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Changing bag suggestions plz

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Posted 9/27/2007 11:14 PM (GMT 0)
It's time to change my bag (I can usually go 5-6 days) but the wafer sticks so well to my skin that it is painful to remove! Am I wearing it too long? There is no irritation other than the ripping of the top layer of skin off (feels like it anyway) Any tips would be so appreciated!
Posted 9/27/2007 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
I find the easiest way to peel off a wafer is to do it in a nice warm shower. The heat and moisture should help the adhesive become "slippery". Try spending 10 to 15 minutes in the shower before peeling. Go slow but steady. A good idea would also be to have all your prep ready to go beforehand, and perhaps a container to catch any "escapees" between the shower and applying the new prep.
Posted 9/27/2007 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
Also, remember NOT to pull the wafer away from the skin, but rather PUSH the skin away from the wafer. Don't ask me why, but it does make a difference!
Posted 9/27/2007 11:51 PM (GMT 0)
I use a medical adhesive remover wipe, and the wafer slides right off. A nurse gave me a box of 100 of them when I was in the hospital, and they lasted a year and a half. I just bought another box of 50 at the medical supply store last weekend. They cost $15 and are worth their weight in gold. I also shave the little blonde hairs on my tummy, so the wafer doesn't pull them out one-by-one.

Hope that helps,
Cecilia
Posted 9/28/2007 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
i take mine off right after a shower, and if you pull down, from the top, thebandaid part first, then kind of wiggle the other stuff off (does tha tmake sense) it's not as bad.
i get my stuff ready for after the shower too, and something that i started doing is, i take an empty box that the bags come in, and i get my stuff ready to put on after the shower, then i close it up in the box, that way it doesn't accidetnally get wet, or get the steam inthere
Posted 9/28/2007 2:03 PM (GMT 0)
Do you use a skin barrier under your wafer? if you do, it's less painful to remove it. Make sure the barrier is spread to all parts where the adhesive will touch the skin, especially the edges and corners.
Posted 9/28/2007 8:50 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the suggestions, I changed today and stayed in the shower for 15 minutes and used the wipes, but still tore at my skin. I put powder on and used a thinner layer of adhesive and hopefully that will work. I am wondering if I need to try a different wafer, I am currently using the Coloplast extended wear. Anyone else have problems with this brand?
Posted 9/28/2007 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
tbraz,
I'm sorry you're having problems. sad I've been using the Coloplast Extended Wear wafers for over a year, and they come off easily when I use the adhesive remover wipes. I peel back a small area at the top and use the wipe to slowly remove the rest of the wafer. I've never tried removing one without a wipe. Companies will send free samples, if you want to try another brand to see if it works better with your skin.
Good luck,
Cecilia
Posted 9/28/2007 11:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi tbraz,

I use Hollister new image wafers and pouch. I also apply a good amount of skin barrier spray (2 coats, after the first has dried, I go a second time around), so as JudyK89 stated, skin applying skin barrier may very well make the peel-off process less painful. If you think about it, the layer of skin barrier between skin and flange may act as a kind of buffer, little direct contact of skin and adhesive on the flange.

I would suggest the non-stinging brand of barrier......
Posted 9/28/2007 11:37 PM (GMT 0)
I will look into ordering the skin barrier, thanks for all your help!
Posted 10/1/2007 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
No Sting from 3M is the best barrier I think. Plus I have a frined who works for 3M and she gets it very cheap for me!
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