How Often Should I Change My Ostomy Pouch?

A common question we get is: 

How Often Should I Change My Ostomy Pouch?

You should expect predictable wear time from your ostomy pouch.  This influenced by the type of skin barrier you use -- flat or convex, standard wear or extended wear.  Also, climate can cause changes such as the dryness or humidity levels with perspiration as well as activity level.  Some people prefer to change their pouches daily while others wear their ostomy systems for around 7 days.  If you have trouble getting your skin barrier to stay in place you may need to get help with fitting and we suggest consulting with a medical doctor or WOCN nurse.

Find A WOC nurse http://www.wocn.org/?page=Nurse_Referral

Hollister Skin Gel Protective Dressing Wipes -- Looking for a new product to prep you skin with?

Hollister Skin Gel Protective Dressing Wipes are for people who are sensitive to adhesives.  Skin Gel protects skin from stipping caused by tape removal.  It isn't designed to make the ostomy pouch stick better.  Skin Gel simply adds a protective layer to the skin's surface.  
Just wash and dry skin, open the Skin Gel pad and blot or wipe the gel on your skin.  Wait until the area is dry to the touch, and then apply your pouching system as usual. Skin Gel is not recommended for use under Hollister Flextend skin barriers as it can interfere with adherence.
Other products that provide skin protection include Smith&Nephew's Skin Prep Wipes, and 3m's Cavilon No Sting Wipes and Spray

#7917 Hollister Skin Gel Wipes