In a two-piece system, the ostomy pouch and skin barrier are separate items.
The skin Barrier (wafer, back plate) is fitted first then the pouch (bag) is fitted to the landing area of the wafer. The method of attachment to the wafer varies between manufacturers – one method being press-on/click “Tupperware” type fitting, and the recently introduced “sticky” adhesive mounts.
The two-piece arrangement allows pouches to be exchanged without removing the wafer; for example, some people prefer to temporarily switch to a “mini-pouch” for swimming, intimate and other short-term activities. Mini pouches are suitable for minimum usage only.
Parts of a two-piece system
- Pouch — bag that collects stool or urine
- Skin barrier — adhesive part that fits around the stoma to protect the skin. (Some skin barriers include a tape border to help hold the barrier in place.)
- Flange — plastic ring on both the pouch and skin barrier that provides a secure attachment. To work, both flanges must be the same size and be from the same product family.