Glossary of Ostomy Product Terms
Barrier Opening
The barrier opening is the pre-cut hole in the skin barrier or wafer. It is usually the same size as the stoma, but should not be smaller than the diameter of the stoma.
Closed Ostomy Pouch (Bag)
An ostomy pouch or bag that does not have a drain at the bottom. When the pouch needs to be emptied, it is removed and thrown away. Most often a person with a colostomy would use this type of pouch.
Convexity
This is the outward curving of the skin barrier or wafer that has contact with the skin. The convex shape provides form to the skin barrier and support to the peristomal skin.
Cut–to–fit Skin Barrier (Wafer)
A cut–to–fit barrier or wafer needs to be cut before it is applied to the body and is best if the stoma is still changing sizes or if the shape of the stoma is not round.
Drainable Ostomy Pouch (Bag)
A pouch that opens from the bottom to empty the contents. A drainable pouch requires some type of clamp or integrated closure on the bottom to keep it closed. This type of pouch is used by those that have a colostomy or ileostomy.
Extended Wear Skin Barrier (Wafer)
Skin barriers or wafers with special additives that are more resistant to breakdown and achieve a stronger adhesive seal. Best used for those with urostomies and ileostomies. It is not recommended to use skin-preps under extended wear skin barriers.
Pouch Filter
A charcoal vent, which deodorizes gas that escapes from the ostomy pouch.
Flange
The flange is a plastic ring that is on a two-piece pouch system. The flange on the pouch and the flange on the skin barrier must match to create a secure seal. Letters or color designations may be used to help in correctly matching the flanges with the pouch.
Flat Skin Barrier (Wafer)
The skin barrier on this product is not curved or convex. It may be part of a one-piece or two-piece system.
Ileostomy
A surgically created opening into the last portion of the small intestine.
Odor Barrier Film
Ostomy Pouch film that is highly resistant to odors and blocks them from passing through the pouch.
One–Piece Pouch System
A one-piece system includes a skin barrier and pouch as one-piece. Most one-piece pouching systems do not include a plastic ring or flange that limits the ability of the pouch to flex with changes in the body. Generally, a one-piece system is more flexible than a two-piece system.
Opaque Ostomy Pouch
This refers to pouch film that is colored and to helps conceal the contents of the pouch.
Peristomal Skin
This refers to the skin immediately around the stoma. Usually the adhesive of the pouching system covers the peristomal skin.
Pre–Sized Ostomy Pouch
The barrier opening on these pouches has already been cut to the stoma size. Best used if your stoma has a round shape.
Skin Barrier
A product placed on the body to protect the skin from irritation.
Standard Wear Skin Barrier (Wafer)
Provides an adhesive attachment to the skin. These skin barriers absorb less and disintegrate faster than extended wear skin barriers.
Stoma
The part of the bowel or urinary system that is brought through the skin. This is a general term and is sometimes used interchangeably with the word ostomy. The stoma is red, moist, and is not painful.
Tape Border
Tape around the outside of the skin barrier that protects it and helps to hold the pouch securely in place.
Tapered Skin Barrier
The skin barrier is thicker around the stoma for greater protection and thinner at the outside edge. This means no tape for a more flexible, comfortable fit.
Transparent Pouch (Clear)
The pouch film is designed to allow you to see the pouch contents.
Two–Piece Pouch System
A two–piece pouch system includes a skin barrier with flange and a pouch with flange. The two flanges lock together to create the pouch system. The flanges are plastic and not as flexible as using a skin barrier alone.
Urostomy
A surgically created opening, usually on the abdomen, that allows urine to flow out of the body.
Urostomy Pouch
This type of pouch has a drain valve or spout at the end to drain liquid contents. A person with a urostomy would use this type of pouch.
Wear Time
This is the length of time a product can be worn before failure. Failure is usually the result of barrier erosion or separation from the skin. Wear time varies widely. The goal of selecting an appropriate ostomy product is to provide a predictable and consistent wear time.
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