Sleeping With a Stoma

In this video, we’re going to talk about mouldable seals – also called washers, barrier rings, or even doughnuts. These are soft adhesive rings that go around your stoma, helping create a better seal between your stoma and the pouch. They can be especially helpful in preventing leaks and protecting your skin.

Mouldable seals are designed to fill any dips or creases in the skin around your stoma. They help form a snug, personalised fit, keeping stoma output from irritating your skin and improving how well your pouch sticks. A good seal can help reduce leaks and extend the wear time of your appliance.

You might benefit from using a mouldable seal if you’ve noticed leaks, sore or irritated skin around your stoma, or if you have uneven skin with dips or folds. A seal can help direct stoma output into the pouch where it belongs, not onto your skin.

Mouldable seals come in different sizes and materials. Choose one with an inner diameter slightly smaller than your stoma – they stretch to fit. The outer diameter should give you enough surface to stick securely to your skin. Thicker seals can help with deeper creases or liquid output. You might use a hydrocolloid, silicone, or elastic seal depending on your needs and what feels best for your skin.

One of the great things about mouldable seals is how flexible they are. You can stretch them to fit, or even break them apart and rejoin them if needed. This lets you shape the seal exactly the way you need it to fit around your stoma.

This is how to apply a mouldable seal. There are many types of seals available with different adhesive materials and sizes. HyperSeal Mouldable Seals with Manuka Honey are made from a hydrocolloid infused with medical-grade Manuka honey. 

The hydrocolloid is flexible and mouldable, meaning it can adapt to different body types and shapes to create a personalised seal between the stoma and the flange. This helps reduce the risk of leaks by filling in dips, creases, and uneven areas – protecting the skin and supporting appliance wear time. 

The HyperSeal range is available in different sizes and thicknesses to suit your needs, whether you have more liquid output or more complex contours around your stoma. 

Here’s how to apply a HyperSeal Mouldable Seal: 

1. Take the HyperSeal mouldable seal out of the dispensing pack. The pack makes it easy to take out one seal at a time, and you can see how many you have left – so you’ll know when to reorder
2. Remove the seal from its individual protective wrapper
3. Make sure your stoma and the skin around it are clean and dry
4. Warm the seal in your hands for about 30 seconds. This makes it easier to shape and stick to your skin
5. Now gently stretch the seal to fit around your stoma. Or, if it’s easier, break the ring open, fit it around your stoma, and rejoin the ends
6. The seal should sit snugly around your stoma – close enough to stop leaks, but not tight or uncomfortable. There shouldn’t be large gaps around the edges
7. Apply gentle pressure around the seal to help it stick securely to your skin
8. Now apply your stoma pouch over the seal, making sure it sticks well to both the seal and the surrounding skin. Hold it in place for 30 to 60 seconds

Your mouldable seal is now forming a seal between your skin and your pouch – improving fit and reducing leaks. Some people prefer to place the mouldable seal directly onto the flange first – lining it up with the hole before applying the pouch. It’s all about finding what works best for you.

Mouldable seals can make a big difference in your stoma care – helping your pouch stay in place, protecting your skin, and reducing leaks. If you’re not sure which type is right for you, your stoma care nurse can help you choose and show you how to apply it.

Flange extenders are adhesive strips that are applied over the edges of your stoma pouch. They help to secure the pouch more firmly, particularly around the flange – also called the baseplate – which is the area most prone to lifting.

By reinforcing these edges, flange extenders help reduce the risk of lifting and leaks and can increase pouch wear time.

Flange extenders may be useful if you: 
• Have a hernia or uneven abdomen 
• Are very active and put extra strain on your pouch 
• When you’re on holiday or in hot weather 
• Have issues with your flange lifting or leaking 
Or simply want added confidence in your pouch’s security. 

Some people use flange extenders every day, while others might only use them for certain activities like swimming, running or sports.

Flange extenders come in different shapes, sizes, and materials to suit your needs. Here are some examples:
• Hydrocolloid extenders, like HydroFrame, are thicker and provide a strong, skin-friendly adhesive
• Ultra-thin film extenders, like UltraFrame, are discreet and ideal for active lifestyles

You can also choose smaller, mini extenders to support sensitive or smaller areas.

HydroFrame flange extenders are made with Manuka honey-infused hydrocolloid, which is gentle on skin and made from food-grade ingredients. 

They provide excellent adhesion and are ideal for extending the wear time of your pouch, particularly during gardening, exercise or everyday movement. 

They’re available in regular and mini sizes depending on your needs.

Step-by-Step Application

1. Take one HydroFrame flange extender out of the pack
2. Remove the top half of the release liner
3. Place it over the flange, making sure at least 1cm covers the edge of the flange and the rest sticks to your skin
4. Press down gently, then remove the second half of the liner and apply pressure to secure
5. Repeat on the other side if needed

To remove, spray a small amount of medical adhesive remover at the top of the extender and gently peel away from the skin before removing your pouch.

UltraFrame flange extenders are the thinnest and most discreet option available. They’re waterproof, breathable and blend seamlessly with your skin—perfect for swimming, bathing or exercise.

UltraFrame is gentle on the skin and easy to remove, leaving no residue behind.

Step-by-Step Application

1. Remove an UltraFrame flange extender from the pack
2. Peel back the part of the liner marked 1 and position the extender over the edge of the flange, so part covers the flange and part touches the skin
3. Press down on the centre to adhere this section
4. Peel back liner 2 at the bottom and press into place
5. Peel back liner 3 at the top and press into place
6. Remove the final protective layer marked 4, starting with the top half, then the bottom half
7. Repeat on the other side with the next extender

To remove, grab the release tab and gently pull outwards. This lifts the extender away from the skin easily and leaves just a small piece of material to dispose of.

Whether you need more security every day, or just during certain activities, flange extenders can give you added confidence and comfort. 

From thicker hydrocolloid options to ultra-thin breathable film, there’s a solution to suit your body, your skin, and your lifestyle.