Blog What Type of Ostomy Wafer Is Right for You?

An ostomy wafer is the same thing as an ostomy barrier. The ostomy barrier covers the opening around the stoma of the appliance, which is connected to the skin. Ostomy barriers are sometimes called flanges, wafers, apparatus, or devices. With the help of adhesive, ostomy barriers attach to the skin around your stoma. You have "peristomal skin" surrounding your stoma, and it encompasses your stoma. 

A protective barrier surrounds your stoma and prevents stomal discharge from getting onto your skin. Likewise, the ostomy barrier can connect your ostomy pouch to your body. With ostomy systems with a two-piece design, the ostomy wafer and the pouch are separate pieces with item numbers. Ostomy barriers aren't compatible with every bag. Using a one-piece ostomy system, you always have the pouch connected to the wafer. Ostomy flanges are the snap-on plastic devices that attach to the ostomy pouch, acting as a coupling device. These are generally square and are available in pre-cut, custom-fit, and moldable varieties.

Ostomy supplies include ostomy wafers, available in a seemingly endless variety of brands and types. So many options are available nowadays, but they can be challenging to navigate. Moreover, you might be confused about what would be best for you.

This article examines an essential part of any pouching ostomy system: skin barriers, also called ostomy wafers. You might have a frustrating ostomy situation if you don't choose and use a suitable skin barrier.

What Is an Ostomy Wafer?

Firstly, let's describe how ostomy wafers work. A skin-safe adhesive is used on one side of the wafer for attachment to the skin, while the other side is used for attachment to the ostomy pouch. Using this method, output from the stoma collects in the pouch without coming in contact with the skin and irritating it.

Ostomy skin barrier fit and type should be chosen carefully to prevent ostomy leakage, peristomal skin irritation, and other issues.

One-Piece or Two-Piece Ostomy wafer?

There are two main types of pouching systems: a one-piece and a two-piece design. 

A one-piece system is constructed by attaching the ostomy pouch and wafer in one piece. People who don't need to change their pockets often may prefer these. In other words, someone who has a urostomy may not need to change their pouches as often since their pouch can be drained throughout the day.

Ostomy pouches with a two-piece design come separately with the wafer and pouch, making it easier to change your ostomy pouch quickly. It's a convenient alternative for those with colostomies or ileostomies. In particular, people who need a closed bag over drainable ones. Some people with frequent ostomy pouch changes may prefer a two-piece system because it reduces the amount of wear and tear on the skin.

What are ostomy wafer types available?

The sizes and shapes of ostomy skin barriers vary from person to person and their needs and preferences.

The following lists three main types of ostomy wafers available today.

Pre-Cut Ostomy Wafers

Those with uniform, circular osteomas are best served with pre-cut skin barriers. It may be possible for you to use pre-cut wafers for your skin barrier without requiring any cutting or alterations to your existing product. There is no standard size or shape for stomas.

Cut-to-Fit or Trim-to-Fit Ostomy Skin Barriers

The majority of people have an irregularly shaped or sized stoma. A cuttable skin barrier may best serve this group of ostomates.

Custom-sized wafers are printed in a wide range of shapes and sizes. You can use these rings as guides to cut your stoma opening according to your unique needs. These are especially useful for irregular stomas or those falling between standard stoma sizes.

Skin Barriers 

The Skin barrier is the newest technology, providing excellent convenience. As with cut-to-fit wafers, moldable ostomy wafers have the same customization advantages. Nevertheless, they are a bit more convenient. You can mold it to create a customizable fit around the stoma without scissors.

A skin-friendly, flexible material is used to make Skin Wafers. You can roll back the fabric with your thumbs or fingers to get a custom fit.

Wafers, often called skin barriers, can be placed on the skin around the stoma after being molded to the correct size and shape. In ostomy bags, to provide maximum comfort, the fabric will then be turtlenecked around the ostomy to help prevent leakage through the stoma area.

Sky Medical Supplies offers ostomy supplies. To learn more, contact them. You can reach us anytime!

What's the Difference Between Flat and Convex Skin Barriers?

Wafers have another critical aspect to understand. Are you interested in convex or flat skin barriers?

The ostomy of every individual is unique. The shapes indicate different sizes to fit the individual. Moreover, ostomates may notice a difference in the protrusions of their stomas. A stoma might protrude substantially from some people's skin, whereas it may lay flat on the skin or even retreat slightly for others.

Flat Wafers

A flat ostomy wafer is probably your best option if a stoma protrudes at least a quarter inch.

A flat wafer can conform to the contours of the body very quickly. Many ostomates find that these are the best option.

If your stoma is flat or recedes into the skin, you may leak effluent underneath it. You may experience irritation as well as leakage problems.

Convex Skin Barriers

It is possible to try other options, such as convex wafers, if the stoma protrudes more petite than a quarter-inch from the skin.

A convex wafer will also be your best option if your stoma lies flat or retracts inwards.

The stoma is positioned in the bowl-shaped center in convex wafers, but the wafers are not as flexible as flat wafers. This causes a protrusion around the stoma. Doing so ensures that fluid from your ostomy pouch drains into your stoma without leakage.

Where to Buy Ostomy Supplies?

The health care supply store experts, i.e., Sky Medical Supplies, are always on hand to answer your ostomy product questions and deliver the best ostomy supplies right to your home.

You can try out some samples or speak with a highly-trained Ostomy Specialist. Don't hesitate to contact ostomy supplies retail-like Sky medical Suppliers if you need assistance selecting an ostomy product according to your needs and preferences. Ostomy skin barrier,  ostomy wafer,  Cut-to-Fit Convex , Skin Barrier,  Flange Size, trim-to-fit barrier