Supporting an Ostomy Bag: Adhesive Removal Spray and Barrier Film

I am back for my final part to take a look at another couple of additional ostomy products which may help you on your ostomy journey. Today I am going to look at adhesive removal sprays and the variations of barrier film.

My motto is always, less is more when it comes to additional ostomy products or accessories. Firstly, of course, there is a cost implication for any additional product. Directly for some or through your insurance in the USA or a cost to our health service (NHS) here in the UK.

Secondly, we all want as simple a routine as possible. We don't want a large overhead of time to change our ostomy bags. The fewer products we use, the less risk of something not being fitted or working as it should.

I will say the following products I would not be without. You get one parastomal skin, the skin around your ostomy. You need to look after it and keep good skin. This is critical to getting a bag to stick well and stay in place.

Adhesive removal spray

This spray pretty much does what it says on the tin. Ostomy bags are designed with adhesive to ensure they stick to your body while wearing them. The spray helps remove this adhesive as you replace your ostomy bag for a new one.

What ostomy issues does it help with?

It helps to ensure you don't rip your skin when you remove your bag. It helps as part of your bag change routine to keep your skin healthy. It helps also to ensure all the adhesive is fully removed. This ensures no adhesive remains and prevents the new bag from sticking to your skin and staying in place.

How is it used?

You put your finger between your skin and your bag. You then spray a little of the remover at a time with your other hand. As you spray, the bag will gradually lift, and you can ease it away from the skin.

My tips

You definitely don't need to spray a lot. As a guide, you are given one spray per box of 30 bags in the UK which I find to be enough. I use one with a built-in deodorizer. I find this helps to eliminate any smell, especially if I have to change my bag in a public place.

Barrier films

Barrier products are used to protect the skin from the output. In the case of a urostomy, from urine. This is particularly important if your stoma is retracted. This is because sometimes the output won't all reach the bag and may reach or sit on your skin around your stoma.

You can get many different types of barrier products. These include - film, cream, and spray. They all serve the same purpose, which is really down to personal choice.

What ostomy issues does it help with?

It can help to either prevent skin from breaking down or becoming sore. It can also be used to help protect the skin while it heals. If you notice your skin is broken, you should seek assistance from your medical team or ostomy nurse.

It creates a "film" over the skin to prevent output from coming in contact.

How is it used?

Firstly, ensure you have cleaned and patted dry the area where you want to apply it. It is then applied to the affected area of skin around your stoma, which may be affected either by wiping or spraying it on.

My tips

I personally prefer barrier film wipes as the best option. I find it the least messy and easiest to use. It is also neat and takes up little space in my day change bag or when traveling.

Take care of the skin you're in

If your skin breaks down for any reason, you must see an ostomy nurse or doctor. They can help you identify the possible cause and quickly implement something to heal it and a plan to protect the skin going forward. I hope these guides and tips have been useful.

Do you have any ostomy hacks to share? Let us know in the comments below, or share your tips in the forums!