There’s a group of ostomate who love decorating their pouches; Be it with patterned duct tape or pouch covers. I haven’t ventured into any DIY projects (at least not yet), but I love seeing what others make for themselves. I came across a photo of a nice looking ostomy pouch cover on Twitter that caught my attention.
I hadn’t seen anything like it and became excited that the same style would be sold on Etsy. So when I got the news that they were ready to be ordered, I quickly hopped on the PrettyLittleCurls Etsy store and purchased three pouches. I review those pouches today.
Table of Contents
Video Review
About these Pouch Covers
These pouch covers come in two fabric choices: fleece and thin cotton. Both options work well, but the fleece is really nice as a nighttime pouch cover.
There are many patterns to choose from, accommodating both men and women, and there’s also solid black if you don’t need a pattern. These are also handmade I went with the ones below, and I was gifted a black cover for being the first customer.
The design of each pouch is simple but functional. All of them are closed-bottom and have an opening in the back that’ll fit just about any style of ostomy pouch. Because they don’t have a pre-sized circle opening, you can very easily put this your pouch, and just as easily remove it when it comes time to empty your pouch.
New (June 2016):
I was informed that new patterns have been added to the product line!
My Experience
Using both opaque (cloth-covered) and clear pouches, I could fit the pouch cover in less than 10 seconds, but I found the clear pouches allow the cover to slide on more easily than the cloth pouches.
They easily fit the Hollister New Image and Coloplast Sensura Click pouches, and the owner of the Etsy store, Katie, has used these covered on several styles herself, including ConvaTec pouches. With the Hollister 18183 pouches, the covers were a perfect fit, and it hardly feels like you’re wearing it when using the thin cotton style.
At no point did these covers come off or even feel like they would, not even while wearing them to bed or while I was out in public.
Because they don’t have a bottom opening for drainable pouches, they don’t hang really low like I’ve seen other pouch covers do. This keeps the covers discrete, but it won’t conceal any bumps under your clothing like an ostomy wrap would.
Update after using these for eight years(!)
The bottom of the covers eventually get holes in them as the outlet rubs on it. I’ve patched mine up by sewing another layer in the bottom and they’ve continue to hold up better than I would have ever imagined.
Conclusion
At the time of this writing (Jan 2022), the Etsy store that these are sold from tends to be open and closed due to the shop owner’s health.
International shipping is also available, and shipping costs are calculated based on size and weight of the package.
Pros:
- Really affordable.
- Not bulky.
- Works with just about every appliance I’ve used.
- Comes in a huge variety of patterns.
- Does a great job concealing the contents of your bag.
- Can be used with both 2pc and 1pc appliances.
- Easy to wash.
- Durable (I’ve had mine for over two years now!)
- Light (won’t cause you to sweat)
- International shipping.
Cons:
- Doesn’t flatten/lower the profile of your appliance.
- Because it’s universal, it’s not fitted exactly to the size of your appliance (not really a huge issue).
- Closed bottom means you have to take the cover off to empty your appliance (plus: this may be preferred as it keeps the pouch cover minimal).
Highly Recommended
If you like to decorate your pouches, or if you’d just like to keep the pouch contents of your transparent pouch hidden, I’d recommend giving these pouch covers a try.
Their low-cost, comfort and style makes them a bargain.
For more info, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/PrettyLittleCurls
Question: Do you use pouch covers?
Unfortunately, they are closed temporarily. According to the note most recently updated April 6, 2019, part of which is, “Due to medical and personal reasons I am no longer able to complete the steps needed to create these covers in a reasonable time frame.”
Yes, I’m aware and that’s happened a few times over the years. I hope that Katie is in better health and will offer these pouch covers again soon.
I’m trying to contact Pretty Little Girls about ordering, so far can’t reach anyone. I have questions. Help! I’m new to this. This site was recommended to me.
If you’ve already tried to reach them through their official Etsy store (https://www.etsy.com/shop/prettylittlecurls), try through Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/prettylittlecurlsostomy/
Thanks. I’ve done Business with Etsy before. I will try fb.
Eric I’ve misplaced the link you gave me for the Stealth belt. I did go to fb, found their site, sent text to them. What type of cloth did you go with? I want a light weight I believe.
StealthBelt? It’s https://www.stealthbelt.com . You don’t really have a choice of cloth style with the StealthBelt, but the StealthBelt pro is the most popular. If you mean the link to Pretty Little Curls then it’s https://www.facebook.com/prettylittlecurlsostomy/ I love the thin cotton covers.
I was inquiring about your Stoma covers, not belt material. What type of cloth do you feel is comfortable not so bulky.
For the Pretty Little Curls pouch covers, I like the thin cotton.
OkOkay that’s what I thought u said in the Video. I need pouch covers and a Stealth belt. I’m trying to order. Just for starters. I’ve been hanging out for awhile. Lol.. I will find ou+ today if I have Hernia. Thanks again Eric..
Okay, I do have a small Hernia. So will be waiting to see your Video. I’d love to have a Hernia belt where I could wear pouch horizontal or vertical. Lol. I have seen some belts that offer that option.
Sorry to hear about the hernia. StealthBelt will actually be sending me one of their new belts (once they confirm the final design) that’s meant for hernia support and you can keep your pouch horizontal :)
I don’t know when that will happen, but it is something I’ll be reviewing.
Awesome. I will wait. I trust you, your up front and honest. So, I can just wear the Hernia belt Horizontal only? Not vertical ? No biggie, would b nice. When I saw you wear your pouch(bag) horizontal I flipped, so cool. Thanks
Most hernia belts don’t really allow the bag to be supported sideways, which is why this new stealthbelt will be a nice option.
I have seen some that have a flap that goes over your appliance and might hold it in place sideways, but they aren’t designed with that in mind.
Okay I mis understood . I thought you said the Hernia belt could b worn horizontal.
I’m confused. Will the Stealth belt help with my hernia? Are u talking about the hernia belt or stealth belt,?
StealthBelt makes various styles of belts. The regular StealthBelt will not help with hernias, but they have a special one designed for hernia prevention that I have yet to use. If you have any other questions it would be helpful to post them on my support forum as the comment section in these articles isn’t ideal for a lengthy discussion. https://www.veganostomy.ca/community
Okay. I’m. Learning. And shopping. Pretty Little Curls(Kathy) contacted me.
Eric? I know I watched your video on pancaking / thick pooh. Is it Soluble fiber or insoluble fiber that would help me best? I need a good fiber supplement. I’m currently using Citrucil. Not helping. Thanks
I answer that in my article on pancaking : https://www.veganostomy.ca/pancaking-ostomy-tips/ I don’t not advocate for the use of fiber supplements and prefer to focus on diet, but fiber supplements may be something your doctor could specifically recommend.
Oh, OK. He put me on Meril-ax everyday.. Thanks
:)
I sent text to pretty little girls on fb, nothing back yet. I have some questions before I order.
I just checked out this Etsy site and it states that their sewing machine is in the shop and may not make it. Orders are being refunded.
I would be terribly disappointed if Katie and Katie stopped making those. I’ve been wearing one every day – these are my favorite pouch covers!
Hopefully it’s only temporary.
Update: Just a quick heads up to say that I asked what was going on and they’ll be back up and running soon! :)