Living with an ostomy comes with a learning curve — but with the right routine and the right products, everyday confidence is absolutely within reach. At Wellwise®, we believe that great care doesn't happen all at once. It's built one step at a time.
That's why we created Ostomy Care, One Step at a Time, a four-part series walking through everything you need for a secure, comfortable, and confident ostomy care routine — from removal all the way to finding the right pouching system for your body. Here's the complete journey, all in one place.
Step 1: Removal & Skin Preparation
Every great routine starts with a strong foundation. The first step in any ostomy change is removing the old pouch and preparing the skin properly before applying anything new. Getting this right helps prevent irritation and sets up the rest of your routine for success.
1. Remove
The process starts with a gentle, sting-free removal. Adhesive remover wipes lift residue with ease, so you can take off the pouch comfortably — without irritation.
- Sting-free, alcohol-free formula
- Dries in seconds — no impact on new adhesion
- Convenient wipe format, great for on-the-go changes
We recommend Coloplast Brava Adhesive Remover Wipes for this step. Shop now at Wellwise.ca or find a store near you.
2. Prepare
Once the old pouch is off, it's time to prep the skin. Barrier wipes create a breathable barrier that shields skin from adhesives, body waste, and enzymes — setting the stage for the next application.
- Protects skin for up to 72 hours
- Dries quickly to form a durable, breathable film
- Helps prevent irritation before it starts
A great option for this step is Esenta Skin Barrier Wipes. Shop now at Wellwise.ca or find a store near you.
3. Protect
The final touch — lasting protection between changes. Barrier cream offers long-term defense against moisture and irritation, keeping skin healthy and comfortable all day.
- Long-lasting barrier against moisture and irritation
- Helps keep skin healthy and comfortable
- Fragrance-free formula, gentle for daily use
For this step, try 3M Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream. Shop now at Wellwise.ca or find a store near you.
Step 2: Pouch Security & Protection
Once your skin is prepped, the next step is making sure your pouching system stays securely in place. A few extra products can make the difference between a routine that lasts and one that needs constant adjusting.
1. Tapes
Tape adds an extra layer of hold once your baseplate is applied. It secures the edges, moves comfortably with the body, and helps prevent lifting throughout the day.
- Secures baseplate edges for extra hold
- Flexible, elastic design moves with your body
- Helps prevent lifting for longer wear time
A trusted choice for this step is Coloplast Brava Ostomy Tape. Shop now at Wellwise.ca or find a store near you.
2. Pastes
For uneven skin surfaces or contours around the stoma, paste helps fill gaps before the baseplate goes on — supporting a smoother, more secure seal.
- Fills in skin folds and uneven areas for a better seal
- Helps reduce the risk of leakage underneath the barrier
- Moldable, easy-to-apply formula
We recommend Convatec Stomahesive Paste for this step. Shop now at Wellwise.ca or find a store near you.
3. Powders
When skin is irritated, weepy, or broken, powder helps absorb moisture so the barrier can adhere properly — an important step for keeping the routine on track.
- Absorbs excess moisture from irritated skin
- Helps create a drier surface for better adhesion
- Supports skin healing between changes
A good fit for this step is Convatec Stomahesive Protective Powder. Shop now at Wellwise.ca or find a store near you.
4. Barrier Rings
Barrier rings add a protective layer directly around the stoma, helping to even out skin contours and reinforce the seal where leaks are most likely to start.
- Moldable ring conforms to body contours
- Adds extra protection around the stoma base
- Helps extend wear time and reduce leak risk
For this step, try Hollister Adapt Flat Barrier Rings. Shop now at Wellwise.ca or find a store near you.
5. Barrier Seals
Cohesive seals offer flexible, long-lasting protection, absorbing moisture while moving naturally with the body for all-day comfort and security.
- Absorbs moisture to help protect skin
- Flexible and moves naturally with the body
- Helps extend pouching system wear time
A reliable option for this step is Convatec Eakin Cohesive Seals. Shop now at Wellwise.ca or find a store near you.
Step 3: Odor Control & Lifestyle Support
With removal, prep, and security covered, the next step is all about living your life without worry. Odor control and lifestyle products help you feel fresh and confident wherever your day takes you.
1. Odor Eliminators & Deodorants
A secure seal makes all the difference — and so does freshness. These deodorant options make pouch emptying easier while neutralizing odor, so you can go about your day without a second thought.
- Lubricates for easier, cleaner pouch emptying
- Long-lasting odor protection
- Options for both spray and liquid application, depending on your preference
We recommend Coloplast Brava Lubricating Deodorant or Ostomy Essentials Liquid Deodorant for this step. Shop now at Wellwise.ca or find a store near you.
2. Pouch Liners
For quick, mess-free disposal, flushable pouch liners make emptying simpler and cleaner — a small addition that makes a big difference in your daily routine.
- Flushable design for easy, discreet disposal
- Helps reduce mess during pouch emptying
- Fits securely for a comfortable, reliable fit
A great option for this step is Ontario Ostomy Supply Flushable Pouch Liners. Shop now at Wellwise.ca or find a store near you.
3. Ostomy Belts
For extra support during activity or throughout the day, an ostomy belt adds stability and peace of mind — helping the pouching system stay securely in place.
- Adjustable fit for personalized comfort
- Adds extra support and stability to the pouching system
- Great for active days or added reassurance
For this step, try the Coloplast Brava Adjustable Ostomy Belt (XL). Shop now at Wellwise.ca or find a store near you.
Step 4: Pouches, Flanges & Personalized Support
The final step brings it all together: choosing the right pouch and flange for your body. This is where a personalized approach matters most, because what works well for one person may not be the right fit for another.
1. Ostomy Pouches
The right fit is where confidence starts. Drainable pouches offer secure, reliable wear with a locking system, so you can go about your day without worrying about leaks or discomfort. Some options include a built-in filter for added gas and odor management, while others offer a simpler, filter-free design — both built for discreet, all-day comfort.
- Secure, practical fixation system for easy handling
- Filter and non-filter options available depending on your needs
- Designed for discreet, all-day comfort
We recommend the Hollister New Image Lock'n Roll Drainable Pouch (with Filter) or the version without filter for this step. Shop now at Wellwise.ca or find a store near you.
2. Ostomy Flanges
A secure seal makes all the difference. Skin barriers are designed to adapt to your body's contours, helping protect your skin and keep leaks at bay, so you can move through your day with peace of mind. Convex options work well for stomas that are flush or retracted, while flat options suit stomas at or above skin level.
- Convex and flat options to match your stoma's shape
- Ceramide-infused barriers help support healthy skin
- Helps reduce the risk of leakage and irritation
A great fit for this step is the CeraPlus Convex Skin Barrier or the CeraPlus Flat Skin Barrier. Shop now at Wellwise.ca or find a store near you.
Every Journey Is Personal
Choosing the right pouch and flange isn't one-size-fits-all — it depends on your body, your stoma, and your lifestyle. That's why Wellwise® specialists are here to help you find exactly what works for you.
Better health begins with a conversation. Take the step and speak with a Wellwise® specialist.
Confident Care, Built One Step at a Time
From removal and skin prep, to pouch security, to lifestyle support, to finding the right pouching system — every step matters, and none of them have to be figured out alone. Whether you're newly navigating ostomy care or looking to fine-tune your routine, Wellwise® is here to support you with trusted products and real conversations.
Quality care, trusted solutions.
Explore the full range of ostomy care essentials at Wellwise.ca, or visit a store near you to speak with a specialist in person.
The information presented in this blog post is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information in this post as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional counseling care. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
