How often to change ostomy wafer

How often should a stoma bag be changed?

You can change your stoma bag as often as you feel you need to. If you have a colostomy and wear a closed bag you will most likely change your pouch after every bowel movement – approximately between 1 to 3 times a day.

If you have an ileostomy you will most likely be wearing a drainable pouch, which you can empty throughout the day and change your pouch every 2-3 days or however long you feel your wafer can last.

Changing your stoma bag may seem daunting at first but you will soon get used to the routine of it and over time you will find that a bag change will only take you a few minutes to complete.

Changing your stoma bag

1. Check that you have all the accessories handy to complete a bag change.

   This may include unfragranced wet wipes, dry wipes, adhesive remover spray or wipes, stoma bag, barrier spray/rings or paste and a disposal sack. If you use the Bladder and Bowel Home Delivery Service, all these items can be delivered directly to you

2. Cut your stoma bag to the correct size or you can ask your home delivery company t
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