How to Use Ostomy Filter Stickers!

If you were wondering what those stickers that come with your ostomy bags are for - watch this video!
Filter stickers can be used to keep your ostomy filter dry, but I go over some other uses that I've come across that can help you in various situations.
Written article:
www.veganostomy.ca/ostomy-fil...
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[@dawnmcgrew2874]

SAVED ME!!! I was having incredible pancaking issues with my Senura Mio 2 piece. Tried filter sticker immediately after watching and had results within an hour! I have gotten so much help from you...THANK YOU VO...I am mid 50s in a halo for rest of my life and had permanent colostomy surgery 10/3...2 months ago.

[@VeganOstomy]

This is why whenever I say to myself, "is this video worth making?", I keep making them =) Glad it helped!

[@marlaparslow3316]

Dawn McGrew I have pancaking issues as well so this was very good to know..

[@kaym804]

Dawn McGrew X

[@marlaparslow3316]

As always another informative video thanks so much !!

[@me9kamp]

Another very informative video. Being new to ostomies, this is so helpful. I feel like it’s difficult to find information and get support. Thanks again.

[@VeganOstomy]

Thank you, Mary. All the best to you 👌👌

[@HammerHealedCD]

The most important,informative YT video i have watched since becoming an ostomate. Thank you so much.

[@VeganOstomy]

Thanks for watching!

[@karenlayton5781]

Thank you I really didn't know what they were for.

[@dariennemcauley4478]

Another very useful video. I wondered what on earth these little stickers were for with my SenSura Mio stuff. No explanation was included. And now I know. Thanks so much.

[@VeganOstomy]

Very welcome

[@flowerpetals1396]

You have made me realise that, on my sample bags, I should not have removed and thrown away the filter covers. Will be sticking Micropor Tape over the filters later. Thank you.

[@kirstenshawkhan2210]

Thank you! Great information 😀

[@VeganOstomy]

You are so welcome!

[@jessicajones9071]

Thank you so much! This was so helpful! I use the mio sensura from coloplast and couldn't figure out the teal stickers!

[@VeganOstomy]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching.

[@janizod2508]

It used to seem that my stoma would suck the air out of a new pouch and cause pancaking. I've stopped that completely by doing 2 things. The first thing I do when a new box of pouches comes is to cover all the filters (which Hollister are happy to send). My stoma nurse told me it's important to ensure that both parts of the filter are covered. Secondly, when preparing the new pouch I squirt baby oil into it, holding the bag upright and aiming the oil at the filter inside. Then I rub it to make sure the oil has been rubbed into the filter, before squishing the pouch to spread the oil.

[@VeganOstomy]

Glad that works for you! It's surprising that Hollister has filters to send, but I suspect that some of their older filters needed to be covered.

[@jbdebbielish8483]

Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 🇸🇦 Watching I've learnt in caregiving a patient with Estomy 16th April 2021

[@melissa102886]

I love filter stickers! I actually put one on every time I change my bag and leave it on because my output is super liquidy. My filters clog up within hours so for me the sticker stops leaks and any odors.

[@VeganOstomy]

+Melissa Gebhardt Nice! Do you have an option of going with a non-filtered pouch or do you still find the filter useful sometimes?

[@melissa102886]

I use the SenSura Mio 1 piece from Coloplast. I'm not even sure if they offer it with no filter, I'll have to check into that.

[@youthecat]

Ah, Melissa... YOU, my friend (well, you are now!) have just saved me a whole lotta research. I just found out that the one bag that works best for me (a Hollister 1-piece) and my ileostomy is NOT available w/o a filter. I don't get why... I knew I couldn't be the only one whose output finds that thing and breaches it! I really didn't know about these stickers/covers and now I see that you use them successfully for exactly what I'd need them for. So, THANK YOU! 😀

[@annthistleton2930]

ah that's why I'm getting odder as my filliter is getting clogged. I'll have to try wearing one of my bags with a sticker over my filliter. Thanks Eric.

[@angelforanimals7809]

Who disliked this video? We must find them and put filter stickers all over their face! 😆

[@VeganOstomy]

+Angel For Animals I get dislikes on several videos and would rather just have the feedback as to why someone doesn't like it. Is the information wrong? Bad audio? Poor video? I can't make better content without feedback 🤔

[@angelforanimals7809]

Vegan Ostomy ~ Exactly. I sometimes think people dislike videos just because they want to be rebels 😉

[@marlaparslow3316]

Vegan Ostomy your videos are amazing anyone who dislikes is just being a ass

[@tnabs]

Angel For Animals thank you!

