Wednesday, September 25, 2013

ConvaTec Sensi-Care Protective Skin Barrier Spray and Wipes



• How Is the Skin Barrier supplied?
Box of 30 soft wipes, 28ml spray bottle, 50ml gentle spray can, box of 5 or 25 -1ml wands, box of 5 or 25 – 3 ml wands.

• Does The Skin Barrier contain alcohol, preservatives, Fragrances or latex?
No, the Skin Barrier is a blend of 100% silicone ingredients.

• Does The Skin Barrier contain Organic compounds Or water?
No, the Skin Barrier is a blend of 100% silicone ingredients.

• Does The Skin Barrier contain Acrylate terpolymers (liquid bandage)?
No, the Skin Barrier is a blend of 100% silicone ingredients. 

• Is the Skin Barrier flammable?
Yes, but the Skin Barrier has a long history of safe use and will only combust
if safety instructions are ignored or the product is misused. The accompanying labelling and Instructions For Use provide warnings and cautions. 

• How Long will a can of the Sensi-Care Skin Barrier last? It is impossible to be accurate, but as an example, one single spray can be used to protect an area of approximately 40 sq/cm. There are over 200 sprays in each 50ml can. Many consumers with a one-piece ostomy device will use a spray can per month.

• How does the Skin Barrier work? The protective silicone barrier bonds gently to the skin surface to create a fine, durable, protective silicone film. 

• Is the Skin Barrier biocompatible? Yes, the Skin Barrier is manufactured from silicone formulations and the safety and biocompatibility of silicones is well understood and widely published. These inert substances are extensively used in many medical device and skin care applications.

• Will The Skin Barrier sting?   No, The formulation is a 100% silicone blend. Silicone blends do not sting onapplication, even on sore skin. 

• Can The Skin Barrier be Used together With the Adhesive ReleaserOr Adhesive Remover?  Yes, The combination use of these products is very common. 

• I Have sensitive skin. Can I use The Skin Barrier? Sensitivity to silicones is extremely rare. It is used in many areas of healthcare including dentistry, topical and oral medications, and advanced wound dressings. It is also widely used in formulations of many beauty products (moisturizers, shampoos etc). The Skin Barrier is hypoallergenic.

• Will The Skin Barrier Dry my skin?   No, it has no drying properties. 

• Was The Skin Barrier tested by Patients before It was introduced?
Yes, thorough evaluations were carried out before and since introduction.

• I have a stoma and my skin is irritated underneath the wafer. Can the skin barrier help?
Frequent removal of adhesives can strip cells from the outer layer of your skin (stratum corneum) and reduce protection. This can lead to redness and irritation. Protecting your peristomal skin with the Skin Barrier reduces the risk of damage and irritation.





ConvaTec Sensi-Care Sting Free Adhesive Remover


ConvaTec Sensi-Care Adhesive Releaser Spray and Wipes FAQs


How is Sensi-Care Sting Free Adhesive Releaser supplied?
5 ounce (150mL) aerosol spray, reference SKU 420798

• How Is Sensi-Care Sting Free Adhesive Remover wipes supplied?
30 per box, reference SKU 413500

• Do The Releaser And Remover Contain preservatives, Fragrances or latex?
No, they are a blend of 100% silicone ingredients. 

• Are the Releaser and Remover flammable?
Yes, but the propellant used has been specially selected to be non-flammable and the product is less flammable than many domestic aerosol products. 

•How long will a can of Adhesive Remover last?   
Many ostomates who use a one-piece ostomy product will use a can per month.

•How does the Adhesive Remover work?
The fluid is designed to track readily between the adhesive and the skin, creating a layer of silicone. Silicone is a release agent, so the adhesive falls away from the skin. The silicone then evaporates in seconds, without affecting the adhesive or the skin, so the same adhesive can be re-stuck (if required).

Is the Adhesive Remover available in a screw-cap bottle?
No, the formulation is that it must be kept in a sealed container. If an aerosol spray is undesirable, the releaser can be sprayed into the cap and then poured around the adhesive or you may use the remover wipe. 

• Are the Releaser and Remover biocompatible?
Yes, they are both manufactured from a blend of silicones, the safety and biocompatibility of silicones is well understood and widely published.

• Will the Releaser Or Remover sting?
No, the formulation is a 100% silicone blend. Silicone blends do not sting on application, even on sore skin.

• I have sensitive skin.  Can I use both the Releaser and Remover?
Sensitivity to silicones is extremely rare. It is used in many areas of healthcare including dentistry, topical and oral medications, advanced wound dressings and many beauty products (moisturizers, shampoos etc). Both the Releaser and Remover are hypoallergenic. 

• Can I spray the can horizontally?
Yes, but only briefly. The can contains a special valve that enables inverted spray, but continuous horizontal spraying will exhaust the propellant prematurely.

• I have a stoma and my skin is irritated underneath the wafer.  Can the Releaser and Remover help?
Frequent removal of adhesives can strip cells from the outer layer of your skin and reduce protection. This can lead to redness and irritation. Removing adhesives with the Releaser and Remover reduces the risk of damage and may therefore reduce your irritation

The Youth Rally 2014 For The Ostomy Community

In 2013 The Youth Rally was held in Seattle, WA along side the WOCN (wound, ostomy and continence) meeting.  It was at the University of Washington campus and is an excellent place for a young person with bowel or bladder dysfunction to socialize with others. In 2014 the group will meet in San Diego, CA  at San Diego State University! 














