Here are some basic guidelines for applying your pouching system. For complete instructions, please refer to the product insert or talk to your ostomy nurse.
One-Piece Systems
This system type combines both the barrier and pouch into one convenient unit.
- Clean and dry peristomal skin.
- Measure your stoma.
- Prepare the skin barrier.
- For cut-to-fit barriers: Using the guidelines, cut an appropriate size.
- Remove the paper from the adhesive.
- Gently place the pouching system over your stoma.
- Press the skin barrier against the skin, paying particular attention to the area closest to the stoma.
- Smooth onto your skin. Maintain slight pressure on the skin barrier for 30-60 seconds to ensure a good seal.
Remove the release paper from the skin barrier.
Place the pouching system gently in position over the stoma. Press the skin barrier against the skin, paying particular attention to the area closest to the stoma.
During application, maintain slight pressure on the skin barrier for 30 seconds to a minute.
Traditional Two-Piece Systems
This system is made up of both a barrier and a pouch. The two pieces connect together with a plastic coupling ring.
- Clean and dry peristomal skin.
- Measure your stoma.
- Prepare the skin barrier.
- For cut-to-fit skin barriers: Using the guidelines, cut an appropriate size.
- For moldable skin barriers: Roll the adhesive back to fit your stoma.
- Remove the paper from the adhesive.
- Center the hole over your stoma, onto your skin.
- Press the skin barrier gently against your skin.Align the plastic ring on the pouch with the ring on the skin barrier and press together. You should hear and feel the system locking together.
Place the skin barrier gently over the stoma and press it firmly against the skin with attention to the area closest to the stoma.
Position the flange on the pouch over the skin barrier flange. Gently press the bottom of the pouch flange gainst the skin barrier and move upward.
Two-Piece Systems with Adhesive Coupling Technology™
This system type is made up of both a barrier and a pouch. The two pieces connect together with a foam adhesive ring and flexible "Landing Zone."
- Clean and dry peristomal skin.
- Measure your stoma.
- Prepare the skin barrier.
- For cut-to-fit barriers: Using the guidelines, cut an appropriate size.
- For moldable barriers: Roll the adhesive back to fit your stoma.
- Remove the paper from the adhesive.
- Center the hole over your stoma, onto your skin.
- Press the skin barrier gently against your skin. Hold for 30-60 seconds to secure the barrier to your skin.
- Align the lower half of the foam adhesive collar on the pouch with the clear "Landing Zone" on the skin barrier. Then roll or slide your fingers over the upper portion of the pouch to secure the two pieces together.
Remove the white release paper and center the hole over the stoma.
Fold the adhesive ring, apply the lower half to the bottom of the landing zone, then roll or slide the fingers to secure the pouch.
Run a finger around the pouch to make sure it's smooth and wrinkle free.