If your ostomy bag keeps leaking, the problem often comes down to the fit of your current pouching system or the seal around your stoma. A skin barrier that’s the wrong size or shape, changes in your stoma and body, irritated or damp peristomal skin, and a full pouch are all factors that can contribute to ostomy pouch leaks.
An occasional leak can happen, but frequent ostomy bag leakage isn’t something you should have to live with. Finding the root of the issue and adjusting your products or pouching routine may help.
Below, we’ll go over 10 tips to troubleshoot ostomy pouch leaks, including when it may be time to talk to an ostomy nurse or try a different ostomy product.
Is Your Ostomy Bag Leaking Right Now?
If output has started leaking beneath your skin barrier, change your pouching system as soon as you can. Don’t try to tape the area or use paste to patch the leak, because this might trap leaking output and cause skin irritation.
The Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society™ (WOCN Society) recommends changing your pouching system at the first sign of leakage.
Sometimes, ostomy leaks are caused by the current ostomy pouch or pouching accessories. Our Ostomy Specialists can help you explore your options based on your prescription and your insurance plan’s coverage for ostomy supplies.
Top 10 Tips to Reduce the Risk of Ostomy Bag Leakage
Tip 1. Use the right type and size of ostomy skin barrier for your needs.
First, ensure you’re using the right ostomy supplies to fit your unique body and stoma. The right size and type of skin barrier, also known as a wafer, will adhere snugly and keep your skin protected from irritation and leakage. This is important because you want your stoma output to flow into your ostomy pouch, not under or around the skin barrier.
Convex skin barriers may be helpful for some ostomates with a flush or recessed stoma, skin folds, creases, or other challenging body contours. Because every stoma and abdomen is different, talk with an ostomy nurse before changing your barrier shape or level of convexity.
Tip 2. Measure your stoma to get the right size for your skin barrier.
Getting the right size can make all the difference in how your ostomy appliance fits. A skin barrier that doesn’t provide a snug fit may allow stomal output to seep under or around it, leading to leakage.
Even if you have used the same size skin barrier for a while, it might not be the right size for you today as it was months ago. This is because stoma size and shape can gradually change over time, though the most significant changes usually occur during the weeks and months after ostomy surgery as it heals.
That’s why it’s important to regularly measure your stoma to be sure you’re still getting a good, snug fit. 180 Medical can help you figure out the right size for your unique stoma shape.
Here’s a helpful video from Convatec that shows you how to size your stoma.
Tip 3. Apply your ostomy skin barrier to clean, dry skin.
To ensure your ostomy pouch stays secure and leak-free, apply your skin barrier to clean skin. Also, be sure your peristomal skin is dry before applying your pouching system. If you’ve been sweating or swimming or if you’ve just recently taken a bath or shower, dry your skin with a clean towel.
Don’t use oily or alcohol-based lotions, soaps, or hair removal creams around your stoma. Be sure to only apply ostomy-safe skincare products.
If hair around the stoma interferes with your barrier seal, talk to your ostomy nurse about the safest way to remove or trim it. Overly frequent shaving may irritate the hair follicles.
Tip 4. Keep your peristomal skin healthy.
If the skin surrounding your stoma is weepy, raw, rashy, or irritated, it’s telling you something is wrong. Not only will skin conditions like this make it harder to keep your ostomy appliance secure and properly sealed, but they can also lead to more problems down the road if left unchecked.
First, consider talking to your doctor or an ostomy nurse about any skin issues. They are qualified to offer medical advice and may be able to pinpoint the cause of your skin issues, such as an allergic reaction, a poorly fitting ostomy pouch system, leakage-related irritation, or too frequent skin barrier changes.
Next, talk to our Ostomy Product Specialists at 180 Medical. Our highly trained team members can provide you with options to help reduce and prevent skin irritation. For example, ESENTA™ Stomahesive Protective Ostomy Powder is a specialized powder that absorbs moisture, creating a protective barrier. This may help maintain the health of your peristomal skin while increasing the wear time of your ostomy pouch.
Tip 5. Consider using an ostomy belt for additional security.
If your ostomy pouch leaks most often during physical activity or movement, you may need additional support from an ostomy belt.
Ostomy belts attach to your pouch and wrap around your waist for a comfortable, secure fit while providing support to offset the weight of your ostomy bag. This is especially helpful when you’re exercising with an ostomy and want to reduce the risk of stoma leaks.
Tip 6. Make sure you empty or change your pouch frequently.
The fuller your ostomy bag gets, the more it weighs down and pulls against the seal around your stoma. This is actually one of the number one causes of frequent ostomy leaks. It’s important to make sure you’re taking bathroom breaks to empty or change your pouch throughout the day. This helps reduce the risk of leakage or blowout due to an overfull ostomy pouch.
A good rule of thumb is to empty your pouch when it’s about 1/3 full. By the time it’s halfway full, your pouch will likely weigh more and exert more pressure against your ostomy seal. Above all, avoid the danger zone: when your bag is so full that output collects around the stoma itself. This highly increases the risk of leakage.
Also, if you primarily experience leaks at night:
- Empty your pouch before bed
- Avoid letting it become overly full
- Make sure the filter isn’t blocked
- Try a position that doesn’t compress the pouch beneath you
- For those with a urostomy, consider the Convatec® Night Drainage System
Tip 7. Avoid ileostomy and colostomy bag blowouts by reducing gas or using a pouch with a filter.
Ileostomy and colostomy bag blowouts are one of the dreaded issues many ostomates face. This is because gases from fecal output can build up and fill a pouch quite quickly. The bag’s weakest point is usually the first place to fail, either the drain outlet near the bottom of the stoma bag or the barrier-to-pouch connection.
