: 3 years ago
Posts: 103
 

Hi Elise,

I have found some brands of barrier rings melt more than others.

The Eakin Cohesive barrier rings melted worse for me.  

When my Coloplast sample package came I tried their Brava Protective Seal (Barrier ring) and it did not melt into little bits as much, actually it doesn't seem to have that problem for me.

Personally I like working with the Brava rings they feel a bit more pliable and stick well.

I use adhesive remover spray to remove the bag and then spray / remover wipe to clean up around the stoma followed by a facecloth wet with warm water.

I make my bag changes in the morning and I shower with out a bag directly after cleaning all the old adhesive off to ensure everything is rinsed of well.

I also switched to the Coloplast adhesive wipes ( was using a 3M spray the ostomy nurse provided) as I tend to get the spray all over and I like the wipes.

I change my bag every 3/4 days, have not had a reason to wear it longer.

Have a good evening.

 

cygo
Ileostomy


   
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(@Anne Bebee)
Joined: 2 years ago
Posts: 1
 

I have been watching as many of your videos as I can. I have a colostomy and you have been so helpful. Since my surgery was an emergency I didnt have time to plan. Ruptured sigmoid diverticulitis. I have tried most all of the barrier rings, and I keep getting confused about which is best because of post op brain fog. Also, a ring may be great one time and then things change and the next time it’s not so good. So for colostomates I think I heard you say to go with one that is less absorbent and melts less. Less hydrophilic. Which ones in your opinion fit this criteria? thanks for helping an old nurse!!


   
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VeganOstomy
(@veganostomy)
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Joined: 11 years ago
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Hi Anne,

What works best can often depend on your goal. Are you trying to heal skin? Prevent existing leaks? Prevent leaks prophylactically?

Rings that don't absorb much fluid, and thus, don't melt or degrade are the Coloplast Protective Rings and Trio Siltac seals ( https://trioostomycare.us/siltac/).

For a colostomy, because there's less frequent and less aggressive output, I would do my best to find an appliance that does not require the use of a ring. I'm a big fan of simplicity, especially with ostomy supplies 😉

Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate.
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~


   
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(@Douglas)
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 2
 

Hi, so you don't normally use any barrier ring or paste? You just stick the wafer / bag on? If so, are you just able to get a perfect cut on your wafers that matches the base of your stoma?


   
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VeganOstomy
(@veganostomy)
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Joined: 11 years ago
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Hi Douglas,

That's right. 99% of the time, I'm using just an appliance with no extras. This is still the most reliable for me.

For cutting the wafer, the hole is never perfect, but it's not too wide to leave a large gap, either. Any small gap will naturally fill as the hydrocolloid in the wafer swells up.

Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate.
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~


   
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