I agree Eric not only do they block up , I find that they do not really filter the odor at all , I use the coloplast two piece and I use the sticky tape in the box and I just vent the air as needed  , 

I vent a couple of times a night (in another room ) and I haven't had a leak for about 3 months (tempting faith by saying that ) .

Why oh Why can't the Sensura Mio come unfiltered!!!!!!! I experience way to much vaccuming even when using the stickers. I love the look of the bag but its an absolute NO for me right now.  I am still sampling products trying to get the best match.

Posted by: lindsayT

 

Why oh Why can't the Sensura Mio come unfiltered!!!!!!! 

Yes! Although the filter is a selling feature of those bags, I would also love to see a nonfiltered version as well. 

I am confused, can someone explain the benefits of filtered and unfiltered pouches. I too use the Coloplast two piece Sensura mio.

Posted by: Navey

 

I am confused, can someone explain the benefits of filtered and unfiltered pouches. I too use the Coloplast two piece Sensura mio.

   

If you have gas, which can be a common complaint by both ileostomates and colostomates, then your bag will fill up with gas and "balloon". 

Filters on bags help gas to pass through them without needing to "burp" the appliance or empty it to get rid of the gas. Good filters can do this over many days and also neutralize the odor as it passes this gas. 

Unfortunately, many filters clog quickly (rendering them ineffective) or may even leak! 

If you don't have a problem with gas then filters are not required. Many people go with filterless bags simply because they are less of a hassle. 

Thanks for the explanation, unfortunately I have considerable gas and end up burping the bag by opening the closure but not physically emptying the bag in less necessary. It is an undesirable way of doing it. I did try the filters that you can attach to the pouch but did not find it easy to burp without the threat of some of the pouch contents leaking through, so I never reordered them.

Navey, this is why I feel that filters are personally my biggest problem area! I'm glad that you are able to burp your bags - people wearing 1pc systems can't (at least, not easily), and some 2pc appliances are not ideal for burping (they can leak ). I'm sure a breakthrough will happen in this area in the next 5 years.

I mentioned the filter problem to Coloplast when their representative followed up with me by phone. Perhaps if more ostomates voiced their opinion to them on this problem something may come of it. I have found they are open to listening to your opinion of their products especially if you ordered samples.

I think a lot it has to do with several factors:

1) How you make something that allows gas to pass through but not liquids? How do you prevent it from getting soiled?

2) Does this infringe on patents from other manufactures? 

3) Does this impact the costs of the appliance?

I'm going to be trying out a new appliance from Salts in a few weeks, and they claim to have a very good filter system - we'll see ;) 

All very good points. I look forward to your review of the Salts appliance.

My biggest issue is with rings/paste strips. My stoma is right at my waist line, is odd shaped, and requires a bit shenanigans to get the appliance fitted. I've tried strips and rings from various manufacturers and none have been ideal. All have been too thick, and all erode a lot. I did order a sample of the new Brava Protective Seals (thin), and have my fingers crossed that these will be the answer!

As for filters... I hate them. Most of the time I have little gas but when I do, I just burp the appliance. I almost never sleep straight through the night and it has become reflex to place my hand on my bag. If it is ballooned, I wake all the way up and take care of it. I do not burp it in the dark because sometimes it's not gas. >.>  I have very thick output, even for a colostomy.  Filters really make a vacuum seal for me and cause pancaking. I do have a few bags with filters, and if I am having a lot of gas before bed, I can use one of them but that has only happened once in the six months I've had my ostomy.

Kae, I really hope those new Brava Protective Rings do a better job for you - they've worked quite well for everyone who I know has tried them!!

Filters!!! The neverending story! 

You said that you pancake because there's a vacuum pressure in your bag - have you tried clumping up some toilet paper and sticking it in your bag so that it can separate the walls of your bag? This should resolve the vacuum problem and may correct the pancaking as a result! 

I love the coloplast mio but hate the ring filter because it gets clogged up so quickly... and within a couple of days I can detect an odor. Im not entirely sold on Hollister because I'm not sure that the wafer adhesive doesn't irritate my skin. I'm still new to ostomy life (6 weeks post surgery) so I guess the search continues.

I LOVE coloplast Mio. HATE the huge useless filter. Every time I open a new box I cut out the stupid filters and add EZ Osto vents.   It's a pain but worth it. I have asked several times for them to make a filter less Mio. 

Hi Jattzi,

I currently  use the Hollister bags and add the EZ-vent next to the filter ( which of course, does not work. It doesn't leak though). I love the EZ vents.

A question.When you remove the  filter from the coloplast mio, does it leave a very big hole?  Is it easy to then replace it with the EZ-vent. I am very interested in trying out your method .  I also use the coloplast rings with my Hollister wafer. I have been thinking to switching brands as it can't get some products from one manufacturer and some products of another with my current set up ( USA, Medicare). I like the coloplast rings MUCH better than the Hollister ones, which 'melt' pretty soon reducing my wear time.

Thanks for any advise you can give me.

Posted by: Dona

 

Hi Jattzi,

I currently  use the Hollister bags and add the EZ-vent next to the filter ( which of course, does not work. It doesn't leak though). I love the EZ vents.

A question.When you remove the  filter from the coloplast mio, does it leave a very big hole?  Is it easy to then replace it with the EZ-vent. I am very interested in trying out your method .  I also use the coloplast rings with my Hollister wafer. I have been thinking to switching brands as it can't get some products from one manufacturer and some products of another with my current set up ( USA, Medicare). I like the coloplast rings MUCH better than the Hollister ones, which 'melt' pretty soon reducing my wear time.

Thanks for any advise you can give me.

   

Hi Dona!

it works great!  I will try to describe the process. I use the one piece Mios. First I cover the filter with the blue sticker. Then I reach trough the stoma opening from the outside and pull the filter out. It is attached at the bottom. Sometimes it easily just peels off if not I just cut around the little piece of adhesive. Only cut the filter itself and use rounded scissors!!  Then go to the top and cut around the charcoal circle -it stays attached.  Remove the rest. WhaaLaa!!  

For the EZ vent first I make a 1/2 inch slit on each side of the inspection window flap. It just makes it easier to view for me. Remove the paper cover on ez vent. Then I heat it up with hair dryer. Lift flap and attach vent under the flap about 1/4 inch to the side of the charcoal circle. Press and hold for about a minute. Close vent. So the vent is under the viewing flap. Reach in from stoma opening and push vent up to cut out the vent hole. It's easier than it sounds and is the perfect answer for me. I hope it works for you!  Let me know if you have any questions. I could send pics.  Joanne

Oh gosh!  Well you sound like me when it comes to do it yourself make it work type stuff!  Good luck getting some mios. Hopefully samples so you can test it out. So far after over a year of using them - no leaks!!

Thanks so much, it sounds encouraging. I have a solution that mostly works, but I am looking for THE ONE. Be well.