Standard skin barriers (also called wafers or flanges) are adhesive baseplates used in ostomy care to protect the skin around a stoma and secure an ostomy pouch. They’re most often used by individuals with a colostomy, where the output is semi-formed or solid stool. Designed for comfort and flexibility, standard skin wafers provide dependable adhesion with easier, gentler removal for patients who prefer or require more frequent changes.
What Makes a Standard Skin Barrier Different
Standard wear skin barriers are made for shorter wear time, typically 3 to 4 days, and are best suited for colostomy output that’s less corrosive than urine or liquid stool. Compared to extended-wear barriers, which are designed to resist breakdown from high-liquid output and can stay in place for up to a week, standard barriers prioritize gentle adhesion and easy removal.
Standard versions have a more basic layer of protection as an ostomy skin barrier. They strike a balance between secure adhesion and skin comfort, making them ideal for routine use and patients who frequently change their ostomy pouches.
They’re especially suited for:
- Patients who change their pouching system more often
- Those who experience skin irritation or have fragile peristomal skin
- Colostomy users with semi-formed or solid output
Standard Skin Barrier Features and Options
Standard skin barriers have the following features and options for ostomy care patients:
- Hydrocolloid Adhesive: Absorbs moisture while maintaining a secure seal, even with movement, and gentle removal from the body.
- Flat or Convex Shapes: Flat-shaped wafers conform to protruding stomas and smooth abdomens. Convex skin wafers apply light pressure on the skin around your stoma, improving the seal around a flush or retracted opening.
- Opening Styles:
- Cut-to-Fit for custom size and shape configuration
- Pre-cut for convenience
- Moldable for a flexible, personalized fit
- System Types:
- One-piece systems combine the ostomy barrier and pouch
- Two-piece systems allow barrier and ostomy bag changes to be done separately
When to Choose a Standard Skin Barrier
Choose a standard wear barrier if the patient:
- Has a colostomy with semi-formed or solid stool
- Prefer shorter wear times (around 3–4 days)
- Need gentler adhesion for delicate skin health
- Don’t require high resistance to liquid output of their stomal discharge (for that, choose an extended wear skin barrier)
Buy Standard Skin Barriers at ATC Medical
ATC Medical offers a complete selection of standard wafers from trusted ostomy system brands, including:
- Coloplast
- Convatec
- Hollister Incorporated
- Marlen Manufacturing
- Cymed
Choose from flat or convex designs, one-piece or two-piece systems, and various cut-to-fit or moldable options, all made to protect your skin and keep your pouching system secure.