Showering WITHOUT Ostomy Bag Cover – the CHEAPEST SOLUTION

It is so simple, so fast, and surprising that so many ostomates try to find the best solution to cover their appliances in the shower. But in most situations, it is totally possible to simply not cover your stoma bag in the shower. Here’s how to do that:

• Empty your bag before going into the shower & make sure to put a sticker on filter (they come with the bag if you have one)
• Enjoy your shower. Yet, try to not get a massive load of direct water or soap on you appliance
• Once finished, gently dab a thick dry towel on the adhesive and other parts of the bag
• Blow dry with cold or slightly warm air to make sure no moisture is left
• You may also blow dry it directly but it will take you a couple of minutes compared to only 20 seconds when you use a towel

Price: Zero-Cost

Ease of use:         

#1: Use a Towel

Look for a small towel that is thick enough to absorb water. Make sure the cloth is able to cover the entire area.

•   Using your free hand, cover the ostomy bag with the towel. Use your palm to keep it in place.
•   While bathing, be mindful of the protected area. Position your body so that the water stream will not be directed to the covered ostomy bag.
•   A handheld shower head works best for this setup since you can easily control the water flow and direction. If you don’t have one, then don’t fret. Bathing with a bag can be tricky, but your towel can keep it dry as long as you are mindful.
•   You might need to switch hands so you can wash one arm while the other is holding the towel in place.

Price: Zero-Cost

Ease of use:       

#2: Go for a Cling Wrap

A cling wrap works if you prefer a DIY solution but still having a hands-free bathing experience.

•   Use a piece of cloth to cover the bag.
• Fully wrap the abdomen section where your bag is, attach with waterproof tape on the edges
•   Shower as you used to. However, be mindful that the cling wrap is still in place and that the bag area is not wet.
• When using cling wraps, the covered abdomen section will not be washed. Once you remove the plastic film, you can go ahead and clean the abdomen section.

Price: €

Ease of use:       

#3: Stay Dry with a Shower Cap for hair

A shower cap that usually is used for hair is a great waterproof ostomy bag cover.

• Wrap the bag with the shower cap and use some adhesive tape or clips if you need to keep it in place.
• While the shower cap can keep the bag dry, do be mindful of keeping the adhesive part of your flange dry as well.

● Check out this video for an idea of how it can work.

Price: €

Ease of use:        

#4: Use a Ziploc Bag

Another product that is readily available at home is a Ziploc bag. It can serve a water-repellent shield for your ostomy bag.

•     Put your bag inside the Ziploc.
•     Using some tape, seal the open sides.
•     Remember that the flange is still exposed so you do have to make sure that this does not get wet.
•   When taking your shower, it helps to wash off certain areas like the head and arms then legs.

Price: €

Ease of use:      

#5: Waterproof Wound dressings

With its pre-cut pieces, waterproof wound dressings can help you achieve a worry-free shower experience even with your bag on.

• Determine the right size for your affected area and purchase  a fitting one.
• This sheet sticks to the affected area like a glove. It is best to use this with an empty bag to avoid undue pressure on your stoma. Once attached, the section might look vacuum-sealed.
• Before going fully under the shower head, test the area for its water resistibility. Once you are certain everything is in place, go and take a bath.
• Be mindful when removing the sheet so as not to rip off your appliance.
• These are disposable sheets and you need to use one every time you shower. 
• You can watch this video to get an idea of it.

Price: €€

Ease of use:        

#6: Ostomy Bag Covers

This product is easy to use and you can easily slip it on top of your ostomy bag. When shopping for bag covers, choose one that is waterproof and is snug enough.

•     Starting with an empty ostomy bag, slip the bag cover on and make sure to tuck everything in.
•     Remember that the adhesive part of your flange, the piece that is attached to your skin, is exposed during your shower and try not to get it too wet.
•     For instruction, watch this video.

Price: €€€

Ease of use:        

#7: Waterproof Band

If you plan to go swimming with your bag on, you might consider using this product. Made from reusable synthetic rubber, it helps keep your ostomy bag secure and dry.

• Measure the section where you will use the waterproof cover. Check the size chart. 
• Once you put on the cover, use the vacuum rubber to remove extra air and seal the product.
• This product comes in varying sizes.

Price: €€€€

Ease of use:       

#8: Empower Your Change

As another ostomy bag shower protector, Empower your Change promises to completely protect not just the bag but also the flange. Even though water or damp does not directly influence the functioning of the adhesive, the lifetime of the wafer can be reduced in general if it gets wet too often.

• Start with a flat, empty bag and put it inside the Empower your Change product.
• Secure the belt around the abdomen to ensure no water passes through regardless of the movement. Check out this video for a product review.
• Go ahead and enjoy the shower.

Price: €€€€

Ease of use:       

Conclusion: Enjoying a Refreshing Shower even with your Ostomy Bag

There are different products already available at home and online which you can try out. Reviews do help but it is important to remember that ostomates have different experiences because their situations are different. One thing to remember is that it is possible to take a fully refreshing shower despite having an ostomy bag. Find here the summary of all options:

Method	Price	Ease of use	Pro	Con
No Cover	Zero-Cost		Cheapest solution No time consuming DIY	If nothing to dry the bag afterwards, the bag might take long to dry Clothes can get wet
Towel	Zero-Cost		A thick towel does a great job in keeping the bag dry Option for showering at other people’s place	One hand is always occupied with keeping the towel in place Damp might still get the bag a little wet
Cling Wrap & Tape	€		Available at home	Additional time to clean the covered section after showering If not properly taped on the edges, the bag still can get wet Time consuming DIY
Shower cap for hair	€		Serves as another layer or waterproof protection Household supply or can be purchased at any 1€-store	Additional effort to put and remove the adhesive before and after showering. Time consuming DIY
Ziploc bag	€		Household supply Available at other peoples place	It may not fully cover the flange of the bag Time consuming DIY
Waterproof wound dressings	From 7,00€ €€		Easy to apply as cover and sticks like a glove. Available in any size	Disposable sheets. One-time use The larger, the more expensive
Ostomy bag covers	From 21,75€ + shipping €€€		Worldwide shipping Reusable Adaptable to your bag for a perfect fit	Might take long to arrive If you change the type of bag, you would need to adjust the cover as well
Waterproof Band	85,00€ €€€€		Sealable, multiple use: also for swimming Same price for all sizes Worldwide shipping	Costly
Empower your Change	30,99 – 36€ + shipping €€€€		Full protection Easily attached like a belt Longtime use	Expensive shipping cost from USA