Written by Chad Birt on Wed Jun 18 2025.
Navigating life after a colostomy, whether for yourself or a loved one, comes with unique considerations. Though it may feel like an isolating experience, it's more common than you might think – roughly 1 in 500 Americans use a stoma for waste elimination, as reported by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.
A colostomy involves creating a surgical opening in the abdomen, known as a stoma, to divert waste from the body. A specialized pouch is then worn over the stoma to collect waste.
For individuals managing a stoma, having the necessary supplies organized and accessible is key. A complete ostomy kit can make a significant difference in daily comfort and minimize the risk of complications.
To help you prepare, we've created an all-inclusive checklist of must-have items.
The barrier ring or barrier seal is one of the most crucial pieces of your ostomy setup. It protects your skin from discharge, reducing the risk of infection and irritation.
We carry several types of ostomy barrier seals. They can be molded into a variety of shapes to prevent leakage or act as a filler to keep your ostomy pouch flush against your skin.
Customer Review of Eakin Cohesive Barrier Ring Seal: “Works pretty good with my ostomy bags.” - James K.
Barrier rings and barrier seals should stick to your skin. But when it’s time to change your ostomy bag, a strong adhesive may make removing the ring or seal painful. Adhesive remover provides a gentle and pain-free experience.
Adhesive removers come in various forms, including wipes, ointments, and sprays. After application, they stop the barrier ring or seal from sticking to your skin.
Customer Review of UniSolve Adhesive Remover: “I have infusion sets attached to my body that I use glue to help keep on. Your adhesive remover works great in removing the glue and adhesive tape from my transmitter. Great product. I've been using it for 20 years.” - Jim B.
There might be times when you need to change your ostomy bag on the go.
Disposable coverings like underpads (also known as “chux”) make it easy to protect furniture, bedding, or upholstery from incontinence.
Putting a few underpads down before changing your ostomy pouch makes cleanup that much easier. There are reusable and disposable options, but all underpads offer reliable, waterproof protection, regardless of type.
Customer Review of Prevail Total Care Underpads, Super: “I'm very pleased with the under pads. It gives me the since of security. I'm not use to not being able to get up and get to the bathroom. But, this is helping because at least the bed isn't getting wet. - Janis H.
All stomas release mucus and discharge. While barrier rings and barrier seals provide some protection, they don’t always lie flush against your skin.
If there are small pockets or gaps between your skin, and the barrier ring or seal, fluid can leak beyond it, causing a rash or irritation. Ostomy barrier paste fills those openings, preventing any type of leakage.
Changing an ostomy bag isn’t hard, but it can be messy. Consider wearing disposable gloves if you don’t want to wash your hands after each step. When you’re finished, take the gloves off, and throw them in the trash.
It’s common for fecal matter to collect at the top of your ostomy bag near the stoma (something many in the ostomy community call “pancaking.”)
Squeezing some lubricant into a new ostomy bag before its application can help prevent this buildup from happening. Also, many lubricants contain deodorizers, providing an extra line of defense against unwanted smells.
Speaking of unwanted smells –– make sure your ostomy kit includes an ostomy pouch deodorizer.
All modern ostomy bags have built-in air filters with charcoal, but deodorizers provide even more protection. These products attack and destroy odor molecules on contact instead of simply trying to mask unpleasant smells with perfume.
An empty ostomy bag weighs very little but gets heavier throughout the day. The more waste the bag collects, the more likely it is to detach from your stoma and leak. A support belt can prevent this from happening.
Support belts are made of fabric and wrap snugly around your abdomen. They keep your ostomy bag in place whether you’re sleeping, running errands, or exercising.
Customer Review of Hollister Adapt Adjustable Ostomy Belt: “Great for when you go out. Gives you the added security." - Michael M.
The skin around your stoma is susceptible to infection, so it’s vital you keep the area clean and dry.
The protective powder absorbs moisture and protects your skin from irritation. And, because it keeps your stoma dry between changes, it extends the life of your barrier rings and barrier seals.
Customer Review of Caldesene Medicated Protecting Powder: "Easy to use. Feels good she said and keeps skin dry. Use with each change throughout the day in between barrier i use mornings and evening." - Pam T.
Cover your stoma with clean gauze whenever it’s time to change your ostomy bag. The gauze prevents discharge from touching your skin and reduces exposure to microorganisms like viruses and bacteria.
When the new ostomy bag is ready for application, remove the gauze covering and throw it away.
Customer Review of McKesson 8-Ply Gauze Sponges, Sterile: “Great quality! The gauze is great for cleaning the wound and dressing the wound, and inside the box [the sponges] are separately packaged… Very sanitary hospital quality.” - Lyndon W.
Changing an ostomy bag is messy, but adult wipes can protect your skin and provide a more sterile environment.
At Carewell, we carry adult wipes from renowned providers, including McKesson, Prevail, and Attends. Many contain ingredients like aloe and vitamin E and are specifically formulated to moisturize and support the skin.
Customer Review of Prevail Premium Washcloths Adult Personal Wipes: “I liked the lid closure. The size was great and they are strong. Loved that I could find unscented wipes. Will buy them again.” - Susan D.
Toileting through a stoma presents the risk of infection. So, it’s important to wash your hands with soap and warm water after each step.
A roll of soft paper towels makes it easy to dry your hands or wipe things down –– fast. You don’t have to worry about doing laundry, either. Toss the used paper towels in the trash when you’re finished.
Customer Review of McKesson Multi-Fold Paper Towels: “Nowadays, paper towels on the roll are in short supply...these folded towels are great...we love them...Carewell has fast delivery… I'm very pleased with them… and with the paper towels.” - Jaine W.
Want a more thorough clean? Substitute paper towels or adult wipes with a disposable washcloth. Always use a clean washcloth when changing your stoma bag, as a dirty cloth may cause an infection.
Customer Review of Prevail Quilted Washcloths with Lotion: “Satisfied customer! My care recipient really loves these better than the other ones we were using and we’ll be switching to these.” - Saloma J.
Ostomy bags are amazing tools, but they aren’t perfect. If you or your loved one toilet through a stoma, accidents and leaks will happen. This can be frustrating, but it’s part of the process. Stocking up on a good detergent can provide peace of mind and make things easier.
Customer Review of Tide Laundry Detergent: “It’s the standard by which all other laundry detergents are compared.” - John R.
There are two types of ostomy pouches –– drainable and closed pouches. Drainable pouches are reusable, while the closed version is single-use.
Most experts recommend changing an ostomy bag every 5-7 days. Still, you may need to change yours more frequently, depending on the condition of the skin around the stoma, the climate you live in, and how much you sweat.
After stoma surgery, it takes up to eight weeks for your body to heal fully. During that time, get plenty of rest and follow your surgeon’s recovery instructions.
Living with a stoma takes some getting used to, and learning how to do so efficiently takes time. Your doctor can provide tips and tricks to make changing your ostomy pouch easier. They can also make recommendations to reduce the risk of common stoma problems, like skin irritation and prolapse.
Choosing the right ostomy products can be overwhelming, which is why we’re here to help!
If you or a loved one recently had a colostomy, you probably have lots of questions. Our caregiving specialists can help you find the items you need within your budget.
Call (800) 696-2273 any time. We’re here to help!
The important questions to consider when selecting a colostomy bag are: Is it a one-piece or two-piece? What size is it? Is it reusable or single-use? Is it trim to fit or is it single fit?
See the Best Colostomy Bags >
Many people who are diagnosed with serious bowel or bladder issues, like diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, or bladder cancer, need ostomy systems to eliminate waste from their bodies.
Medically Reviewed by Kiera Powell, R.N.
Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.
