Guide To Using Ostomy Filter Stickers

Filter stickers are usually included in the boxes of filtered ostomy pouches. These stickers are round-shaped with tabs on one side. They are helpful in several conditions.

Purpose of filter stickers

You may wonder why manufacturers include these stickers in the ostomy pouch boxes in the first place. Most instructions listed on the box of ostomy supplies do not usually explain the purpose of these stickers.

These stickers are helpful in several ways. Some of them are the following.

• They help keep your filter dry.
• They prevent the vacuum effect.
• They keep ostomy odors at bay.
• They keep filters from leaking.

Since these stickers are usable only for bags that feature filters, you won’t find them in a box of ostomy pouches without filters. Even some appliances with filters do not have these stickers included in the product box.

Some brands claim that their filters are water-resistant and do not need stickers for protection. Although it is true for some brands, it is still wise to have these stickers to get more than just the dryness of filters.

How to use filter stickers

Applying these filter stickers is not a challenging task. First, you have to make sure that your ostomy bag is dry and clean. You can then remove one sticker from the sheet and place it over the center of the filter.

Ensure that you have covered the filter with the sticker to prevent water or other sweat from entering the ostomy pouch.

You can remove and discard the old sticker when you no longer need it or replace it with the new one.

When to use these stickers?

When to use these stickers depends very much on why you need them. Here are some scenarios to take into account in this regard.

• The primary reason you may want to use filter stickers is that you want to keep your filter dry. If you have got these stickers in your box of ostomy pouches, it means you have to use them before you go for a bath or jump into the swimming pool without taking the ostomy pouch off.
• If you are familiar with pancaking, you may also need to know that the reason behind it is the vacuum inside the ostomy pouch. That is why you may want to retain some air or gas inside the ostomy bag to keep the walls of your pouch from coming in contact with each other. Although this vacuum effect is quite problematic, you can prevent it easily with the help of filter stickers. You can cover the filter of your ostomy pouch before the vacuum effect is created. You may, however, need to check on your pouch periodically if your stoma produces a lot of gas.
• Another quite considerable benefit of filter stickers is that they help keep ostomy odors at bay.
• If you are wary of the stomal output leaking from the filter, you can cover it with a filter sticker. That will help prevent leaks instantly.

While filter stickers are useful for people with ostomies in many ways, you may still need to speak to your ostomy care nurse to know whether you are the right candidate for this product.