Fast, easy, and relaxing-this is what we usually look for in a shower. However, showering with an ostomy bag is not always an easy or pleasant task. To improve this practice, there are many solutions available on the market that allow you to cover your garment while taking a shower. In addition, there are many do-it-yourself solutions that allow you to enhance this experience. But which ones are the best?
This article reviews various ostomy covers for use in the shower and do-it-yourself solutions based on price, ease of use, and their advantages and disadvantages to make your hygiene routine as pleasant as possible despite the presence of your ostomy bag.
Let’s not drag it out: if you are looking for the cheapest solution to cover your bag in the shower, you will find the answer below:
If you are looking for a cover for the collection system in the shower, the cheapest solution is simply not to cover it. Water will not damage either the adhesive plate or the bag.
However, if you prefer to use a shower ostomy cover, then you could use:
- A waterproof wound dressing
- An ostomy bag cover
- A waterproof band
- An “Empower Your Change” bag cover.
- A towel
- Some transparent kitchen foil
- A shower cap
- A bag with an airtight closure
Yes, you read that right, you can shower without covering your garrison, below we will explain in detail why, but first we will give you the answer of two very common questions.
Can I take a shower without my ostomy bag?
Of course, you can take a shower without an ostomy bag. However, on some occasions it is advisable to do it with the bag. In this article, we explain when it is better to take a shower or bath with or without the collection system.
Showering without a presidium is great, as you will not only enjoy the feeling of freedom, but also have the benefit of being able to take care of your peristomal skin.
With or without a bag, always pay close attention. Avoid damaging the peristomal skin and causing related problems such as leakage.
Because the skin around the ostomy and the ostomy itself are very fragile and sensitive, avoid using conventional products. Usually, these products, contain substances that cause skin disruption and/or prevent the new garment from adhering properly. Therefore, we advise you to use specific products for ostomy care, such as:
- Bioderm Stoma Plus: a specific cleanser for the hygiene of both ostomy and peristomal skin. Free of substances that can lead to skin reactions, its innovative formula helps restore the skin’s natural acidity and prevent and reduce any type of skin alteration.
- Bioderm Superabsorbent Wipes.: extremely soft, durable and absorbent wipes, making them ideal for all dermatological treatments with liquids, creams, oils or foams and the gentle cleansing of fragile or irritated skin. In addition, thanks to their small size, they can be conveniently carried on the go, and being biodegradable they can also be flushed down the toilet.
- Bioderm Dermocreme: moisturizing cream with high nourishing, emollient and revitalizing power, is suitable for fragile and very sensitive skin. Applied constantly on asphyxiated or depleted skin, it promotes the restoration of the hydrolipidic content of the protective mantle-an indispensable factor in maintaining healthy and elastic skin. It absorbs very quickly and will not hinder the adhesive power of your new collection system.
Remember: it is essential to follow a proper peristomal skin hygiene routine. This will allow you to reduce the risk of uncomfortable irritation around your stoma.
If you’re interested in knowing what the perfect routine is for cleansing peristomal skin, then check out this article, where we explain how to have healthy and elastic peristomal skin.
Taking a shower WITHOUT ostomy bag cover (cheaper solution)
There are various solutions for covering your collection system in the shower. However, if you are looking for a method that allows you to shower with total peace of mind and does not cost much, then do not cover your bag at all. Your garment is waterproof and therefore does not suffer any damage when it comes in contact with water.
Follow these steps to have a pleasant shower with your collection system:
- Empty your bag before entering the shower and be sure to put a sticker on the filter (they come with the collection systems)
- Enjoy the shower, but be careful not to direct the water jet directly at the garrison.
- After finishing your shower, gently dab a cloth or towel from your collection system to the surrounding skin.
- Use the hair dryer with cool or slightly warm air to make sure all moisture is removed from your ostomy garment.
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These are the eight best solutions for protecting your collection system in the shower:
#1: A towel
Get a towel, which is thick enough to absorb the water and large enough to cover your bag, and hold it in place with one hand.
- When showering, stand with your back to the water jet so that your collection system is protected.
- If you have the option, use a handheld shower head. This way, you can easily control the spray pattern and direction of the water.
- You may need to switch hands so that you can wash one arm while the other holds the towel in place.
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#2: Clear kitchen film
Clingfilm is a great do-it-yourself solution that allows you to shower hands-free.
- Use a small cloth to cover the bag
- Wrap your abdomen with clingfilm until you feel that the bag is well covered, and use tape to secure it.
- Enjoy your shower, but keep in mind that small water seepage may get in, so be careful.
- With this method, the covered section of the abdomen will not be washed. Once the film is removed, proceed with cleaning the abdomen.
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#3: Hair shower cap
A shower cap is a great way to cover your bag.
- Cover your collection system with a shower cap and, if you prefer, use tape to secure it.
- Enjoy the shower, but be careful of the water jet; it is best to avoid the bag coming into direct contact with the water jet.
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#4: Bag with airtight closure
Another product you most likely have in your home are airtight seal bags, which can serve as a water-repellent shield for your ostomy bag.
- insert your ostomy bag inside the pouch
- Use duct tape to close the section you cannot seal
- The plaque remains exposed, so pay attention to the water jet
- Use the shower head to wash your body by zones
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#5: Waterproof wound dressings
With this product you will be able to shower with total peace of mind.
- Get patches large enough to cover your garment
- This patch has strong adhesive power, so we recommend that you empty your garment to avoid excessive pressure on your stoma.
- Before subjecting it to the direct spray of shower water, give it a try and make sure it holds up well.
- Be careful when removing the patch, don’t damage your peristomal skin and don’t pull the ostomy garment off.
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#6: Ostomy bag cover
When purchasing an ostomy bag cover, remember to look for one that is the right size and is waterproof.
- Use this product to cover your collection system well and enjoy your shower
- Remember that the plate will be exposed to water, so try not to get it too wet.
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#7: Waterproof headband
This waterproof band, with a vacuum system, allows you to shower or soak in water while your bag stays completely dry.
- Check the size chart carefully and buy the right one for you.
- Put on the band and remove the air with the supplied pump.
- Do not wear this product for more than 45 minutes.
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#8: Empower your Change bag cover
This pouch cover protects your ostomy garment very well.
- Place your garment inside this bag cover
- Fasten the belt around the abdomen to make sure you don’t get the collection system wet
- Enjoy the shower
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Below you will find a summary of the reviews of these products:
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As you well know, finding the right solution for you to shower with a collection system takes some time.
We recommend that you try several options, that way you can figure out which one best suits your needs.
It may also be that you like to use different solutions for different occasions.
Remember, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable!