When to Empty Your Colostomy Bag
Empty your colostomy bag when it’s one-third to half full. Don’t wait until it’s completely full — a heavy bag can pull away from the skin barrier, causing leaks and skin irritation.
Most people empty their bag 4 to 6 times per day, depending on diet and output consistency.
How to Empty a Colostomy Bag: Step by Step
- Sit on the toilet and position the bag opening between your legs, pointing down into the bowl
- Open the clip or spout at the bottom of the bag (drainable bags have a closure mechanism)
- Gently squeeze the bag from top to bottom to guide contents out
- Clean the spout with toilet paper or a moist wipe
- Close the clip securely — double-check that it’s sealed
- Wash your hands thoroughly
Tips for Easier Emptying
- Put a few drops of lubricating deodorant inside the bag after emptying — output slides out more easily next time
- Fold the bottom of the bag up and secure with a rubber band or clip before getting dressed
- At home, some people drape toilet paper in the bowl first to prevent splashing
How to Change a Colostomy Bag (Pouching System)
One-Piece System
The bag and skin barrier (wafer) are attached together. You replace everything at once.
- Gently peel the pouch away from your skin, starting from the top
- Clean the stoma and surrounding skin with warm water (no soap with oils or lotions)
- Pat the skin completely dry
- Check the stoma — it should be pink/red and moist (this is normal)
- Cut the new wafer to fit your stoma size (leave 1-2mm clearance)
- Remove the adhesive backing and press the new pouch firmly around the stoma
- Hold in place for 30-60 seconds — body heat activates the adhesive
Two-Piece System
The skin barrier and bag are separate. You can change the bag without removing the barrier.
- Unclip or detach the bag from the flange (ring on the skin barrier)
- Attach a new bag to the flange — you should hear or feel it click/snap into place
- Change the skin barrier every 3-5 days (or sooner if you notice leaking)
Odour Control Tips
- Use pouch deodorants — drops or sprays designed for ostomy bags
- Avoid foods that increase odour: asparagus, garlic, onions, beans, eggs, fish
- Foods that reduce odour: yogurt, parsley, cranberry juice
- Change bags regularly — odour can build up in the plastic over time
- Check the seal — odour often means a poor seal rather than the bag itself
Skin Care Around Your Stoma
Healthy peristomal skin is essential for a good seal:
- Clean with warm water only — avoid soaps with oils, moisturizers, or fragrances
- Pat dry completely before applying a new barrier
- Use barrier wipes or spray for extra protection
- If skin is red, sore, or weeping — contact your ostomy nurse
- Stoma powder can help with minor irritation under the wafer
Shop Ostomy Supplies at FinalMedic
We carry a full range of ostomy supplies including pouches, skin barriers, deodorants, and accessories from Coloplast, Hollister, ConvaTec, and more.
Free shipping on all orders across Canada. Questions? Reach us at info@finalmedic.ca.