Closed vs Drainable Ostomy Bags: Which Is Right for You?

What Is a Closed Ostomy Bag?

Closed ostomy bags are meant to collect output from the stoma, then be discarded after a single use. Since there is no way to open the bag, users must change the appliance each time it is filled.

Closed ostomy bags are available in 1 or 2 piece variations. For a 1 piece closed ostomy pouch, simply attach the system to the stoma, let it fill to about ½ - ¾ full, then discard the entire bag. For a 2 piece system, the skin barrier is set on the stoma and left there for a longer period. This means the user can discard/empty the bag without taking off the full appliance.

The simplicity and tight seal of a closed ostomy bag makes it an ideal choice for those traveling, being active, or for intimacy.

What Is a Drainable Ostomy Bag?

A drainable ostomy bag opens up at the bottom, allowing the user to empty it, close it up, and re-fill it. Unlike a closed ostomy bag, the pouch only needs to be replaced every 3 to 7 days.

Drainable bags should be emptied when they’re about half or two-thirds full to keep them fully clean and functioning. It’s also recommended to clean the openings of the bag when emptying - a quick scrub can make a big difference for the lifespan of your ostomy pouch.

Because only 1-3 pouches are needed a week, ostomates are able to save money in the long run, which makes this reusable variation a very budget-friendly option.

Closed vs Drainable Ostomy Bags: What's the Difference?

How Does the Type of Ostomy Change the Type of Bag?

There are three types of ostomy surgeries: Colostomy, Ileostomy, and Urostomy. Each of these procedures are done for different reasons, and are meant to treat different conditions. The type of output both depends on the type of ostomy and pre-surgery patterns. If you had frequent movement before your ostomy, it’s likely that it will stay consistent afterwards.

Colostomy

Colostomy surgeries create an opening in the large intestine, usually on the lower left side of the abdomen. Stoma location may vary slightly depending on the patient’s specific anatomy. Colostomy output is more predictable and consistent than others, as well as being more formed and solid. This pairs well with the simplicity and ease-of-use of a closed ostomy bag, letting the user quickly throw away the pouch and attach a new one.

Ileostomy

Ileostomy output cannot be controlled like a colostomy can. The surgically created opening is in the lowest part of the small intestine, known as the ileum, typically on the right side of the abdomen. This creates a constant drainage system, letting output flow into the bag at all times. Since it’s always filling up, drainable bags are the preferred option for those with an ileostomy.

Urostomy

A urostomy is in the same location as an ileostomy (the ileum), but serves a very different purpose. By diverting the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder) through a piece of the small intestine, the ostomy bag collects strictly urine, and no stool. Since this is fully liquid, using a drainable bag is very easy and is the common choice.

Advantages of Closed Ostomy Bags

• Quicker pouch changes
• No emptying required
• Convenient when away from home
• Completely fresh pouch every change

Advantages of Drainable Ostomy Bags

• Fewer pouch changes
• More affordable
• Better for frequent output
• Less stress from adhesive removal on the skin

Are Closed or Drainable Bags Better for Sensitive Skin?

The part of an ostomy system that causes skin irritation isn’t the bag itself. The action of removing and re-attaching your skin barrier to your stoma and surrounding skin is what causes the most stress. While drainable bags don’t always need to be removed for emptying, all 1-piece systems are going to irritate the skin more than a 2-piece system. 2-piece systems have the skin barrier and pouch as separate parts, which means taking off the skin barrier a lot less.

Can You Switch Between Closed and Drainable Bags?

While there are certain recommendations for the type of bag you should use, there is still personal preference to consider. Some people change their type of bag to better fit their work, if they’re traveling, during exercise, changes in stool consistency, or during intimacy. The only opening in a closed bag is where it connects to the stoma, so many ostomates choose it for when they need extra confidence that there won’t be a leak or other issues.

A common practice for ostomates is to keep supply of both, using whatever fits their specific needs at that time. Having 1-piece, 2-piece, closed, and drainable bags will allow maximum flexibility and keep you prepared for any situation. For certain situations, like during intimacy, some customers opt for a stoma cap, to have no bag at all. Stoma caps work best for those with a colostomy because of the predictable output, but those with ileostomies or urostomies are still able to use them.

