Colostomy Supplies
Colostomy supplies and pouching systems are used to collect stool output from your stoma while helping to protect the peristomal skin and support a secure seal throughout your day, whether you’re at home, on the go, or sleeping.
At 180 Medical, we specialize in colostomy supplies, including colostomy bags, skin barrier, barrier seals, adhesive removers, and colostomy accessories such as lubricating pouch deodorant to help reduce odors and pancaking.
Our Ostomy Specialists have years of experience in helping our customers get the supplies they need and making the process as stress-free as possible.
Whether you’ve been living with your colostomy for years or are brand new to life as an ostomate, 180 Medical would love to be the supplier you can rely on for your colostomy products. Ready to get started? We can verify your insurance coverage or help you request free ostomy samples when available.
Colostomy Product Options at 180 Medical
Your healthcare provider will help you understand what colostomy products may be right for your needs, anatomy, output frequency, and lifestyle.
Based on your prescription and insurance coverage for colostomy products, 180 Medical can help you explore the many colostomy supplies and accessories that may be available to you, including:
- Colostomy bags, including one-piece and two-piece pouching systems
- Flat or convex skin barriers and flanges
- Barrier rings or seals
- Pouch deodorant
- Adhesive remover wipes or spray
- Skin barrier wipes or spray
- Pouch filters
- Stoma paste
- Ostomy belt
To see more colostomy product options and colostomy accessories, browse our online supply catalog.
Common Types of Colostomy Bags
Colostomy bags are designed to collect stool output from a colostomy. Pouches may come in different sizes and styles, including closed-end pouches and drainable colostomy pouches.
Closed-End Colostomy Pouches
Closed-end pouches are designed to be used once, then removed and disposed of without emptying. Some people may prefer a closed pouch, depending on their output frequency and consistency, their lifestyle, and their healthcare provider’s recommendations.
Drainable Colostomy Pouches
Drainable pouches are designed to be emptied as needed and reused throughout the day before it needs to be changed out. These are a good option for people with higher output who need to empty their pouch more often.
One-Piece or Two-Piece: Which to Choose?
When it comes to choosing which type of colostomy pouch is right for you and your colostomy, your healthcare provider or ostomy nurse is the best go-to.
Typically, it comes down to your needs and preferences. Some people need or prefer the convenience of an all-in-one system where the skin barrier and colostomy bag are pre-attached, while others, particularly users who do frequent pouch changes or use a one-pouch pouch, may prefer to have a separate skin barrier so they can change out pouches without causing too much irritation to their skin.
Not sure which is right for you? 180 Medical can help you try free samples, based on your prescription and insurance coverage.
An Easy, Reliable Option for Getting Colostomy Supplies Delivered
Managing your colostomy supplies shouldn’t have to feel confusing or stressful. You shouldn’t have to be left wondering whether you’re receiving enough products or worrying about when your order will arrive.
With 180 Medical, you can trust that we’ll give you dependable service and caring support. We do more than ship supplies to your home.
Our team helps verify your insurance plan to understand what is covered, obtain any needed documentation or prescriptions from your healthcare provider, and explore your options.
And our service doesn’t stop there. When your needs change, or you have a question, you can reach out to our friendly Ostomy Specialists. We can even connect our customers to a team of certified ostomy nurses for medical questions, such as issues with skin irritation or leakage.
And we make reordering easy, with timely reminders and access to your customer account through the My 180 Medical Customer Portal or the free-to-download My 180 Medical App.
Plus, no need to worry about ordering your colostomy products through your local pharmacy. 180 Medical discreetly ships your order right to your door. That’s just a fraction of what we do to make the process of getting your colostomy bags less stressful for you.
Experience the 180 Medical difference and contact us today!
Helpful Ostomy Links and Resources
If you’d like to learn more about colostomy products and living with an ostomy, check out some of our helpful guides and resources.
- Tips for Choosing the Right Colostomy Bag
- Ostomy Care & Application Instructions
- What Can I Eat After Colostomy Surgery?
- Answers to Common Ostomy Questions (Ordering, Insurance, Stoma Care, and More)
- Tips for Traveling with an Ostomy
- Convatec’s downloadable guide for Living with Confidence After Colostomy Surgery
Colostomy FAQs About Products, Ordering, and Insurance
Will my insurance cover colostomy supplies?
Medicare and many private plans will cover medically necessary colostomy supplies. However, a prescription is required, and some plans will also require additional supporting documentation.
State Medicaid plans vary state-by-state.
Depending on your plan, the products covered and the number you are eligible to receive per month will vary.
180 Medical can verify your insurance for you. Then, our specialists will reach out to you to go over your coverage for the colostomy supplies you need and explore product options based on your benefits and prescription.
Do I need a prescription to get colostomy bags?
Yes, insurance plans typically need a valid prescription from a qualified prescribing healthcare professional before they will cover ostomy supplies, including colostomy pouches and accessories. Some plans, such as Medicare, may also need supporting progress notes or documentation.
What types of supplies do I need if I have a colostomy?
It depends on your prescription, insurance coverage, and your own unique needs.
What works for one person’s pouching routine may not work or be necessary for another person’s.
180 Medical’s trained Ostomy Specialists are well-versed in ostomy products, and we can help explore your options, answer questions, and go over the features of different accessories, such as adhesive remover wipes or pouch deodorizer, when needed.
How often should I empty or change my colostomy bag?
Your healthcare provider will be able to tell you how often they recommend you empty or change your pouch, which is typically based on your consistency and frequency of stool output.
However, you typically want to empty the pouch when it is about one-third to one-half full.
Can I put oil in my colostomy pouch to make emptying it easier?
It’s not recommended to put products that are not intended for use with an ostomy pouching system. However, 180 Medical offers a high-quality lubricating pouch deodorizer by ESENTA™ that makes emptying the pouch easier, helps control odors, and reduces the risk of pancaking.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Information provided on 180medical.com should not be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your condition, treatment, or medical supply needs.