Hi

I have been playing around with the 4 vendors (Hollister, Convatec, Coloplast, Cymed) products for best adhesion, duration and lowest profile under clothes.

Has anyone tried using the Hollister flange with a Convatec pouch?

For me, It seems like the Hollister flange feels the best (comfort) and adheres the best, their pouch sticks out at the top, while i am not comfortable with the Convatec, convex or no; the convatec pouches are the lowest profile for me.

It seems they could click together but not as firm as in their own product family. I may try the cement on the seal when applying and see how I do.

I do actually mix"n"match brands. I use Convatec's Esteem Synergy moldable convex wafer and team it up with Coloplast's Easiflex Assura bags. The only reaon this system works is because they both have the adhesive coupling as opposed to the tupperware type that clicks together.

I haven't come accross any systems apart from this that were compatable and to be honest, even if you do use cement I think you would be setting yourself up for a leak.

I'm not that familiar with Hollister so not sure if they do a wafer with the adhesive coupling but if they do then you should be able to marry them up with the bags that go with Convatec's Esteem Synergy wafers.

Personally the reason I use Coloplast's bags instead of the ones that go with the Convatec wafers is because I suffered frequent leaks with the adhesive coupling on Convatec's bags.

Hope that wasn't too confusing!

Shell

Thanks Shell, for the information-may try that

How long does your combo arrangement stay on?

I am trying Coloplast now-adhesive not snap-coupling and the Pouch has a poorly placed filter that sticks out-my son noticed it and it was very obvious.

I may try the Convatec pouch again with the Convatec wafer and just remove the tape/skirt
and see how that works.

I should have added that I use the Eakin seals and they are EXCELLENT...sorry i did not know about them when leaving the hospital.

Eric

Hi Eric,

I change my wafer every 4-5 days. I could go longer but prefer not to push it. I change my bag every moring after my shower.

I agree that the Coloplast bags do have rather a large filter but as I always wear my bags at an angle (diagonally with tail sitting in opposite groin area to your stoma) so the filter does actually sit bellow my waistband.

I know that the square tape on the Convatec wafers is really big and I used to cut the corners off to make them round but I've got lazy now so just position the wafer so that it is sitting square rather than in a diamond shape. I tried removing the skirt altogether but it just didn't feel as secure.

I never got on with the eakin seals myself but then with the moldable convex wafers I don't need any pastes or seals because they really do mold to every contour.

Good luck with your trials, I'm sure you'll work something out.

Shell

Hi

On 3rd day with a Convatec pouch and Hollister Nu-Image wafer/flange (with Eakins seal and Cement and a belt) Took showers, worked out, coached my son's football team.
Holding well.

FYI-I am pleased with this Brands mixing test and going to order more.

E

Glad you've found a system that works well for you.

We are all so different and it's great to put ideas out there for others to try. I would never have thought about trying to marry up two different "tupperware" type brands, but then not many people ever thought to try mixing"n"matching adhesive coupling systems either. I give credit for my combination to my friend and stoma nurse Marlene who listened to my preferences and ordered the two systems for me.

Thanks for sharing your "personal" system.

Shell

Shell,

You're right-there is a wealth of info here not found from nurses/Drs, etc.

I put my 'trial' (went through several Trial/errors first -LOL) up so someone else who wears suits for work can try this 'lower/profile' solution.

E

I use the ConvaTec drainable pouches with the "invisiclose" outlet and have been pretty happy with them, but last week, I opened a new box and 3 of the 10 pouches were defective. The velcro was missing from the back side of the bag, so it wouldn't seal. I called my supplier (Edgepark) and they immediately sent replacements . . . but I'm curious if anyone else has experienced this???