Choosing Your Ostomy Supplies
Finding the right type of ostomy supplies is one of the most important and involving tasks that an ostomate faces. The variety of designs, shapes and features offered by the ostomy manufacturer are aimed to suit people's individual needs and tastes. A good sources of information on how to choose your appliances would be your enterostomal therapy (ET) nurse, your friends or Internet. Another excellent choice, which will save you plenty of time and headache, is the Ostomy Software.
Before purchasing your ostomy supplies you should consider your medical insurance coverage – governmental or private. If you have private insurance, you should call the insurance company and confirm that you are covered for ostomy products.
Useful Tips
- Try as many products as possible. This is the only way to find what will best work for you.
If you are in doubt or if you experience problems with your ostomy supplies contact your enterostomal therapy (ET) nurse. If this is impossible consider calling your supplier, the manufacturer or even your personal physician.
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There are new products on the market every year. Find a way to stay informed. Internet, friends and your ET nurse are good sources of information.
Most commonly used Ostomy Products
Pouches and Stoma Caps - One-piece and Two-piece stool or urine collection devices
Flanges (Wafers) - patch that adheres to the body over the stoma. The pouch is being attached to it.
Skin Barriers - protect or heal the skin from the damaging effects of flange's adhesive
Irrigation Sets - for people who prefer to irrigate between ostomy appliance changes
Pouch Covers - hide the pouch or make it's look more appealing
Ostomy Support Belt - additional support for your ostomy appliances
Ostomy-Hernia Belt - for ostomates with hernia
Pouch Deodorant - liquid, tablets etc. Prevents odor from the pouch
Room Deodorants - neutralize odor
Gauze, Wipes - used for personal hygiene |
