Ostomy Tapes & Adhesives

Patients wearing an ostomy system shouldn’t have to worry about leaks or barrier detachment. Ostomy tape, strips and other adhesion products help keep the barrier in place by developing a waterproof seal against the skin. Once applied, the solution is gentle enough to prevent skin irritation during day-to-day wear.

How Ostomy Tape and Medical Adhesives Are Used

With several shapes and formulas available, ostomy tapes, strips and adhesives can be used with one- and two-piece systems. To cover the barrier and create a stronger seal, ostomy strips are designed to align with the plate’s surface but can also be applied in portions for a greater amount of hold.

In using ostomy tapes, strips and adhesives:

Ease of Application: Products may be applied directly to the skin or to the ostomy system’s barrier plate.

Barrier strips and tape offer flexible construction that won’t add pressure to your ostomy system, can accommodate fitting issues, offer ease of application and won’t irritate the surrounding skin.

Adaptable: If bulging or uneven skin, a fistula or a wound exists around the stoma, consider supplementing the tape or strips with paste, which acts as a filler for these areas.

If a paste is used, it should be applied around the ostomy system’s opening and shouldn’t be spread over the barrier plate’s backing. Instead, directions often specify adding beads to the surface.

Waterproof: If you plan to swim, engage in physical activity or take a shower with your ostomy system, tape or strips can be applied around the edges for a stronger hold and waterproof protection.

Shop Barrier Strips, Ostomy Tape and Adhesives

Ostomy systems accommodate a range of body shapes and conditions. Patients themselves have also found what works for them, particularly for at-home use. For a secure seal and straightforward application, shop barrier strips, tape, medical adhesives. Don’t forget about proper removal. Check out our removal sprays and wipes.

When should I use ostomy tape or adhesive strips with my pouching system?

Ostomy tape and adhesive strips are used to reinforce the edges of your skin barrier and extend wear time. You should consider using them if your barrier edges tend to lift or curl during the day, if you are physically active and sweat causes the adhesive to loosen, if you swim or shower frequently, or if you live in a hot and humid climate. Elastic barrier strips like Coloplast Brava Elastic Barrier Strips flex with your body while keeping the barrier edges sealed against your skin. Rigid tapes like 3M Micropore provide firm reinforcement for barriers that shift during movement. Many ostomates apply strips in a picture-frame pattern around all four edges of the barrier for even reinforcement. If you only experience lifting on one side, a single strip on the problem area may be enough. Tape and strips are especially valuable for extending the wear time of your barrier by one to two extra days.

What types of medical adhesive are used in ostomy care?

Ostomy care uses several types of medical adhesive, each serving a different purpose. Hydrocolloid adhesive is built into most skin barriers and creates a moisture-managing bond that protects peristomal skin while securing the pouch. Medical bonding cement, such as Torbot Skin Bond, is a liquid adhesive applied to skin before the barrier for extra hold in high-moisture or high-activity situations. Double-sided adhesive discs are used with older-style reusable pouching systems to attach the pouch to a faceplate. Elastic adhesive strips reinforce barrier edges and flex with body movement. Waterproof adhesive tape provides rigid edge reinforcement for swimming or bathing. When selecting an adhesive product, consider your skin sensitivity, activity level, and whether you need flexibility or rigid hold. If you have sensitive or damaged skin, avoid solvent-based adhesives and choose hypoallergenic or silicone-based options that release without causing further irritation.

How do I prevent my ostomy barrier adhesive from loosening in hot weather?

Heat and perspiration are the two biggest enemies of barrier adhesion. In hot weather, sweat accumulates under the barrier and breaks down the hydrocolloid adhesive faster than normal, leading to edge lifting and shorter wear times. To combat this, start by applying your barrier to clean, thoroughly dry skin in a cool environment. Use a skin barrier film spray before application to create an extra moisture barrier. Apply elastic barrier strips around the edges for reinforcement. Consider switching to a barrier designed for extended wear in challenging conditions, such as Hollister FlexWear or ConvaTec Durahesive barriers, which are formulated to resist moisture better than standard adhesives. Some ostomates also use ostomy support belts to reduce stress on the adhesive during physical activity. Avoid lotions, oils, or moisturizers near your stoma area as they prevent the adhesive from bonding to your skin.