Choosing the Right Stoma Pouch

There is no single “best” stoma pouch — the right one depends on your type of stoma, your output, and your daily life.

The main types

• Closed pouches: sealed and disposed of when full, often suited to a colostomy with firmer output.
• Drainable pouches: emptied and reused through the day, often suited to an ileostomy with looser output.
• Urostomy pouches: designed for urine, with a tap or valve for draining.

One-piece or two-piece?

One-piece systems have the flange and pouch joined together — simple and discreet. Two-piece systems let you change the pouch while leaving the flange in place, which can be gentler on the skin. Both work well; it is a matter of preference.

Finding your fit

Manufacturers such as Coloplast, Salts, Pelican, Dansac, ConvaTec and Hollister each offer a range of options. It can take some trial to find what suits you best — a stoma nurse can help you compare.