Medical supply ostomy bag is the bag that collects urine draining from an artificial opening into the urinary or gastrointestinal canal. It also collects waste materials of the body. Applied around the stoma is an odor proof pouching system. This system also provides skin protection. The skin barrier adhesive wafer on the pouching system will usually last between 1 and 4 days.

The durability of the seal depends on the skin type, the stoma, the output, and the activity level. A gentle pressure with your hand can provide additional assurance of a secure seal. The least active time and the ideal time to change the seal may be first thing in the morning. On the other hand, the skin barrier adhesive wafer fits around the stoma. There is an opening in the center of the wafer which is approximately the size of the stoma.

For infants, they may need an medical supply ostomy bag or skin barrier wafer change every day, whereas older children may need a change every 3 to 4 days. After a short period of time, you may be able to predict a time to change the bag. The opening in the pouch should be within 1/8 inch of the size of the stoma. If the opening is too small, the pouching system can injure the stoma. If the opening is too large, the waste may irritate the skin and can cause bleeding.

A stoma that drains urine or one created in the small intestine will have a higher liquid output and can dissolve the skin barrier seal faster than the output, from a stoma created in the large intestine, which should have a thicker, less-frequent stool. Your goal is to have the bag stay on for several days. Of course, if it leaks, the skin barrier must be changed.

To change the medical supply ostomy bag, you should wash your hands, set the equipments needed and empty the pouch as normal. Wipe the tape surrounding the old wafer with the adhesive remover. Hold skin with one hand, and gently pull wafer off with the other. Use adhesive remover as needed and put in a plastic bag for disposal. Clean the skin of the stoma with washcloth and warm water and pat skin dry.

Tracing the correct size onto the back of the wafer with the starter hole in the middle should also be done. Cut out the hole and apply skin protector to the peristomal skin where the wafer will be. Remove paper backing from tape and apply the entire appliance over the stoma. It is important to note that the stoma is in the center of the hole. After this, press firmly and smooth wrinkles. Snap the new pouch onto the wafer, and give it a small tug to be sure it's in place. Close the bottom of the bag with the clip, and its ready.