[@tnabs]

You deserve so many props for all of the education you do!

[@Janito53]

I am trying this now, I had to leave church last night do to pancaking it was licking. I tried oils and cutting the big filter of the sensura but never covered the charcoal. I will do that and let you know

[@christinesmylie7059]

Thank you; have had showers since surgery four months ago; but as the extender flanges were all secure I had a bath today; wondered how I got some water in the bag!! Will use the sticker in future! Personally I dont find that the filters let ANY gas out of my Pelican bag!!!

[@Pecas_Love]

1:54 I got the hollister 18193 with filter for my sister. Our question is if we need to remove the plastic covering the filter or use the bag as it is. This bag has the filter you mention on this video. Thanks a lot!

[@VeganOstomy]

Out of the box, there is nothing you need to remove from the filter. What's there is a membrane that keeps water out, but lets gasses escape. The only time you'd need to consider removing something from the filter is if you've attached a filter sticker, which don't tend to come with Hollister bags. Best to you!

[@Pecas_Love]

@@VeganOstomyyou are the best, thanks for your help❗️

[@joelzaranka1022]

My Hollister bag filter failed and I kept getting odors. Checked and checked the bag itself and decovered it was the filter that gave away

[@VeganOstomy]

Have you used those Hollister bags for long? I know they've made changes over the last year and a bit, and I wouldn't be surprised if that's happening because of those changes. Hollister filters are usually pretty reliable, but even I've gone with filterless bags for some time now.

[@joelzaranka1022]

No haven't been at this long. Had surgery February 1st 2022

[@VeganOstomy]

If the rest of the bag is ok for you, then I'd suggest going with the filterless version. If you are having other problems with the bag, consider sampling other brands to see if there's anything better for you. Unfortunately, most filters are pretty bad and/or unreliable :(

[@rosemarybaranowsky6746]

Hi Eric, So I am using the Hollister bag with filter and get horrible pancaking. It seems to have 2 filters side by side. Which one do I cover with sticker? Can I cover half of the filter to still get venting but stop the vacuum effect I always get?

[@VeganOstomy]

Hi Rosemary, The Hollister filter has a black and white side. The white side exists out of the bag and that's what you'll want to cover. You'll need to remove the sticker when you want the bag to vent. With pancaking, make sure that you've got some air in our bag before you cover the filter. This will allow stool to drop down without getting pressed by the bag. Good luck!

[@Kay126897]

Hey Eric I just had to switch bags to a Convatec 1-Piece recently. The stickers are kind of odd to me. I'm not sure if you put the white part of the sticker on the filter or the wider clear part. Can you help me? Thanks :)

[@VeganOstomy]

Is the sticker large enough to go over the entire area of the filter and onto the clear part of the bag? Try to cover as much of the filter as possible (ideally, all of it).

[@johnsayle5540]

Been in a terrible mess after coming home from hospital after a colostomy. Been home 10 days. Been out three times on every occasion bag leaked. After looking on u tube it’s pancaking “can’t get an appointment until next week with stoma nurse So have put a lump of wet toilet paper in bottom of bag and have put a sticker over filter ! Will bag fill up with gas causing seal to break and again causing a leak ? I’m at my Whitt’s end it’s my granddaughters birthday tomorrow won’t be able to go. Thank you for your brilliant advice page. John.

[@VeganOstomy]

Oh, John. I'm sorry that you're having a rough time. 10 day out is still very early, so take things slow if you can. With a filter sticker on, you can remove it when needed if your bag starts to fill with gas. Keep in mind that most filters will clog pretty quickly and will be ineffective. Replacing the bag will ensure it works again, and you can cover it again if needed.

[@christianaolaniyi925]

What are filters. Are they on steadlive one piece pouch. I have stickers but do not know how to use them

[@VeganOstomy]

Filters are put on bags to help remove any build-up of gas in the pouch. Not all bags have them, but the ones that do are obvious as they tend to be near the top of the bag. If you have a filter, then you can cover it with the included stickers as per the video. But if you don't have a filter, then you don't have to worry about these.