About The Youth Rally
It's a summer camp that provides a great environment for young people between the ages of 11 and 17 with any sort of bowel or bladder dysfunction. The purpose of this camp is to help these impressionable youth understand that they are not alone and that everyone has the same opportunities to achieve their goals regardless of medical or physical differences.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

How To Use Hollister Adapt Barrier Strips On Ostomy Appliances

A quick guide to using Adapt barrier strips by Hollister

Hollister Adapt Barrier Strips 79400

1. Wash and dry your skin thoroughly.

2. Cut strips to the length needed. (Figure 2)

3. Place strip on the skin barrier (Figure 3) or directly on the skin.

4. Apply your ostomy pouch as usual.

Adapt Barrier Strips, 79400Adapt Barrier Strips, 79400 

Hollister's Adapt barrier strips can be cut, bent and stacked together to improve the fit of your ostomy appliance.  Each strip is 5-1/8" in length and there are 10 strips to a box.

New ConvaTec Ostomy Appliance! Introducing the ConvaTec Esteem + with Durahesive

We are excited to introduce the Esteem + one piece ostomy pouch with Durahesive Plus skin barrier.  This ostomy appliance has been revamped to include best suit someone with an ileostomy, but if you're wanting a wider outlet for draining and an improved filter to deodorize gas, the Esteem + is worth considering.

Some of the changes to this ConvaTec pouch include:
1. A filter to reduce odor from gas
2. New Comfort Panel for a more discreet look under clothing and user comfort
3. Lock-It Pocket which securely hides the "tail" providing the comfort of a closed end pouch
4. Product Code Number: 416975 and 416976
5. Improved InvisiClose Tail Closure
6. A wider Outlet

ConvaTec Esteem+ Pouch with Durahesive Plus

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Esteem Plus Ostomy Pouches - Tips To Wearing This Ostomy System



Step 1: Removing the System &Cleaning the Skin
Gently lift a corner or edge of the adhesive. Hold the edge of the adhesive with one hand. With your other hand gently press your skin down and away from the adhesive.  Gently pull the skin barrier down.  *An Allkare® Adhesive Remover Wipe can be used in the skin barrier removal by applying between your skin and skin barrier.  Clean the skin around your stoma with mild soap and water (soaps should be free of oils and creams). Rinse and pat dry thoroughly if desired.

Step 2: Getting The Right Fit
Stomas can and often do change in size. If your stoma has changed in size or you are unsure of the size, measure the stoma and select the proper size skin barrier.

Step 3: Preparing the Skin Barrier For Cut-to-fit Skin Barriers:
1. Trace the stoma size on the center of the clear release liner on the back of  the barrier

2. Before cutting, separate the front and back panels to avoid cutting through  the pouch. Make sure that the inner surfaces of the pouch are separated  and that the pouch contains a small amount of air.

3. Cut the opening in the skin barrier about 1/8” larger than your tracing.

For Pre-Cut Skin Barriers:
Select skin barrier with pre-cut stoma opening just slightly larger than your stoma.  Leave the backing on the adhesive and check the skin barrier’s fit to your stoma. If there are any noticeable gaps, you may need to use paste or an Eakin Cohesive® seal.

Step 4: Removing The Clear Release Liner
Remove the clear release liner from the skin barrier by pulling up on the blue tab. Try not to touch the sticky (adhesive) part with your hands.

Step 5: Applying The System To Your Skin
*Your may use an AllKare® Protective Barrier Wipe on your skin before applying the pouch. Place the pouching system gently in position over the stoma. Press the skin  barrier against the skin. Smooth the skin barrier by gently rubbing it into place with your fingers, especially the inner edge closest to your stoma. Doing this for about 30 seconds will help to ensure a snug fit around the stoma and will help it to adhere better to your skin.

Pouch
Pouch Options: Pouches are available in Drainable with InvisiClose® tail closure and Closed-end.

Drainable Pouch with InvisiClose®:
1. Roll the tail up three times
2. Lock the tail by pressing the closure strips together.  Press entirely and firmly across the width of the strip.
3. For added security and discretion fold the “Lock-it Pocket™” inside out to hold the tail.

  • a. Put your thumbs in the pocket
  • b. Turn inside out so tail is locked at  bottom of pocket

 4. Empty the pouch when 1/3 full

  • a. Gently remove the bottom (pouch tail) from the Lock–it-Pocket™.
  • b. Hold the bottom closure up towards you and gently separate the closure strips (reverse of steps above).
  • c. Direct the closure toward the toilet and allow the pouch to empty. If desired, you can gently push the outside edges of  the white plastic strips to form a spout.

5. Close Invisiclose® closure and Lock-it-Pocket™ as previously directed.

Tip for cleaning pouch tail:

  • a. Support the pouch with one hand and wipe tail of pouch in firm downward motion with toilet tissue in the other hand.
  • b. Clean in the inside surface of tail with toilet tissue or baby wipe


Closed-End Pouch:  Discard when 1/3 full.

Filter Tips & Techniques
Important: cover the filter opening with the provided stick-on filter covers during all water activities (bathing, showering, or swimming). After water activities are completed and the pouch is dry, remove the filter cover.

How To Remove ConvaTec's Esteem PLUS One-Piece Ostomy System

Okay so you decided to try the new Esteem + One-Piece Ostomy System and you're wondering how to best remove it from your skin to get ready for your pouch change.


Removing the System & Cleaning the Skin


Gently lift a corner or edge of the adhesive. Hold the edge of the adhesive with one hand. With your other hand gently press your skin down and away from the adhesive.   Gently pull the skin barrier down.


*An Allkare® Adhesive Remover Wipe can be used in the skin barrier removal by applying between your skin and skin barrier


Clean the skin around your stoma with mild soap and water (soaps should be free of oils and creams). Rinse and pat dry thoroughly if desired.  Now you're ready to apply a new pouch/skin barrier system!