What's the difference between one-piece and two-piece pouches?

The main difference between one-piece and two-piece pouches is whether the skin barrier (the part that attaches to the skin around your stoma) is pre-attached to the ostomy bag. Your healthcare provider or ostomy nurse can help you determine which type of pouch may be best for your needs, based on your ostomy type (urostomy, ileostomy, or colostomy), your frequency and consistency of output, and other factors.

What are one-piece ostomy pouches?

With one-piece systems, the skin barrier and the pouch are pre-attached, so all you have to do is attach the one-piece pouch to your body over your stoma.

What are two-piece ostomy pouches?

With a two-piece system, you apply the skin barrier or ostomy wafer separately. Your pouch then attaches to this barrier via a flange. Two-piece pouches allow more frequent changes without having to remove the skin barrier each time, making them ideal for ostomates with higher stoma output or those with skin sensitivities.