[@mohamedbaucha7358]

I have 2 pieces coloplast bags. My problem is ballooning and I remove the sticker, ballooning problem is solved but the air which come out of the filter is moist and the black moisture spread into my clothes due to charcoal. Please note that I wash by spraying in my bag with water after every drain, I hope this is not the cause of moisture.

[@VeganOstomy]

It could be. When you rinse the bag, try not to let the water reach the filter on the inside and see of that helps.

[@cynthiasmith5138]

I have never used a filter sticker ever. I use the two part "Mio". I remove the entire appliance while showering, however I do not shower every day. Therefore I have not been concerned with water getting in. I have not been in swimming for quite some time, I would apply a sticker swimming or in a hot tub.

[@laurenskis9663]

Hi! I use the sensura mio click for my ileostomy and I use the stickers strategically. Despite the prefilter, within just a few hours of a bag change my flutter has clogged and started to smell, and if I don’t get it covered up it leaks from the filter. Sometimes it even gets bad enough that the stickers won’t stick to it anymore. I’m guessing this is because my output is so liquidy, but I’m not sure. Once the filler has gotten wet (usuals with 2-4hrs off a change) it does me no good. Would it help me to try a bag without a filter, or would it not make much of a difference? I got some osto-EZ vents that I plan on trying out soon, I just haven’t gotten around to it yet, and I’m hoping that will help decrease need for a filter anyways.

[@VeganOstomy]

Hi Lauren, I've actually switched over to non-filtered bags over the last year because I also found that most will clog quickly and it wasn't worth the hassle of dealing with clogged filters. I do suggest trying filterless bags to see if you like it, and if you still experience gas then the EZ-Vent is still a good option, provided you understand its limitations (i.e it doesn't filter the odor coming from the vent when you've opend it).

[@ahmyself1]

Gas builds up in my moms convatec and she opens up and burps her are we suppose to do something to make the filter let gas out

[@VeganOstomy]

That is a common way of doing it. Filters should be allowing gas to pass through without needing to do anything more, but unfortunately, they clog up quickly for most people and stop being effective after a very short time. Some filters work better than others, but none are great (or even good!). This is one area of improvement that I hope will be addressed by ostomy bag manufacturers.

[@edhill4619]

Hi, I’m new to this and I’m wearing the sensura mio and I find there is a lot of smell from it. I get a lot of gas in the bag, should this be coming out through the filter? I’d like to cover it so the smell stops but afraid of the gas buildup. Could you help please?

[@VeganOstomy]

Hey Ed. Are you certain that the smell is coming from the filter and not the wafer (leak) or outlet (residue that hasn't been cleaned off)? It's certainly possible for odor to escape from the filter, so if you believe that to be the source then go ahead and cover the filter. You should be able to remove the sticker to vent any gas. At least, up until the point where the filter is clogged and no longer effective. Good luck!

[@yolandabritton]

Hello Eric, wondering how long can you keep filter stickers on? Thank you.

[@VeganOstomy]

Hey Yolanda. I haven't tested it, since I would only use the stickers on an 'as needed' basis, but provided that you aren't reusing them, I suspect they'll stay on as long as your appliance is on. Caveat: stickers that go onto a bag with a cloth cover likely won't stay on as long as one that's being stuck to the actual plastic portion of the bag (i.e transparent bags).

[@jensaracin8446]

Hi! Love you videos - Do you know WHERE we can BUY filter stickers? My pouches (Holister) do not include them but I have a few sheets that the Hospiltal gave to me! Any help will be greatly appreciated!!

[@VeganOstomy]

Most brands will include them in the box, but as you've noted, Hollister does that. That's because Hollister filters are designed NOT to need filter stickers to protect them from moisture, but some people still prefer to use them, especially if pancaking is an issue. You can use pretty much anything that sticks, even just regular tape. If you visit a local dollar store, you may even be able to find multiple sheets of stickers at a very low cost. I think even blank mailing label sheets would work, just get whatever size is appropriate for your needs. 🙂

[@angelforanimals7809]

Hey Eric, I don't know how to get ahold of you other than here so I hope you don't mind me bringing this up here. I'm wondering what is the longest you have ever worn a bag without changing it. Last Tuesday, the 28th of November, I changed my bag. Normally I would need to change it within five days times. Today was the day that I needed to change it, so a full seven days plus part of another day. I found that to be a long time. I had no problems with the bag during those almost eight days. No leak, no burning, nothing wrong with the actual bag, no odor...nothing. It probably could have gone at least until tomorrow but I didn't want to push my luck lol the skin is fine, no signs at all that I should have changed sooner. Just wondering if there are any reasons I don't know of to wear it that long. Thanks for all of you help, I appreciate it. Some people say I should talk to a Dr about things, but my Dr doesn't have a bag so he wouldn't know as well as someone who does ✌️

