Why Does My Stoma Bag Keep Coming Off?

Stoma bags should not just ‘come off’. If your bag is lifting off, firstly check the size of the hole cut into the flange/baseplate. If your stoma bag does not fit snugly around your stoma, it can cause leaks which affect adhesion and harm the skin, which in turn makes it harder to get a good seal. Re-measure your stoma using the backing paper of the adhesive as a guide. You may want to stand in front of a mirror to do this. You can also call our CliniMed Careline on 0808 1596017 for a measuring guide. Once you are happy that your stoma size is correct, a home delivery service such as SecuriCare (Medical) Ltd, one of CliniMed’s sister companies, can cut the hole in the adhesive flange of your stoma bag to fit your stoma.

Make sure your skin is completely dry before applying your stoma bag, and do not use creams on the skin as these can interfere with adhesion. You may wish to try adhesive flange extenders like HydroFrame, which ‘picture-frame’ the flange to provide extra security if you are finding the bag lifts from the outside. Flange extenders should not be used to hold back bag leaks on a regular basis however,as this will lead to sore skin. Hyperseal washers can also be used, in dips and creases, to level out uneven skin surfaces to help ensure a good seal.

Maintaining healthy skin around your stoma is important for ensuring a good stoma bag seal. Your Stoma Care Nurse may recommend use of a skin barrier product like which form a protective film that shields the skin from damage and provides an ideal base for the adhesion of stoma bags. Silicone-based medical adhesive remover Appeel enables you to lift the stoma bag flange gently and easily from the skin, drying quickly so that your skin is ready for the next application.

Our CliniMed Careline team can talk through your routine and try and establish why you might be experiencing problems with adhesion, and what you can do to help. Give them a call on 0808 1596017.