Different Types of Ostomy Wafers or Ostomy Barriers

Ostomy wafer and barrier are the same things. Ostomy wafer is a part of the equipment that moves against your skin, it fits around your stoma where the hole is. We can also call the ostomy barrier a wafer, flange, or device. Well, the use of ostomy barrier is simple, doctors stick the ostomy wafer around the stoma with the use adhesive. The skin which is around the stoma is called peristomal skin. The peristomal skin borders the stoma or hole. 

The purpose of the ostomy wafer is to protect the skin from the stomal output. Moreover, the ostomy wafer or barrier helps the pouch to connect your surgery hole. Further, the attachment of the ostomy barrier depends on the type of the ostomy pouch. If you use a two-piece ostomy system, then the barrier and ostomy pouch are two separate objects. And, every piece of ostomy appliance has its unique item number on it. However, if you use a one-piece ostomy pouch, then the barrier and the ostomy pouch are associated, and you cannot separate these two appliances. Merely, the ostomy flange is a plastic tool that connects to the ostomy pouch. Thus, the ostomy flange is a coupling appliance. The ostomy barrier or wafer is square, usually, moreover, they have pre-cut, cut-to-fit, and moldable types.

Different Types of Ostomy Barrier or Wafer

The following are the different types of ostomy wafer or ostomy barrier.

1. Pre-Cut Ostomy Barrier or Wafer

Pre-Cut ostomy barriers have made for the most common size of stomas. The pre-cut ostomy wafers are uniform and in round shape. Well, one of the best benefits of the pre-cut barrier is that it is according to the shape and size of the stoma. You do not need to cut the pre-cut wafer, just open the package, and it is ready to use. You have nothing to do with its size or shape. The pre-cut ostomy barriers are available in a standard size, according to the size of stomas. However, doctors do not suggest the pre-cut ostomy wafer right after the ostomy surgery. When the swelling of the stoma gets down after that, doctors apply the pre-cut ostomy barrier on the stoma. The reason for not to use the pre-cut ostomy barrier at the time of the is that the surgery size of the stoma and pre-cut barrier are almost the same; therefore, it does not allow the swelling to lessen. After the swelling goes down, you can use a pre-cut ostomy wafer.

2. Cut-to-Fit Ostomy Barrier or Wafer

Well, the cut-to-fit ostomy barrier is available in various sizes. You can cut your ostomy barrier according to the size of the stoma. In the cut-to-fit ostomy wafer, you can change the size and shape of the ostomy barrier. These are printable ostomy barriers. You can cut them in round, oval, square, or any other structure you want. Therefore, the cut-to-fit ostomy wafers are a perfect option who have irregular or up-size stoma after ostomy surgery.

3. Moldable Ostomy Barrier or Wafer

Moldable ostomy barrier is a new technology for stoma coverage. Well, it is a kind of cut-to-fit ostomy wafer with some additional bonuses. The main purpose of the moldable ostomy wafer is to protect the stoma and the surrounded skin. As the name of the moldable ostomy barrier clears that this is the flexible ostomy barrier or wafer. The moldable ostomy wafer is adjustable according to the size of the stoma. You do not need to cut it or re-size it, it is stretchable and adjustable. You need your fingers to roll the moldable ostomy barrier and adjust the size with the help of your fingers. We called the applying technique of the moldable ostomy wafer the turtle necking. The moldable ostomy barrier protects against the leakage from the stoma and the skin.