[@VeganOstomy]

Hey there, if you need to get in touch, it's easier to do so through my site: www.veganostomy.ca/contact-me/ But to your question, I tend to change my appliance every 3-4 days. I find that my skin is better when doing that, the filter on my bag needs to be replaced by then, and I find the cloth on many bags seem to fall apart much longer than that. However.... I've gone 7 days without any leaks or anything like that, but my skin doesn't like it very much and I usually need to shave before then anyway. If you can get 7 or 8 days without any trouble, go for it! =) Some people have suggested that wearing your appliance that long might promote yeast infections around your stoma, but I haven't seen any data to support it. Most North American nurses will try to get patients up to 7-day wear, while in other countries (where supplies are free), they encourage patients to change after only a day or so.

[@angelforanimals7809]

Vegan Ostomy ~ Okay. I bookmarked you page. Thank you for the information. This change just seemed to last a long time. I don't know why. I had even put it on myself and as I've said, doing it alone rarely turns out good lol thanks again!

[@VeganOstomy]

+Angel For Animals Glad it worked out and I hope you have many more like it 😁

[@angelforanimals7809]

Vegan Ostomy ~ Thank you. I don't want my husband to be my nurse any more. ✌️

[@patmartens4751]

Thank you so much for all your help. I am very old and have had my ostomy for six months now. I find the whole set up very expensive and the selection of makes is very limited in South Africa so your videos have been of great help to me. Thank goodness for an IPAD and you.

[@VeganOstomy]

Who knew these could be used to help prevent "pancaking"? =)

[@christinahollinscarradine9019]

I used it to stop leaking from ostomy bag, is that bad

[@VeganOstomy]

Leaking from the filter? Unfortunately, sometimes you have to! If it's an ongoing problem, I would look into getting the same ostomy bags without the filter or change to another brand to see if it helps. If your output is liquid, consider using a gelling product to make things solid and less likely to leak.

[@computersai8236]

I have to cover my bag every time I go to bathe ?

[@VeganOstomy]

You don't necessarily have to cover your entire bag before bathing (unless you prefer to), but if you have a filter then you should cover it up before getting wet.

[@janethamilton7338]

Should I use a sticker every time I shower ?

[@VeganOstomy]

Yes. That would be ideal since it only takes one time for the filter to get wet before it stops working effectively.

[@JB-wy8fc]

I've had an illeostomy for a few years now and I've never quite understood the filter stickers? I use coloplast sensura mio bags. Can the stool get out of the filter? I've never had this happen but I've always been curious

[@VeganOstomy]

Hey Jonny. I haven't had stool come out of the Mio filter, but it should be covered with a sticker if you go swimming or get it wet during showers (or else the filter will clot from the outside). Take care!

[@JB-wy8fc]

I didn't know that! Thanks for the tip! Really appreciate it

[@VeganOstomy]

+jonny bowerbank Glad I could help!

[@youthecat]

I'm about to embark on a new (to me), perfect (for me) bag from Hollister that *only* comes with the filter. The samples worked well except for that filter: My poop's desire was to breach that thing asap, which as I think we can all agree is ever so slightly less than ideal. Can I get/apply/trust(?) a filter sticker and leave it on for several days? Will it become compromised somehow before, say, 5 days is up? (That's the max # of days I get out of these.) Right now Hollister wants me to try a 2-piece, but this far-from-spring-chickenhood unit has been down that road before. Let's just say.... no. Thanks in advance!

[@VeganOstomy]

When i was using filters that would clog quickly, I'd stick a filter on there for many days without any real issues. But that's only with the Hollister filters, which have a protective membrane on them. Some filters from other brands would leak though, so a sticker wouldnt be enough. Good luck! I hope everything works well for you.

[@youthecat]

@@VeganOstomy : In lieu of stickers which I've ordered in anticipation of my next ostomy order, I used a piece of "water-resistant" tape since that's all I have. I've had it on for 24 hours... so we'll see. Thanks a bunch - you're appreciated! Oh wait... did you say somewhere that Hollister includes stickers with their filtered bags? I've been using Convatec non-filters (sounds like a cigarette!) for eons.

