UOAA Discussion Board

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to top this; I am meeting with Bruno next Wednesday (6/28). If anyone has any immediate concerns they'd like me to raise with Bruno, please post them here or private message me.

Thanks so much.

I've tried nearly every manufacturer's products at least once. Many adhesives irritate my skin, but I really love the Durahesive wafers. That's why I'm so bummed the pouches aren't as good as they were.

Here's a contact list for several manufacturers; it's old, so might not be completely accurate. Most will send free samples to try:

COLOPLAST http://www.coloplast.us/about-us/colopl ... lsrc=aw.ds (888) 726-7872
ConvaTec http://convatec.com (800) 422-8811
Dansac http://www.dansac.com/ (800) 699-4232
Hollister http://www.hollister.com/ (888) 740-8999
Marlen Ostomy Care Products http://www.marlenmfg.com/ (216) 292-7060
Eakin Cohesive Seals (800) 345-0473 http://www.eakin.eu/categories/2/patients.aspx (800) 345-0473
Genairex http://www.genairex.com (877) 726-4400
Nu-Hope(800) 899-5017 http://www.nu-hope.com/
Ostaway http://ostaway.com/ BagItAway.com Ostomy Supplies (Ostaway x-Bag) Providing a more discreet solution for ostomy pouch disposal (800) 774-6097
Osto- EZ-Vent http://www.kemonline.com/content/home/ (888) 562-8802

The Phoenix Magazine for Ostomates http://www.phoenixuoaa.org/ (949) 600-7296
CAVILON by 3M No Sting Liquid Bandage, http://www.shop3m.com/70200763947.html? ... (800) 228-3957
Colo-Majic Liners http://www.colomajic.com/colo-majic-liners/ Toll call (604) 988-2707
Torbot Skin Tac http://www.torbot.com/ (800) 545-4254
CliniMed

steiconi wrote: 2022-04-21 19:13:01 My old pouches were 411310 and new ones are 416417.
It sounds like they replaced several pouch styles.

I accidentally grabbed one of the old style pouches the other day. It was too long, and stuck out the leg of my shorts. And the closure kept poking me in the leg.
I threw it away.

I've been using Convatec pouches for almost 20 years and started experiencing skin irritation about 2 months ago. It started with the wafer softening/liquifying on my skin, which inevitably separated the pouch from my skin. This has never happened before - and I used to be an avid runner - I have never had heat/sweat melt the wafer like this. I'm so disheartened to read this thread and hear others' experiences with a decline in quality of Convatec products. I hate the idea of switching, since for so long I had a process that worked for me, but I think it is time.

I have been using the product for at least 7 years and have a stock pile of it from when I was working and had good insurance. I have at least two to three years of stock. I only use one a week if I don't have a leak during the week.
I can say I haven't experienced any problems.
The only thing they changed since I started using them is the length of the bag. But I've adjusted.
I still like the product. System.
The hospital started me with Coloplast. I didn't like those. Didn't feel flexible enough and the mental side of being the product used while going through the whole thing.
Anyway. It's my experience. Everyone is different. What works for one does not for another.
Richard.

sabresfan18 wrote: 2022-04-18 17:29:03 Has anyone else had issues with Convatec recently? They discontinued the pouches I've used for 25+ years and told me they were being replaced with an "upgraded" product. The product they sent me smells and is very poorly designed/made. My contact with customer service has been frustrating; while they're nice, there's not much they can do for me. I'm navigating leadership at this point, but I'm wondering what other folks are experiencing issues with them?


I have tried Hollister, Coloplast, and other Convatec products. Any recommendations in the meantime for an (active) 33-year-old that loves Convatecs flanges but hates their current pouch line?

Thanks in advance.

Coloplast IMO has the best products hands down.

gap wrote: 2023-09-12 17:29:53 Coloplast IMO has the best products hands down.

I think we all have different bodies and requirements, so what works for one might not be the best choice for someone else.


I just opened a new box of convatec irrigation sleeves, and they've changed those, too!

Old ones are stiff, shiny, and very clear; the new ones are thinner, much more flexible, and lightly frosted.

They don't feel as sturdy as the old, but I generally only use them until I can't get them clean enough, so these will probably be fine.

Hi folks, sorry for my delay. I've been busy wrapping up my Masters program.

Looks like things are still progressing as expected in this thread. Please continue commenting, Convatec is monitoring this thread (and aware they're unable to post).

