Not long ago, I reviewed the Osto EZ-Vent product and had given it a very favorable review.
One of the few concerns with the EZ-Vent is that the gas which escapes it is at full-strength, since there is no filter to neutralize the odors.
One innovative company aims to find a solution to that problem by offering a small filter to add to the Osto EZ-Vent.
I’ve tried these filters and I offer up my review for them below.
Note: KEM Enterprises, Inc., the makers of the Osto EZ-Vent, do not endorse, nor are they affiliated with Flat-D or the filter in this review.
Disclosure: I received product samples for this review. The supplier had no say in the content of this review.
The Ostomy Vent Deodorizer, which is meant to be used as a continual filter for odor and gas elimination, is attached to the opening of the Osto EZ-Vent.
Installation was very simple, and the filter fit on snug. The flap which would normally close the Osto EZ-Vent simply stays open (which is an annoyance).
I did notice that these filters don’t look like a professionally manufactured product intended for medical use, but rather, a crude DIY project. The looks don’t detract from the filter’s function, but it is noticeable.
Apart from neutralizing odors, one selling point of these filters is that is provides gas to escape continually, which prevents ballooning.
Unfortunately, the filter did neither for me – I noticed odors within five minutes of using the filter and within a half hour, I had to stop using it.
And the filter got clogged very easily, much like the built-in filters on most ostomy pouches. I was sent two as samples, and both were equally poor performers.
My testing ended there. If these were the results in a relaxed environment, I couldn’t possibly imagine how they perform if I were actively moving around, laying or with my pouch horizontally.
At the time of this writing (Jan 2022), a pack of Ostomy Vent Deodorizers (5 per pack) can be purchased for US$18.
This product is not sold in Canada, the company offers international shipping.
You can ask if they can send you samples if you’d really like to try the product.
NOT RECOMMENDED
Unlike the Osto EZ-Vents themselves, I do not recommend this product.
Perhaps the Ostomy Vent Deodorizer would be ok for allowing gas to escape odor-free if someone had dry, formed stools (colostomies), but the fact that it wasn’t even neutralizing odors means that you might as well use the Osto EZ-Vent as intended and when needed.
More info can be found here: www.flat-d.com
Question: Have you used these filters? Did you get better results?
I use my homemade “Just a Drop” deodorizer in my bag. I find that it pretty much kills the bad smell when I vent through the Osto-EZ-Vent.
Glad you found a good solution. Some deodorants are hit and miss, but some can be extremely effective.
Yes, it’s a real shame too. These would have been a great addition to the EZ-vent, but unless you replace them often (which most of us can’t afford to do), they just aren’t worth the trouble.
The idea is very good, but execution is not. They look more like faucet washers with some carbon filter material hot glued inside. They worked great for my wife, however, once they got corrupted they no longer work (oddly just like the built-in pouch filters). When I would clean them and let them dry, they would no longer work. Sad, because it is a good concept.