Extending The Life Of Ostomy Bag Vents And Filters (2025)

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dlgates

Nov 14, 2009 12:28 am

Although I think Convatec has the best velcro closure system and Coloplast has the nicest wafer, I settled on Hollister New Image as my best all-around two-piece solution. BUT, it is discouraging that the vent and charcoal filter both seem to expire after 2 to 2 days even though the actual bag could easily last for several days. When the bag starts blowing up like a balloon and you think you can smell yourself, going out in public means having to put on a fresh one - very uneconomical. Is there any way at all to prolong the life?

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Lynn

Hi dlgates,

You've come to the right place for support and advice from a large community of folks who understand exactly what you're going through.

Regarding your issue with the vents and filters, many people find that covering the filter with a small piece of waterproof tape when not needed can help extend its life. This prevents moisture from clogging it too quickly. Also, some folks use a hairdryer on a cool setting to dry out the filter after a shower. It might be worth trying these tips to see if they help you get a bit more life out of your bags.

It's great to have you as part of this community. You'll find plenty of support, information, and some really cool people who are always ready to share their experiences and tips. Looking forward to seeing you around!

gutenberg

Nov 14, 2009 4:30 pm

I have given up completely on filtered pouches. I find it much easier to discretely degas either before I leave home or even in the car in a parking lot with the windfows down. If you get a better answer I will be watching for it. Good luck. Ed

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Past Member

Nov 14, 2009 10:41 pm

sir...vented pouches are intended for daily wear..ie: they only last one day. i use the mid size closed pouch..i belive from memory 12355 coloplast. a box of 30 is around 50$...less than a coffee...its woth that to smell presentable...would you agree?? if you have a colostomy...do you irrigate??? if so...the mid size is as large as would ever be required. regards

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Hollister

If you've had a colostomy or ileostomy, you may experience some common food-related issues.

The good news is that you can avoid them with some small changes in your diet.

dlgates

Nov 16, 2009 8:43 pm

I've used vented-and-filtered pouches ever since I had my colostomy--no one ever advised me they were good for only one day, and I usually get three days or almost. I'm supplied with only 10 per month through Medicare. Of course I can burp them, but obviously you'd have to do that with the non-vented bags you suggest. If I get even a faintest whiff, of course I get to a restroom as quickly as possible to burp out the gas. I also find that using a lubricant-deodorant actually makes the poo very sticky and clogs up the vent and filter much more quickly than if I just rinse the bag with water as I normally would.

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Past Member

Nov 17, 2009 12:46 am

sir, i can see the need to conserve. have u tried the snap in vent/filter..you know add the second when the first clogs??? they make them. regards

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Stories of Living Life to the Fullest from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

pattizkn

Aug 29, 2010 9:03 pm

I agree.I have almost given up on the filtered pouch. They seem to only last a few hours for me. If I'm going somewhere where I am dressed up, I will use it because I dont want to take the chance of my pouch balooning out with tight clothes on.I always have an extra in my purse, just in case.I wish they would invent a better filter.

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beatrice

Aug 30, 2010 5:05 pm

I use Convatec 2-piece, the pouch has a filter. I was advised that I could expect 2 to 3 days easy with one pouch. And I have found that is the right timing for a change - usually 3 days.

The filter is useless as far as I'm concerned ... whether you keep the pouch 1 day or more.

And I sometimes get some leak through via the little filter hole

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I burp manually as needed. My next pouch order will be for filterless.

Apparently Convatec is coming out with a new and improved filter (according to my ET nurse) ... will believe it when I try it

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Would be interesting to hear from anyone who thinks the filters work well and how many days you keep a pouch on before replacing.

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Ken in San Jose

Sep 10, 2010 10:10 pm

I used to reliably get 9 days out of a colostomy bag.But the last batch of bags I got from Convatec stink terribly after about 5 days.I am considering looking for a new vendor.

I add Osto-EZ-Vents to the bags, but they fall off in a few days.I found that if I reinforced the vents with 4 strips of Scotch tape they would stay on for 9 days.But I shouldn't have to reconstruct somebody's product.

I wish there were filtered self-venting bags that would last, but other posts here suggest that I want too much.Any comments?

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bearcat

Sep 10, 2010 11:26 pm

been using the same type bag from convatec for two years, changing it twice a week, never even considered using a filter.

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Sh@tHappens!

Sep 11, 2010 3:46 pm

I was using the Hollister New Image 2-piece and had to burp them all the time. I ended up getting a parastomal hernia and my stoma nurse had me change to the 1 piece because of the pressure. I immediately started having problems with ballooning and found that the Hollister filter doesn't work at all, I called Hollister and they told me that they are working on thier filters and they are not good for "high gas output", and told me to BUY the EZ-vent. Now I have been trying to find a bag with a better filter. I tried Convetec and the filter worked fine, but as soon as I had output it leaked from the seal...YUCK! I am now using the Coloplast, I have tried the Sensurra and Assura and the filters work great on both, I have had this one on for 2 days and it is still working!!

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