One problem that most, if not all, ostomates face is pouch ballooning.
Ballooning is caused when gas fills your ostomy pouch and has nowhere to go. The result can be a very inflated pouch that can end up causing a leak or even a full-on explosion!
Needless to say, current pouch designs do very little to help, and while most pouches can be purchased with a filter, they often become clogged quickly, especially with liquid or loose output. “Burping” your appliance will only work if you have a coupling that opens like a Tupperware container, but even then there is a risk of releasing more than just gas (yes, this has happened to me).
There is a unique product which aims to overcome this challenge. That product is the Osto Ez-Vent.
I’m excited to review this product because overnight ballooning has been an issue for me, and while I’ve never experienced a leak, it is still quite alarming to wake up to a pouch ready to burst.
The Osto EZ-Vent attaches to your pouch (apparently any pouch) and when you need to release some gas, you simply open the small valve when it’s convenient for you and you’re done.
It sounds easy, and it is but there is a process you must follow to attach this product to your pouch. You can follow the link below for instructions on how to install the vent onto the pouch.
There is also video instructions available on that page too.
I’ve use the Coloplast Sensura pouch with filter during my tests (Coloplast #11125), but i keep my filter blocked with the sticker that’s included with my pouches.
Tip: If you’re using the newer Coloplast Sensura Mio bags, you may have difficulty applying the EZ-Vent. I’ve written a special article about it HERE.
I also mount the Osto EZ-Vent onto the top left position (rather than centered on the top) so that when I rotate my pouch horizontally, which I do when wearing the Stealth Belt or a wrap, the pouch contents are less likely to get in contact with the EZ-Vent.
A few things to note regarding the installation of these vents
- I usually batch-install these vents for about a month’s worth of pouches. That allows me to always have a pouch ready to go with the Osto EZ-Vent in case of an early pouch change. This also gives a 24h+ delay to allow the adhesive on the vent to stick to the pouch.
- My pouch has a soft, fabric layer around it for comfort. Because of this, I do have to make a hole in the fabric to expose the plastic layer which the Osto EZ-Vent sticks to. To do this, I simply trace the Osto EZ-Vent and cut around it. If your pouch doesn’t have the additional fabric component (i.e. transparent pouches), then you’ll save time on this step.
- If you’re an ostomate who has problems with joint pains or arthritis in the hands, you might want to have a friend or relative help.
The EZ-vent locks quite securely and even a very ballooned pouch won’t cause the vent to open on its own. It has never caught on clothes or anything like that.
One of the nice things that I like about this product is that they offer a nice enhancement to the quality of life as an ostomate.
Using a drainable pouch, these vents will stay on until your next appliance change and I usually put vents on several pouches at a time, so I’m always prepared for the next appliance change. If your vent get soiled, simply clean it the next time you drain your pouch.
If you’ve installed it on the top part of your appliance, and you use the product when standing or sitting, the pouch contents shouldn’t interfere with the venting process.
I should add that gas from your pouch, like the gas in a traditional fart, will smell. If you weren’t breaking wind around family and friends before your ostomy, you won’t want to start now. Be courteous and mindful of where you vent your pouch.
At the time of this writing (Jan 2022), the cost of 10 Osto EZ-Vents (one pack) is approx. CDN$24 and about US$15. Shop around for the best price.
This product should be covered by all insurance policies that cover ostomy supplies, but the manufacturer’s website states that Medicare will not cover both the Osto EZ-Vent and filtered pouches, so be aware of your particular policy before making a claim.
This product is sold worldwide and you should be able to get samples from any supplier carrying this product.
Bonus: You can also use the Osto EZ-Vent to irrigate your bag. Details HERE.
Highly Recommended
For anyone who’s had issues with pouch ballooning, I can’t recommend this product enough. It’s so ingenious that I’d like to see vents as a standard on pouches.
I feel so confident about this product, that I’ve started ordering filterless pouches (Coloplast #11135) for future wear.
There is an odor eliminating filter which can be used with the EZ-vent. I haven’t tried them at the time of this review, but I’ve requested samples and will follow up with another review once I receive them.
