The Difference Between Regular And Extended Wear Barriers

There are many types of ostomy skin barriers available in the market. Each of these types fulfills a particular set of requirements, which means that it is crucial for a person with an ostomy to pay attention to which type of ostomy barriers is the most appropriate one. Factors that you should consider while buying an ostomy skin barrier or flange may include the suitability of the barrier, desired frequency of ostomy appliance changes, characteristics of the bodily waste passing through your stoma, and cost.

 

An ostomy barrier should:

• Protect your peristomal skin from the stomal output
• Ensure a secure seal
• Be gentle to your skin during its removal
• Be cost-effective

Different materials are used in the making of skin barriers. These materials may include karaya, pectin, and other synthetic materials. The types of adhesives differ based on formulations used in the development of those adhesives. Despite these differences, the primary function of each of the skin barrier is the same.

 

Generally, the regular wear barriers do not resist much to the liquid stool and urine. With such skin barriers, you will have to expect a shorter wear time. These barriers melt when they come in contact with the stool or urine. If left there for an extended period, these barriers fail to restrict the stool or urine from coming in contact with the peristomal skin. It can lead to skin irritation and other complications.

Extended wear barriers, on the other hand, provide great resistance to the liquid stool and urine. Using these barriers, you can expect a longer wear time. Some types of skin barriers absorb moisture from the stool, which can lead to the puffing of these barriers around the stoma. This swelling of the skin barrier doesn’t affect the seal, which means that you can still expect these barriers to last longer than regular flanges. If your stoma produces liquid stool, you can consider using extended wear barriers.

 

Generally, you may want to select an extended wear barrier most of the time. These barriers may prove to be more expensive in terms of the cost at the time of purchase, but the extended wear time evens out the cost very well. On the other hand, you may have to purchase more regular wear barriers to fulfill your requirements. The fact of the matter is that the regular wear barriers may prove to be more expensive than extended wear barriers. If your stool is firm or has a thick consistency, you may want to go for the regular wear barrier because it would not have to handle excessive moisture from the stool.