Pros and Cons of One-Piece and Two-Piece Ostomy Systems

Pre-cancer, I was a product-testing junkie. I have always loved trying new skincare, haircare, electronics, apps – you name it. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.

Nowadays, I find myself trying out new ostomy supplies along with the latest sheet mask to hit the market. Call me a professional multitasker.

So on that note, let's talk about ostomy products. First, I need to step up on my soapbox and fuss about something. Why are the options for ostomy bags so limited? The general concept, shape, and material haven't changed since the '60s!

One-piece ostomy system

I personally use the Coloplast SenSura® Mio 1-piece midi in light convex. My reasons are that the fabric on the SenSura Mio is soft (read: no crinkle sounds), it is fast drying, and very discreet. The 1-piece system has been extremely easy to use. With my current needs, it doesn't make sense for me to change the bag, but not the barrier. I'd rather take it all off and start fresh.

The midi option is what really sold me. This is currently the smallest urostomy bag on the market – yes, this includes youth ostomy bags. It is not drastically smaller, but enough to make a difference for me. The bag is 8 inches long from top to spout. The maxi is currently 11 inches long. The midi is also just a few millimeters slimmer. This isn't a huge difference, but the overall reduced sizing makes more sense for my petite frame.

I love this bag. I have used it exclusively since coming home from the hospital and ditched the awful clear bags I was sent home with.

Two-piece ostomy system

Being the product tester that I am, I had to try out the 2-piece version of the SenSura Mio. I wanted to see if the 2-piece option would solve a problem I've had with my bag since day one.

I have several friends with colostomies and ileostomies and I saw how they angled their bags inward. I thought to myself, "That makes so much more sense!" Not only for emptying purposes if you sit to empty, but also for concealment.

When the bag is angled inward I personally get a much lower profile under my clothes. Also, my intimacy wear and workout support wear are primarily designed with pockets that function best if the bag is slanted inward.

With the SenSura 1-piece, the barrier is an oval shape. If I turn the whole system to angle my bag the oval sits in a lower spot which can be a little awkward and uncomfortable. My hope with the 2 pieces would be to keep the oval in the position intended and just place the bag itself at an angle.

With the 2-piece system I could have the oval wafer sit as intended, but angle the bag. The bag is attached to the barrier via an adhesive ring.

Easy assembly

Assembling the system is very easy. You peel away the adhesive covering and slap the bag on the barrier. I made sure when doing this I placed the bag at a slight inward angle as I preferred.

Then I just went about my life to see how this system would hold up. With a 2-piece system, I was concerned about leakage or failure in general of the seal between the bag and barrier.

No leaks, no seal failure. One night I even had my bag get super full when I wasn’t paying attention and the seal held firmly with no hint of a leak. It felt identical to wearing my 1-piece, just with the ease of tilting the bag and not the whole system.

Weighing the pros and cons and what is best for you

Depending on your preferences, there are pros and cons to both systems. The 2 systems are almost identical, just one is in 2 pieces and one isn't.

For now, I have decided to keep with the 1-piece as my "daily driver." It is easy and secure for me. I will keep the 2-piece sets I ordered for special occasions – times when I need to really alter the angle my bag sits at.

After some trial and error, I have been able to successfully wear my 1-piece at an angle with no issues. Are you a 1-piece or 2-piece wearer? Let me know in the comments below!