During a recent meeting we were all introduced to Ms. Sam – a fellow “lefty ostomate” and her friend “Chuckles” her colostomy – they have been on a journey to try out various products on her own. The discussion that ensued was enlightening! I have asked her to share her personal findings with our group which you will find here!

***Mention of any products here is based on personal experience and does not indicate you will have similar results. We highly recommend consulting with a medical professional before trying any products!***

The wild, wild west of Ostomy products Part 1. Adhesives and Removers

Adhesives:

Skinister: This is easily the best adhesive I have used. You can order it on Amazon and it comes in either a brush on applicator or a gentle spray bottle. This has worked best for me. After Adapt Adhesive 750 was discontinued by Hollister, I needed something. This is the only adhesive I will use. It can be a bit more costly since you can only get it on Amazon but it is worth the $16. Everything sticks to it. It isn’t bag selective so it’s good if you mix and match with franken-ostomy supplies.

Ten Aces Medical Spray: You will hear people claim how amazing this spray is. It might be, but I promise you those folks are not using Coloplast products. I appreciate the sprayer. You can aim easily. But it just was not sticky enough for a Coloplast barrier. 

Torbot Skin Tac applicator: This stuff will work. but it takes a long time to dry. Skinister dries in a few minutes. This takes 40 to 46 minutes for a layer to dry. Skinister beats this because it’s easier. 

Nu-Hope applicator adhesive: this is another one that works well. However, time is a serious issue. This one takes ages to dry. You can follow the instructions on the bottle bit it still takes longer than it claims. I wouldn’t use it unless you prep ahead of time.

Torbot Skin Tac Wipes: These work well. I have only used them with Coloplast products. They are as good as skinister and slightly less tacky.

Adhesive Remover:

Skinister spray on adhesive remover: As a human being who has skin as thin as paper, I am addicted to this stuff. It’s gentle on my skin. I spray it and the bag doesn’t stick to me at all. My skin doesn’t sting. It just say, yayyyy I’m  Freeeeeee!!! I cannot sing the praises  of Skinister enough. This, like its companion adhesive, is only available through Amazon but you can buy them together as a bundle for $26. 

Tac-away:  These aren’t bad. They made my skin slightly itchy. They do work, though. I prefer no skin side effects. Still going skinister.

Smith & Nephew Unisolve: These aren’t really great at removing my regular adhesive. I tried removing Ten Aces and it seemed more friendly, but for bag removal I just wasn’t impressed. 

Midline Adhesive Remover Pads: So, these little dudes are marketed more for diabetic patients. I needed some in a bind when skinister was sold out. They are a very cheap Amazon buy. Do you know what’s surprising? They work. They don’t tingle and I needed a few of them for my entire bag. But for $10 with some of the exorbitant prices out there, I don’t complain. These guys hang out as extra in my supply holder. I sometimes use them to clean the adhesive bottles so they open more easily.

Safe n’ Simple peri-stoma cleanser and adhesive remover: NO. NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO. NO! Your skin will burn. Don’t do it.

Safe n Simple Adhesive remover: These even smell toxic like rubbing alcohol. My poor, sweet Chuckles feels sad when he sees these. I also feel sad. They burn. 

Ovand Ostomy Adhesive Remover Spray: These work and doesn’t burn. But you have to use a lot. Not awful in a bind but stick with big 3 because they’ll work better. I buy Skinister myself but if you’re buying separately go that way

MEDLINE Sure prep Adhesive Remove Spray: This does the trick. It is cheap and doesn’t burn but you need a lot. Still Skinister loyal.

Freederm Adhesive Remover spray: This seems to work better separating products than on skin but not bad. Its $10 from medical monks and would be a decent replacement for Skinister in a bind