Which bag is the right bag? I've ordered samples from each of the major manufacturers and in particular was interested in the hollister and convatec moldable barriers that supposedly do not require any ring, paste, or prep. I used the hollister forma flex and admit there may have been a problem with my application but when I went to change my barrier today, just 2 days later there was some redness and obvious seepage. Though it doesn't appear I was harmed too bad. I cleaned myself off and showered appliance free and thought I'd give the coloplast product a try since it appears at least for now I will have to use a ring or paste for added protection. I like the opening on the coloplast product as well as the locking mechanism. However as soon as I put the barrier on I immediately took it off. I did not like the feeling of the hard plastic as opposed the hollister tape on my skin and don't think I could get over this. So I applied a barrier ring followed by my barrier and we'll see if this does the trick.

What appliances does everyone use and why? On a side note I was surprised that my stoma shrunk by almost 6 mm in just 2 days. It seems like every product has something I like. I like the hollister and convatec flanges better than coloplast but like the coloplast bags and locking mechanism better.

I use coloplast products, have for over a year. They work fine, have a larger drainable bag for night time that is useful, it has a spout with a plug so I can actually burp it at night while in bed when it fills with air. Just put a washrag over the spout. I use the convex wafers with paste and a barrier wipe to protect my skin especially around the edges. I also am pron to getting a rash that I think is yeast so I use an antifungal cream, rub it in well and wipe off any access. As soon as I feel any itching I change the wafer. I usually can go 5-6 days with one wafer. I can also feel a tingling sensation if the wafer starts to let go and change it then also.

You just need to find what works best for you. The representatives at Coloplast have been very helpful in helping me find what works best. I do use Hollister's M9 deodorant drops.

For a long time - like 7 years - I used Convatec. I need convexity, so I used the precut convex until the moldable came along. Used those till about two years ago when I switched to coloplast - mine doesn't have a hard plastic so wonder which model number you have? I'll look for mine for you. I switched because the coloplast two piece has a lower profile than the Convatec one.

If you don't need convexity, I recommend trying the cymed products. I love, love, love them but need the convexity and they don't make a product with it. If the hard plastic bothered you, you will love cymed - they have a microskin product as part of the wafer and it is so thin and comfortable you really won't feel like you are wearing anything.

OH and eakin seals are a must for me. Paste is an absolute no no for me - does a number on my skin both from wear and from removal.

I tried the convatec appliance today. I love the bag, very similar to the coloplast bag which I like the best. The problem with the wafer is its mostly barrier and very little tape so the tape edges didnt stay flush with my skin. I use a flat wafer because at 6' and 166 pounds I have by definition a flat stomach. However it has its own unique shape given the multiple abdominal surgeries I've been told by the WOC nurse that the flat wafer would be my best bet.

I plan on calling convatec to see if a larger flange would still work with my 29 mm stoma and give the extra tape around the barrier that I desire or if there is another flange that may work better. At the same time I'll call coloplast to see if there is something they suggest as well.

I seem to be having a bit more success protecting my skin by using the stoma powder and barrier wipes as well as remembering to warm up the eakin ring before application.