[@VeganOstomy]

Hollister does not include stickers with their bags, since they have that membrane on them. They probably should, though 😂

[@youthecat]

@@VeganOstomy : Ok, thank you kindly!

[@Mary-fs6id]

Ciao mi piacerebbe avere i sottotitoli in italiano.Grazie

[@VeganOstomy]

Ciao Mary. KZbin dovrebbe avere un'opzione per la traduzione automatica nei sottotitoli. Per favore, controlla per vedere se funziona.

[@Normel29]

Hello. Could you please answer me do I have to pierce the filter with some pin or needle? Because it's covered by plastic I don't know how the air will be released.

[@VeganOstomy]

Which brand of ostomy bag are you using? You should not have to poke any holes on the filter. Some have a membrane that allows gas to pass through (ideally), and that often looks like a plastic/paper cover over the filter.

[@Normel29]

@@VeganOstomy Actually it's for my mother she lives in Armenia where there are no bags with filter, for 8 months she was using bags with no filter. Now I am trying to help her in distance as I live far. This one from Amazon seems the filter is covered with plastic, the air doesn't come out. In instructions there is nothing written about filter use.

[@Normel29]

The brand name is Ephimort

[@VeganOstomy]

@@Normel29 I use bags without filters, and have for many years now. I think that many people find that the filters on these bags are not very effective past the first day of use. But I would suggest asking the seller on that Amazon page about the filter. I haven't heard of the brand, and I'm not sure why they would have a filter covered in plastic, assuming there's no other way for gas to escape. Would you happen to have a link to these bags? I'd like to see for myself!

[@Normel29]

@@VeganOstomy I tried to put the link here many times but the comment gets delated from KZbin. I put the link temporary on my channel description so you can check it out. Using bags without filter you have to wake up at nights to release the air right? My mom has this problem like 2 3 times at night she wakes up for that reason. And thank you very much for your replies.

[@rosevldross5078]

Thats not what i need to know. The 2 filters that are the top on hollister pouch , do n they work automatically or need to be opened. Nobody answers this in any site

[@VeganOstomy]

They work on their own, but you'll likely find that they stop working pretty quickly if you have an ileostomy.

[@tifahxx]

how to get air out of your bag

[@VeganOstomy]

If you are using a filter sticker and your filter is still good (i.e not clogged), you can simply remove the sticker as your bag fills with air. Alternatively, you can also "burp" your bag : kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ-vdWOsgJdroNU

[@Care-cora]

Eric, I hope you invent a way to improve colostomy’s Then get rather rich. LOL Or at least I hope different companies support you for reviewing their products.

[@VeganOstomy]

Companies who make these products are always looking for ways to improve their products. Sometimes, they will even pay to have "user" feedback, and oftentimes that's something that your stoma nurse would be able to get you started with. But even just sending the company your feedback on their product is valuable to them.

[@Care-cora]

@@VeganOstomy I am an old nurse. I’ve been named to Dementia whisperer. I rarely get to perform colostomy care. Found your Utube channel and just was packed with knowledge and motivation. I’m usually one who thinks. How does this body change affect this person? I just gathered so much that I think I can try to be a colostomy whisper. Lol Not really. But you are. When nursing students teach the class. I want to run outside and play. And you can just imagine how a person feels after that. I just imagined how you do things. And I want to recommend you to my fellow nurses and those with colostomy’s Thank you for your time and talent. My goal is to see their eyes light up with love. Like yours do in your videos. God bless you and protect you.

[@VeganOstomy]

😊😊 I'm honored to have that kind of impact. Thank you for your kind words 😃

[@brigittepoignant1071]

Pourquoi c est pas traduit en français

[@VeganOstomy]

Bonjour, Brigitte! Il devrait y avoir une option sur KZbin pour la "traduction automatique" et le français sera là. Je suis désolé de ne pas avoir pu ajouter une traduction française déjà dans la vidéo.

[@brigittepoignant1071]

@@VeganOstomytraduction en français

[@allylondon9579]

"Vegan ostomy:? 😳

[@VeganOstomy]

😱

[@mander40101]

Skip to 5:37. Very wordy without actual useful information.

[@VeganOstomy]

Thanks for the feedback. For new ostomates who don't know how a bag filter works, I'd suggest not skipping that far into the video. Many patients don't even know what the filter on their bag is when they first have their surgery.