What is a Stoma?
Stoma surgery results in a small opening on the surface of the abdomen being surgically created in order to alter the flow of feces and/or urine, often called, "stoma output". A stoma looks a lot like a small spout and because it does not have nerve endings it does not feel pain. A healthy stoma is deep red and it looks a lot like the inside of a healthy mouth.
What is a Recessed Stoma?
A stoma generally sticks out from the side of the abdomen which helps the stoma output enter the pouch easier. However, sometimes the stoma is "recessed" or retracted. The stoma can be flush against the skin or just shorter than what is normally expected. This can cause problems because the opening of the stoma does not reach the inside of the ostomy pouch. This can cause the output to cover the skin around the stoma or go between the wafer and the pouch which can cause leaks and damage skin. 
What is a Convex Wafer?
A convex ostomy wafer is designed to curve inward toward the stoma, gently pushing down on the surrounding skin and allowing the stoma to stick out more. This creates a more secure fit and helps direct urine or stool into the pouch and not under the wafer or skin barrier. If your stoma sits at skin level it is flush. If your stoma sits below skin level it is recessed or retracted. This can cause the surrounding skin to be sunken or uneven. A convex pouching system can help fix the problem. A convex wafer can be a part of a two piece system or a one piece system. It is available in closed or drainable. Coloplast offers the Light Convex and Deep Convex as part of their two piece systems. If you have general questions about how your ostomy supplies work, contact your online medical supply company and they would be happy to help you understand the difference between ostomy pouch systems. Your ostomy care medical team can help you decide if a convex wafer is for you. Your personal nurse or medical care provider is your best resource since they know your personal medical needs. Coloplast Sensura Mio is a great place to start looking for which convex ostomy wafer or convex barrier works for your stoma.
What are the 3 Levels of Convexity Coloplast Offers?
SenSura Mio Soft Convex:- Gentlest level of convex wafer
- Designed for areas with divots, creases or folds
- For newly created stomas who need a gentle curve
- For all stomas that need gentle support
- Lowest level of convexity
The Soft convex is for you if your stoma has an opening above skin level that need support due to challenges with the skin surrounding your stoma such as surgery scars, folds, etc.
SenSura Mio Convex Light:- A light curve for shallow inward areas around the stoma
- Designed for times when a light curve is needed to even out divots, creases, and skin folds.
- For stomas that need help to stick out away from skin because they are slightly recessed or flush
- May be appropriate if output is undermining the current appliance and causing problems with skin damage or leaks.
SenSura Mio Deep Convex: - A deeper curve for deep inward areas around the stoma
- Designed for situations where a deep curve is needed to even out divots, creases, and folds and other levels aren't deep enough
- For newly created stomas that need a lot of help to stick out away from the skin
- May be appropriate if output is undermining the current appliance due to a recessed stoma that lies below the skin.
The Deep convex is for you if your stoma and opening is below skin level that needs a lot of help to protrude, or for deep-seated areas where a deep curve is needed to get a good grip.
