How frequently should I change my pouching system?

Wearable time, or the number of days between changes (removing the pouching system and applying a new 1), is a hot topic.

The maximum number of days between changes recommended past manufacturers is seven days. After seven days the products can intermission downwards and no longer provide the protection they are designed to offer.

The average number of days between changes is four. This means some people change daily, some people modify in one case a calendar week, and lots of people are anywhere in between.

Some people want to change as infrequently as possible. Some people want to alter more often to assistance them feel "make clean". Almost everyone wants to alter earlier they have a leak. Here are important considerations in deciding how often to change your pouching system:

The consistency of your stool

Liquid output is harder to contain that more formed output. Liquid output will increase the likelihood of leakage.

The condition of your skin

If you lot have had leakage, or you lot have a rash, your skin will be weepy and moist. This moisture breaks down your seal more quickly. Getting a practiced seal is like building a firm. Yous want to build on a solid foundation. See this page for more than information on irresolute for healing your skin.

The peak of your stoma

A stoma that sticks out makes it easier to get stool or urine into the pouch than one that opens at skin level.

The "mobility" of your stoma

A stoma that sticks out then becomes flat or pulls beneath the level of the peel while moving makes it harder to ensure your urine or stool goes into the pouch instead of under the flange.

The shape and movement of your abdomen

If your abdomen changes shape a lot when you're moving effectually, it may affect your wear time. Deep creases and other "challenging topography" will also affect your wearable time. Getting the best flange for your abdomen will help with this.

One time you find a pouching system that works for you:

  • Outset low: change later on 2 or 3 days. Cheque the back of your flange to see if at that place is stool backside the flange, or on your skin.
  • Increase you article of clothing fourth dimension by one day. Cheque the back of the flange and your pare. If it is clear, increase the number of days betwixt changes by some other day.
  • Repeat this process until you get leakage (stool or urine on your skin or the back of the flange). Subtract one day. This is your vesture time. (Case: pouch removed on day half-dozen has stool behind it. Wear time is 5 days.)

st_changes

This is a photo of leakage. It may brand some people uncomfortable. We are including them then that people can run into what to expect for when they remove their pouch.

st_changes

This photo shows that, even though stool was on the skin, no leakage is visible from the outside.

A reasonable goal is to change twice a week, or every four days.

Some people volition never become iv days, because of a variety of factors. Working with your Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy & Continence (NSWOC) tin can help y'all identify factors that are limiting your wear time, and strategies to manage them.

The big exception: one-piece disposable pouches for colostomy

People with a colostomy may use a one-piece disposable pouching system. These pouches are designed to exist inverse at least once a day.