First, let’s focus on the type of pouch you’re using. You may want to start using a pouch with an enhanced charcoal filter, which allows your bag to “burp” throughout the day, reducing the risk of pouch ballooning or later blowouts. Plus, pouches such as the new Natura + Two-Piece Ostomy Systems with enhanced filters reduce odors. These pouches were designed with feedback from ostomy nurses and ostomates, so they offer additional security features, such as an audible click when you snap your pouch to your barrier.
Also, talk to your doctor or ostomy nurse about ways to start reducing gas with simple dietary changes. Limiting gas-causing foods and beverages, such as broccoli, beans, dairy products, onions, carbonated drinks, sugars, and artificial sweeteners, may be a good first step.
Tip 8. Avoid pancaking in your colostomy bag.
Pancaking is a term used to describe what happens when thicker ostomy output doesn’t drop to the bottom of the pouch. Instead, it may collect near the top of the pouch or even around the stoma. This can cause leakage for people using colostomy bags or people with an ileostomy who have thick output.
It can be a frustrating problem. However, we can easily troubleshoot this issue! First, consider using a pouch lubricant such as a lubricating deodorant or lubricating drops to coat the inside of your pouch. This helps your stool slide down to the bottom of your pouch. However, if you’re using ostomy pouch lubricant, be sure to reapply it whenever you empty your pouch.
In addition, you may want to try a few easy lifestyle changes to help soften your stool. Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Some ostomates prefer drinking beverages like apple, grape, or prune juice to help soften their colostomy output, too.
Tip 9. Make sure your ostomy products aren’t expired or damaged.
Adhesive properties and even the fit or effectiveness of certain ostomy products can change if used past their expiration date. The best way to avoid this is to always check the expiration date on the packages of your ostomy products before using them.
Be sure to keep your ostomy supplies out of the sun and never leave them in the car. You don’t want your ostomy products to get too hot or too cold. Store them indoors and follow any storage instructions on the packaging for your ostomy supplies.
Tip 10. Try ostomy accessories to achieve a more secure seal.
Lastly, to avoid leaks from your ostomy bag, consider trying new ostomy accessories to enhance your pouching routine.
You may also benefit from using moldable barrier rings, such as eakin freeseal® ostomy seals, which help fill in uneven skin surfaces around the stoma to create a more secure pouch seal and reduce leaks.
If you’re seeing leftover adhesive residue on your skin, which can interfere with your pouch seal, consider using an adhesive remover, such as the ESENTA™ Adhesive Remover Wipes and Spray, or barrier strips, like ESENTA™ Hydrocolloid Barrier Strips, which are flexible, waterproof barrier strips that can help keep your ostomy skin barrier in place.
Answering Your FAQs About Ostomy Bag Leaks
Why does my ostomy bag keep leaking?
Ostomy pouch leaks can happen for many reasons, including an improper skin barrier fit, changes in your stoma size or shape, irritated skin around your stoma (peristomal skin), gas buildup, or damaged or expired supplies. It can even happen sometimes if your pouch becomes too full before you change it out or empty it.
Frequent leaks may also simply mean that your current pouching system is not fitting as securely as it should. 180 Medical’s Ostomy Specialists will be glad to go over what issues you’re experiencing and help you find the right product solution based on your insurance coverage and prescription.
If leaks continue or you’re experiencing symptoms that may be an emergency, like bleeding or strange discoloration, talk with your prescribing healthcare provider as soon as possible
Can the wrong ostomy barrier size cause leakage?
Yes, it’s possible. If your skin barrier opening is too large, output from your stoma can get under the barrier and irritate the skin. If the opening is too small, it may rub against or even injure your stoma.
Especially in the first few months after your ostomy surgery, your stoma size and shape can change as it heals, so measuring your stoma regularly can help you maintain the right fit.
Why does my ostomy pouch leak at night?
Nighttime ostomy leaks can occur for various reasons, and they can all impact your sleep. Sometimes, nighttime pouch leaks occur when your pouch becomes too full or when output collects near the stoma because of your sleep position.
If the pouch is positioned incorrectly or compressed while you sleep, or if it doesn’t stay properly sealed, that can also cause nighttime leakage.
Our customer, Darlene, who has lived with her ileostomy for decades, likes to set an alarm halfway through the night to check her pouch and make sure it’s not too full. She’ll empty or change it, then head back to bed.
Can irritated skin around my stoma make leaks worse?
Yes. Raw, weepy, or irritated peristomal skin may make it harder for your skin barrier to adhere properly. Ongoing leakage can also worsen skin irritation, creating a cycle that becomes difficult to manage without help.
If you’re dealing with irritated skin and the situation isn’t improving, we can connect you with a certified ostomy nurse by phone to discuss your concerns and find a solution.
Still Dealing with Frequent Ostomy Pouch Leaks?
If you’ve adjusted your pouching routine, tried a few different options to reduce leaks, and you’re still having ostomy bag leakage, it’s possible that the current pouch or ostomy accessories may not be right for your stoma, skin, and body contours. You don’t have to keep troubleshooting it alone.
Talk with your healthcare provider or a certified ostomy nurse if leakage continues, your peristomal skin is irritated, or if you notice any concerning changes to your stoma.
180 Medical’s Ostomy Specialists can also help you navigate your ostomy pouch options and different pouching accessories based on your prescription, insurance coverage, and individual needs. Contact us to request free samples.
Disclaimer: Content provided on 180medical.com is for general educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Product and sample availability may vary based on your insurance plan, prescription, and other requirements. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your condition, treatment, or medical supply needs.
