The use of an Alterna ostomy bag is crucial in colostomy care. It collects body waste after undergoing a colostomy. The waste is collected via your stoma outlet. It protects your stoma skin from coming into direct contact with stomal output. Moreover, it promotes your comfort and convenience in handling your colostomy care routine.
In this blog, you will explore why an Alterna bag should be your post-colostomy care companion and how it can redefine life after surgery.
Overview of Alterna Ostomy Bag
The Alterna ostomy bag is a drainable bag equipped with mechanical coupling. This bag offers extra reassurance. Let’s understand the 1-piece and 2-piece variants:
Alterna 1-Piece Ostomy Bag
This is a type of ostomy bag where the adhesive is permanently fixed to the bag. This means that if you want to change your bag, you will have to remove the entire appliance and replace it.
A 1-piece ostomy bag from Alterna is available with a flat or convex baseplate. It comes in a broad assortment of pre-cut or hole sizes. The bag is customizable and available in various sizes. You can choose a transparent or opaque bag.
Key Features of 1-Piece Ostomy Bag from Alterna
Here are some key features explaining why you should pick a 1-piece ostomy bag:
- It is a material combination designed to secure and protect your bag in a spiral structure.
- It securely adheres to your skin’s surface.
- The bag has a self-adhesive closing clip to provide a secure and easy-to-clean closure system.
- It is made of soft lining fabric, allowing your skin to breathe and dry quickly.
- The bag also includes an odour-proof film.
Alterna 2-Piece Ostomy Bag
The 2-piece Alterna ostomy bag is securely fixed to a baseplate with a mechanical coupling. It features an audible click to confirm a secure locking feature. Before locking the bag into its fixed position, you can rotate it to your desired position. You do not need to remove your bag from the baseplate to rotate it.
You can safely remove your bag from its spiral adhesive baseplate to change it.
Key Features of 2-Piece Alterna Ostomy Bag
Some key features include:
- It has a spiral adhesive to hold your bag securely onto your skin surface. It is skin-friendly.
- The 2-piece ostomy bag combines spirally structured material, ensuring security and protection.
- It securely adheres to the surface of your skin.
- It absorbs moisture from your skin, ensuring all-round protection from skin irritation.
- It has a hide-away outlet to simplify emptying and cleaning your bag. It also includes a closure that you can easily tuck away. You do not need a closure clamp for this.
- It has an efficient filter system with an integrated three-layered filter that prevents bag ballooning. This filter system also neutralises odours.
- It has a soft backing fabric. This fabric is both strong and water repellent. It dries quickly after washing or swimming.
Standard Features of 1-Piece and 2-Piece Ostomy Bags from Alterna
Here are the standard features of both 1-piece and 2-piece alterna ostomy bags:
Convexity of 1-Piece and 2-Piece Alterna Ostomy Bag
- Both variants offer different levels of convexity to help manage a stoma that is difficult to handle. They work well for retracted, flushed, or stomas located beneath skin folds. They also help apply pressure to the peristomal skin to reduce leakage.
- The convex light system is a solution for flushed or slightly retracted stomas. It ensures added security by applying gentle pressure over the abdomen.
- The convex system is designed for retracted stomas, deep folds, and scars. It ensures added security by applying moderate-to-high pressure over your abdomen.
Changing Your Alterna Ostomy Bag
Follow these steps to change your ostomy bag:
Prepare Your Changing Schedule
Identify a suitable time, preferably in the morning, as your gastrointestinal system may be less active.
Wash Your Hands Before and After
Make sure to wash your hands before and after changing your ostomy bag. Cleanliness is essential to prevent infections.
Removing Your Old Bag
Start by carefully peeling the skin barrier and sealing from your skin’s surface. Dispose of your old bag properly but retain its clip.
Checking Your Stoma
Your stoma should appear pink or red. Contact your surgeon immediately if it turns black, blue, or purple.
Wiping Around Your Stoma
Gently wipe the area around your stoma with ostomy wipes and allow it to dry.
Attaching Your New Bag
Use supplies such as Coloplast Barrier Cream to attach your bag to the peristomal skin and keep it sound.
Bottom line
The Alterna Ostomy Bag is a safe and secure companion for your colostomy care routine. It features a spiral adhesive and convex baseplate to deliver comfort and convenience.
The bag is made from premium-quality material, minimising the risks of skin irritation. However, maintain hygiene to avoid introducing microbes during handling. Always consult your doctor or surgeon before choosing the right type of bag. Embrace a worry-free post-ostomy life!
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