The Two Major Ostomy Brands
If you’re living with a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy, you’ve likely encountered two names more than any other: Coloplast and Hollister. Both are established medical device companies with decades of ostomy product development, and both are widely available in Canada. But their products differ in ways that matter for daily comfort.
This guide compares them across the categories that ostomates actually care about: adhesion, comfort, leak protection, discretion, and availability in Canada.
Skin Barriers (Wafers/Flanges)
Coloplast SenSura
- SenSura Mio: Their premium line with body-fit technology — elastic adhesive that moves with your body
- Adhesive type: Hydrocolloid with aloe — generally gentle on sensitive skin
- Wear time: Most users report 3-5 days before needing to change
- Cutting options: Pre-cut (fixed sizes), cut-to-fit, and Flex (moldable — no scissors needed)
- Standout feature: The flexible adhesive handles body contours well — good for creased or uneven peristomal skin
Hollister
- New Image: Their standard line — reliable and widely used
- CeraPlus: Infused with ceramide — helps maintain skin moisture barrier
- Adhesive type: FlexWear and SoftFlex options — slightly firmer hold than Coloplast
- Wear time: Similar 3-5 days; CeraPlus users often report improved skin condition
- Cutting options: Pre-cut, cut-to-fit, and FormaFlex (moldable)
- Standout feature: CeraPlus ceramide is backed by clinical evidence for skin protection
Winner?
Sensitive skin → Hollister CeraPlus. Uneven/creased skin → Coloplast SenSura Mio. Both are excellent — skin chemistry varies person to person, so samples are the only real test.
Pouches
Drainable Pouches (Ileostomy/Colostomy)
- Coloplast SenSura Mio: Soft, textile-like front and back; integrated closure (no clip needed); quiet material
- Hollister New Image: ComfortWear panels on both sides; Lock ‘n Roll closure system (roll-up, no clip); rustle-resistant
Closed Pouches (Colostomy)
- Coloplast: Full range of sizes including mini pouches for low output
- Hollister: Similar range; AF300 filter handles gas well
Filters
Both brands include carbon filters to deodorise gas release:
- Coloplast: Consistent filter performance; some users report clogging with liquid output
- Hollister AF300: Generally considered the better filter — handles moisture well and lasts longer
One-Piece vs Two-Piece Systems
- One-piece: Barrier and pouch are a single unit. Easier to apply, lower profile, more discreet. Change the whole thing each time.
- Two-piece: Barrier stays on your skin; pouch clicks or adhesive-couples on and off. Easier to inspect stoma, can change pouch without disturbing the skin barrier.
- Coloplast Click coupling: Audible click confirms connection — good for users with limited vision
- Hollister Lock ‘n Roll: Roll-up adhesive coupling — lower profile than click systems
Accessories Comparison
- Barrier rings/seals: Coloplast Brava vs. Hollister Adapt — both excellent; Brava is slightly more moldable
- Adhesive remover: Both offer spray and wipe versions — personal preference
- Stoma powder: Both brands; used on irritated peristomal skin to absorb moisture before applying barrier
- Support belts: Both offer elastic belts that attach to the flange for extra security during activity
Availability and Cost in Canada
- Both brands are widely available through medical supply companies, pharmacies, and online retailers
- Pricing is generally comparable between the two brands
- Provincial coverage: Most provinces cover ostomy supplies through programs like Ontario ADP, Quebec RAMQ, and Alberta AADL — see our provincial funding guide
- Sample programs: Both Coloplast and Hollister offer free samples — call or visit their Canadian websites to request
How to Decide
- Start with what your ET nurse recommends — they know your stoma shape and skin
- Request samples from both — wear each for a full change cycle
- Evaluate on: skin condition after removal, adhesion on day 1 vs. day 3+, comfort during movement, noise level, ease of emptying/changing
- Don’t switch during a flare-up — test new products when your skin is healthy
Many ostomates use products from both brands — mixing a Coloplast barrier with a Hollister pouch is fine if they’re compatible sizes.