Has anyone else had problems with their seat belt?

Ostomy Seat Belt Protector
I travel a lot and have found seatbelts, especially on airplanes, to be very uncomfortable because they press on my stoma. After viewing your review, I thought the solution might be the Ostomy Protector.

The Protector does make using a seatbelt in a car or on a plane more comfortable, but as you point out in your review, it is bulky. And it isn’t always convenient to use.

In the car, I left it attached to my seat belt when I’m not driving, and this was a problem when my wife used the car. It also takes a bit of time and finagling to switch it from the driver’s side to the passenger side when I’m a passenger and my wife is driving. Now, I just use it on the passenger side and it works quite well there and relieves the pressure on the stoma. However, the other problem with leaving it on the seatbelt on the passenger side is that when you get out and close the door, the protector often gets in the way of the door closing.

In the winter time, I find that my bulky winter coat provides more than enough padding to make the seatbelt comfortable, so I didn’t use it as much this past winter.

I’ve taken the Ostomy Protector on several long flights, and it is comfortable. However, on my first flight, I attached it to the seatbelt and then forgot it on the plane when I left. Fortunately, I was able to reboard while the cleaning crew was still there and they handed it to me. On subsequent flights, I attached the protector to my pants belt and it was then impossible to forget it. It did draw some funny looks, however, when I went to the washroom. But it does work well to relieve the pressure of the seatbelt.

If you already wear a stoma guard, then you likely won’t need this at all. But if your seat belt rests over your stoma (and it bothers you), then the Ostomy Protector will certainly make things more comfortable for you while driving. I find it much more comfortable that a hard plastic stoma guard, which digs into my skin.

In the end, I would recommend the protector for flights as long as you have a good memory and don’t leave it on the plane. I would also recommend it for a car, especially on the passenger’s side.

Hey Dan,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I'm glad that this product has been working well for you (as long as you remember not to leave it on the plane! haha).

I hope you're doing well!

Eric

I love this product.
I purchased one for each vehicle of our 2 vehicles. I have them attached to the passengar side lap belt of the vehicle my husband drives and to the drivers lap belt in my vehicle.

I actually read all the reviews from your site and settled on this product.
My stoma is right where the lap belt hits and even with convex barrier suggested by the ostomy nurse, I was concerned about it digging in as it was just hitting the area slightly and hurting, so I got this.
I see how you can keep them spread apart but what i have done since I got them is to push the 2 pieces of foam together and works wonderfully for me.
I do have to put some extra velcro on the 2 pieces of foam as I want them tighter fit on the lap belt and prevent them from flipping over so foam is away from my body.
Thanks for your wonderful site.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with this product, Kathleen! And I'm glad you've been able to make it work for you! Glad it's helped :-) 

Hi my wife has recently had a ileostomy and as she is the only licensed driver she finds the seat beat across her abdomen very uncomfortable and reluctant to drive anywhere. Is this available in the UK or can anyone tell me where I can order. Thanks Norman

Hi Norman. You can order directly from the manufacturer's website and they do offer international shipping.

Thanks for your prompt reply. I cannot find the manufacturers web site, are you able to let me know. Kind regards Norman

Hi Norman, there should be a link at the bottom of the review, but here is the website you are looking for : https://ostomyprotectorseatbelt.com/

I have a small soft throw pillow that I keep in my car and put it in front of me and buckle the seatbelt around me and the pillow and it keeps just enough cushion to keep it the seatbelt from pushing onto my stoma. I now keep one in my husband's car so I have one at all times. Am flying for the first time next weekend and the weekend after that and plan to carry the pillow in my backpack for the seatbelt on the planes. 

Eric,  this looks like a nice design.  It is very similar to the one I made a few years back...before I ever thought I should find you and other info. on the computer.  It's a long story.  I have said it before...you ARE a God send!  Everything we did not know we needed in one swift easy to access place and videos full of information and experience.  Thank you again!

Many thanks will contact them and let you know how I get on

Hi I have ordered direct with international shipping so should see it very soon and will report on it’s usefulness. I don’t know how to contact Linda (LK) for her message and advice. My wife was very touched by her kindness and hopefully now a lot more positive about her future and new life. Best wishes to you all. Norman

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Hi Norman, A private message should show up in blue when you log in. Click to view and reply.Or go to members click on the person you want to contact and you will see message in blue ?

I read it here Norm, thank you.  Glad to help.  It is a hard adjustment regardless of our age. I was about 50 when I rec'd my stoma (now 61)  and learned to love it quickly over what I had been going thru. It just takes time to adjust to all the changes. Maybe if she has questions or just needs encouragement, she or you, could say so here on a new forum. We all rise above the strange intrusion of our new little friend, and most eventually name it (mine is Rose...and not her first name by any means!), it actually helped me accept it better. No question is stupid or call for encouragement unnecessary. We are here for you both.

I want to buy a protector for my husband where can I do this

Hi Rella, the Ostomy Protector can be purchased directly from the manufacturer's website: https://ostomyprotectorseatbelt.com/

Some initial thoughts. I just purchased this product and so far so good. As someone with a protuberant stoma it provides good protection. In fact, I wouldn't be able to use something with any less padding and if I used this one directly on skin or over thin T-shirt I would likely need more padding to fully protect. We'll see how it works once summer arrives. Regarding the issue of use in climates requiring bulky clothing. What I tend to do is unzip the bottom of my parka and position the guard over my sweater, etc. This eliminates the bulk factor but allows me to keep my much needed coat on. This may not be a readily available option for men as not all coats have the bidirectional zippers but you can also just unzip/unbutton your coat completely to reveal enough space to position the belt. I found this worked ok. 

The guard does require some repositioning each time as it twists when you get out and the seatbelt is retracted, but I think the minute of extra effort is worth it as I feel secure once it is in place.  

I looked at my seat belt this morning.  though I have a colostomy, on the other side, the General Motors vehicles seat belt only "sits" across my waist, it applies no downward pressure or pulls down on the stoma area.   possibly a little snug in summer, though I've never noticed?  but anytime in colder weather, I see clothing providing sufficient buffering.  your not strapping yourself in as a suitcase on the roof of the car.

vegan did you actually experience flow problems with a seat belt or since you were concerned enough to ask the doctor,  did you just start out using the guard?  or maybe its the vehicle type?