I have initiated another meeting with Bruno (COO of the Ostomy division) and his team. I will report back ASAP.

Hope everyone had a nice holiday season.

Chris

I have used the Convatec Esteem Synergy wafer - 904978 - for at least 8 years. No problems and no change to the product as far as I can tell. My skin is sensitive and this product does not irritate.

I do not use the companion Convatec pouch. I prefer the Coloplast. The connection between the two is an adhesive. The adhesive is on the pouch. It adheres perfectly to the Convatec wafer. I highly recommend adhesive attachment. Almost never a failure, and when there is a failure it is small leak, not the catastrophic sort where the whole danged bag disconnects and comes off. Plus, this sort of design is far thinner than the conventional attachment means.

I’m very pleased with Convatec wafers.

HardcoreParkour wrote: 2023-08-26 19:35:45 I've been using Convatec pouches for almost 20 years and started experiencing skin irritation about 2 months ago. It started with the wafer softening/liquifying on my skin, which inevitably separated the pouch from my skin. This has never happened before - and I used to be an avid runner - I have never had heat/sweat melt the wafer like this. I'm so disheartened to read this thread and hear others' experiences with a decline in quality of Convatec products. I hate the idea of switching, since for so long I had a process that worked for me, but I think it is time.

First off: I love your username.

Second: I'm sorry you're having trouble. Please feel free to reach out if you need help finding supplies / a provider that can help you with supplies.

Thanks.

So if you're considering using 180 Medical, I'd suggest you rethink that. After years of screwed up orders, now they aren't even responding; not a single response to multiple emails in the last month. Not worth the stress and hassle.

For that matter, Byram is just as bad. They're sending me bills for supplies I received last year in May. I am unable to use my flex spending for these claims because of how long it's taken them to invoice them. I think the retroactive billing (this long after) is incredibly unethical. I'm now having to tap into funds that I did not allocate for health costs, and the funds that I did allocate for health costs cannot be used because the invoices are so old. I contacted the BBB. I'm fed up calling and speaking with the reps.

I think I have posted this before but I have for years used Duke Medical in Fenton, Missouri ,1-(888)678-6692. I have never had a problem with my orders, maybe because they are a small company. My insurance (Medicare/Medigap covers everything. My package arrives the next day if I order in the morning.

I've been using Convatec products for nearly 27 years now, and yes, I've seen a decline in the quality of the pouches. I've experienced the same "smell" issue that many of you have, but now I have a new problem. I use 413161 wafers and 401512 pouches. Just this year, I've begun to suffer leaks in the pouches in the tail right where the clip hinges, that is, the left side of the pouch. I noticed that this "new" collection of pouches don't seem to be sealed properly. That is, up until this year, the pouches that I used all seemed to be stamped closed on the edges with a prominent "ridge" that seals them tightly. The "new" pouches are flat, no ridgeline, almost as if they missed the final stamping sealing at the end of the production process. (I'd include pictures if I could.) At any rate, the pouches break open and leak on the left side at the clip hinge. They don't tear, just break open through the quasi-seal. I've contacted Convatec and spoken with several very understanding and concerned nurses who say that they know of no new design of the pouches, send me replacements, but the replacements have been the same unstamped, ridge-less pouches that simply break open after a day or two of use. Right now, I've agreed to send a box of new pouches back to them, with the breakage spots inked out so that they can send them to quality control to get a determination. (i would think that they would know if the pouches had been redesigned, but I get little response to that question. They say that they don't know, that they haven't been informed.) So I'll send the box of pouches to them when I receive the mailer. Until then, I've been trying out Hollister and Coloplast products just in case i need to switch brands. (So far, Hollister has the longest wear time and is the most comfortable.) Questions: have any of you noticed a difference in the way that your pouches have been sealed? Have any of you tried Hollister and Coloplast? Which one seems to suit you better and why? (And yes, btw, I've tried several different clips, and no, I don't clip them above the curve.)

I've been using convetec for close to eight years.
I've seen one change
My bags changed. Wafers stayed the same.
I use a two piece.
I also use the vecro closure.
I haven't had any funny smells or issues
I'm sorry people have.. But I haven't.
I think I've already said it.
I have leaks from my wafer but that's due to me being overconfident.
But I can usually make a change last seven days.
I'll keep using them.
But those having issues should try other products.
I certainly will if I start having issues.
Richard.