Popular Closed and Drainable Ostomy Bags by Brand

Buying an ostomy bag from trusted brands can make finding help much easier and build confidence in the ostomy products you use. Remember to consult a medical professional or care team to find what will work best for you.

Hollister (New Image, Premier)

Hollister Premier - 1-Piece Closed Ostomy Bag (Pre-cut) - This bag uses an ultra-thin and highly flexible skin barrier, which makes this a more sensitive-skin-friendly 1-piece ostomy bag.

Hollister New Image - 12" 2-Piece Drainable Ostomy Bag with Filter (Lock n Roll) - This pouch prioritizes discretion and comfort, preventing a bulge in your clothes and reducing the volume of the bag rustling or moving against skin.

Coloplast (SenSura Mio)

Coloplast SenSura Mio - Drainable 1-Piece Ostomy Bag with Easi-Close Wide Outlet (Pre-cut) - With an elastic barrier and a large full circle filter, the SenSura Mio bag fits into hard to reach areas and balloons less.

Coloplast SenSura Mio - Transparent Drainable 1-Piece Cut to Fit Ostomy Bag - A transparent bag makes monitoring both your stoma and your output much easier. Many new ostomates like to use transparent pouches to make extra sure there aren’t any issues.

ConvaTec (Esteem+, Natura)

ConvaTec Natura Plus - 2 Piece Closed 8" Ostomy Bag without Filter - This pouch has a small oval shape and uses a softer and quieter fabric to keep your ostomy system out of the way and subtle.

Convatec EsteemBody Drainable Convex 1-Piece Ostomy Bag, Cut-to-Fit - The deep convex barrier of this ostomy bag gives solid support to the stoma, and with the Durahesive extended wear barrier, supports a long lasting seal.

How to Choose the Right Ostomy Bag

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing your ostomy bag, which can feel both overwhelming and complex. There are a few things to consider that are the most important, but once those are decided it’s mainly up to personal preference.

Ostomy type

The different types of ostomy surgeries make different bags more or less beneficial. Colostomies have more formed output, so closed bags work well. Ileostomies are constantly draining, so drainable 2-piece bags are ideal. Urostomies are only for urine, so drainable bags are the common choice.

Stool consistency

Having more formed/solid output is usually paired with a closed bag, since it can be more challenging to drain it. If you have thinner, more liquid output (or a urostomy), a drainable bag will allow you to quickly and easily drain your pouch.

Dexterity

Those with fine motor skills or low hand strength normally opt for 2-piece closed bags. This lets the wearer throw away their bag when full and re-attach a fresh one without taking off their skin barrier, greatly reducing the amount of fine movements needed.

Lifestyle

There are all types of activities or hobbies that call for different bags. If you are more physically active, you may want a closed bag to stop any worry of leaks/accidental drainage. Some ostomates feel stressed trying to find the perfect bag for all situations, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Using different styles and types of pouches for different situations works well, and can help reduce stress and make your daily routine much easier.

Personal preference

After covering the necessary requirements for your bag, the rest is up to you. There are black, gray, and beige to match different skin tones, bags with special filters to reduce odor, and many others that can line up with your specific needs. Make sure to do your own research or consult your ostomy nurse to find what is the best for you personally.

Insurance coverage

Since everyone’s insurance can vary slightly, it’s important to contact your own insurance and ask them about ostomy supplies. Express Medical doesn’t accept insurance as payment, but some insurance policies will offer reimbursement for the customer after they purchase the product. Buying extra bags from Express Medical that insurance doesn’t cover can help keep you prepared for any situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shop Drainable and Closed Ostomy Bags Online

Drainable ostomy bags have an opening that allows the user to drain their stomal output when it reaches ½-¾ full, then reattach the same bag and refill it. Many ostomates use this when their output is thinner, or they are away from home. Closed bags have no opening except for where the stoma goes, so they get thrown away when filled and users attach a brand new bag. If you have more formed output and a bathroom is readily available, closed bags are perfect. It’s important to keep your needed ostomy supplies in stock. Using Express Medical's Auto Ship Program lets you not stress about running out of supplies, automatically delivering your products at a date of your choice. We carry all of our ostomy in-house and ship directly to the consumer, with human customer service that can help you with any issue or confusion.