For more info, visit https://www.kemonline.com/
Note: I’ve reviewed a filter, that is made by a third party and not endorsed or affiliated with the company behind the Osto EZ-Vent HERE.
Question: Do you have a problem controlling gas in your ostomy pouch? Have you tried this product?
S Wright…Just so you know, they are 15 something today with 12% off and free shipping. It is late here tho so I am not sure you can still get in on the deal. But it would be something to keep a look out on if you do not already. I did not know about this site so I had a good look around. Thankyou, it is good to compare prices.A Raven…Welcome. I had a bad fall, well three in two years time with concussion each time, I know first hand what post concussion trauma can is like. When you think about the damage a knock on the head can do to the brain, you can well imagine the damage that can be done in an accident or a bad fall to our organs that are somewhat protected by bone, such as the brain…imagine a water balloon hitting the ground, now picture your abdomen. Sudden impact does not give time to protect the area about to be damage. You have been thru a lot and the accident does not minimize your need for Erics site and all the information and help here. I really hope that your friends and family will be a great support for your situation. Ask all the questions you need to here and you will get answers and input from others also, it may take a bit of time, but it is so worth it. If I had known about the gas vents ten years ago, I would have paid the $30.00 I pay for the 10 vents now. I did learn a few tricks for installing them, so if you have to install yours, mention it on this site and I can share my ideas. They are my ideas, and they work well, but not what is recommended by the company or here on Erics site or by Eric. I also went through peritonitis, and it was a difficult time for me. My surgical site had to be left fully open to heal from the inside out. I was able to carry a little vacuum pump around for weeks of healing. It was the size of really old tape recorder, but it worked. I hope this is not the case for you. Is your stoma permanent or temporary? At any rate, I hope you continue to heal and to heal well. All the best to you both.
Thanks for this information, I’ve had a bag now for a couple of months after emergency surgery following an accident and for the first few weeks I had no issues probably due to the massive doses of antibiotics I was on (I developed acute peritonitis because I waited way too long to seek medical help… didn’t realise you could do this much damage to yourself without a penetrating injury)the last couple of days I’ve had the bag ballooning on me and I’m having a hard enough time dealing with all the life changes without that on top of everything else… I’m going to try and track down some of these things… who knows maybe one day I’ll get something like a social life back again.
Good luck, A Raven! If you’ve been on antibiotics, it may take some time for your gut flora to adjust back to normal. Once that happens, ballooning should be minimized somewhat, but this product should be able to help manage it in the meantime!
Here in the UK we have colostomy bags with an integrated vent. They have been brilliant for me for the past year or so. If anyone is interested they are called Zensiv. https://www.clinisupplies.co.uk/products/
Yes! I’m aware of those (I met that company in South Africa last year), but we really don’t have anything like that here in North America and the problem with an integrated vent is that the rest of the appliance may not work for someone.
But it looks like a great idea!
I have had my stoma for just over a year.. these things are great. I have been using them for quite awhile now and would never want to be without them. I have figured out how to almost relieve the gas in my sleep. They have saved me many hours of sleep and I am STILL trying to catch up after pretty much NOT sleeping for the 3 and a half years I dealt with UC before my surgery.
I have been installing them next to the filter on my Hollister pouch ( two piece). I get them from Shields. They said they can add them into my order at no extra charge ( nice). They are also available from Amazon.
a note on ‘letting the gas out’ GO SLOWLY! If there is a ‘clog’ in there of thicker output, run your fingernail over the back side of the pouch to help clear it out. , lift up the edge of the pouch with the vent, and work the gas to that area…them press LIGHTLY! ( other wise it can get messy!).
And, lastly. Thank you so much for this Website. It has been invaluable to me.
Thank you so much for the comment, Dona.
I’m glad to hear that these work well for you! And I appreciate the tips =)
Cheapest I’ve seen in Canada is about $17.63 (Best Buy Ostomy) although their US pricing is under $12. But prices do seem to vary from supplier to supplier and I have seem them priced way higher than they should.
I’m fortunate that my insurance covers these vents. Even though they don’t seem to be an expensive item, costs for ostomy supplies can add up quickly.