This article sharing Hollister Ostomy bag problems is not meant to criticize Hollister as a company, nor to make claims about their manufacturing processes as I have no idea what the heck is actually going on over there. Instead, it is a personal account of what I’ve experienced recently, supported by publicly shared user feedback, in hopes of helping others who may be facing similar issues.
For years, Hollister ostomy bags were trusted by many in the ostomy community, including myself. Their products were reliable, discreet, and consistent qualities that matter when you rely on an appliance every hour of every day.
Recently, however, I began experiencing unexpected Hollister Ostomy bag problems: early leaks, weaker closures, increased odor, and significant changes in material quality. After troubleshooting, I started researching what other users were experiencing and discovered similar concerns being shared across the ostomy community.
Why This Matters for Ostomates
When an ostomy product changes, even slightly, it can impact ostomates in a variety of ways including the following:
- Skin health
- Leak protection
- Daily comfort
- Confidence outside the home
- Sleep quality
- Overall quality of life
Because of the impact these issues can have, it’s important to document what users are noticing and offer practical adaptation tips until solutions improve.
Helpful Guide: Ostomy Bag Leaks & How to Prevent Them
Common Issues Ostomates Are Reporting With Hollister Bags
Based on personal experience and community feedback, these are the most frequently discussed concerns and Hollister ostomy bag problems reported.
1. Material Changes and Reduced Durability
Many long-time Hollister users have reported that recent pouches feel thinner or more plastic-like than before. This change appears to affect:
Pouch Strength
Several users, myself included, have seen:
- Early wear
- Tiny tears
- Pinhole leaks
- Unexpected material breakdown within 1–3 days
- Faulty Velcro adhesive
Noise and Discretion
Multiple users describe the material as “crinkly” or noticeably louder under clothing, which can impact privacy and confidence in public settings.
Helpful Guide: Foods to Avoid with an Ostomy: Prevent Blockages & Gas
2. Adhesive and Flange Performance Issues
One of the most significant challenges is the adhesive not performing the way it used to. Users have noted:
- Adhesive that seems unevenly distributed
- Edges lifting sooner than expected
- Output creeping under the barrier
- Wear time decreasing from 5–7 days to about 1–2
For anyone with sensitive skin, this increase in changes can lead to irritation, discomfort, and difficulty healing existing skin issues.
3. Closure Weakness and Outlet Failures
This issue is something I have personally experienced.
The bottom closure, which is designed to securely hold output inside the bag, feels less reliable than previous designs. In situations where the closure weakened or didn’t seal well, I had to use a paper clip as a temporary measure to avoid changing the appliance too frequently, which aggravates my skin.
Other users have reported similar challenges with the Velcro-style closure coming off much earlier than anticipated. This makes the appliance unusable and leads to frequent ostomy changes which come with a variety of problems for ostomates.
Including irritated skin from removing the appliance with fresh paste and a slew of other products. It also leads to wasted supplies, not just the ostomy bag itself but supplies needed for each bag change such as pastes, barrier rings, barrier film, deodorants and lubricants, etc.
It takes time out of our day to deal with leaks and ostomy issues, not to mention the embarrassment that can come along with those moments when we have to excuse ourselves in front of normies.
I don’t think ostomates actually refer to non ostomates as normies, I was just being silly but maybe it will become a thing now, who knows?
4. Increased Odor and Ballooning
In recent months, users have also noted:
- Odor becoming noticeable after 1–3 days
- Ballooning occurring more frequently
- Bags protruding outward even when not full
Some ostomates think that these issues may be due to a new material being used, most likely they went with a cheaper option, at the cost of our discretion and dignity of course.
To manage odor, I’ve been using a light spray of perfume on the outside of the bag each morning, which offers some improvement.
Helpful Guide: Why Does My Ostomy Smell? And How to Deal With It
Are These Changes Related to the CeraPlus Line?
A recurring theme among ostomates is that the decline in reliability seemed to coincide with the introduction of the CeraPlus line. Hollister describes CeraPlus as a ceramide-infused barrier designed to support skin health.
More clarity from the manufacturer could help ostomates understand what has changed and why.
Keep in mind that I have no idea what the heck is actually going on, I am just sharing my experience and experiences of those who have shared online to help other ostomates.
Practical Tips for Managing These Issues
While we wait for improvements or clearer communication, here are strategies that have helped me and others maintain comfort and protection.
1. Use a Support Garment or Cami
Helps reduce noise and keeps the pouch more discreet under clothing.
2. Reinforce the Bottom Closure
A small paper clip or securing strip can help temporarily if the closure weakens.
3. Deodorizing Solutions
Drops, sprays, and pouch deodorants may lessen odor but won’t eliminate it if plastic permeability is involved.
4. Barrier Strips Around the Flange
Helpful for reducing edge lifting and minimizing early leaks.
5. Request Product Replacements
Hollister customer service will offer replacements when you report Hollister ostomy bag problems, while issues persist.
How to Request Replacement Ostomy Supplies From Hollister
If you’re experiencing issues with your Hollister ostomy bags, you may be eligible to receive replacement products directly from the company. The process is straightforward, but it does require a few important details. Below is a step-by-step guide based on my personal experience.
1. Contact Hollister Customer Service
You can call their customer support line to report the issue. Be prepared for a brief wait time and a detailed conversation, as the representative will need to gather specific information before processing your request.
2. Have Your Box and Lot Numbers Ready
Before you call, make sure you save the boxes from any defective products. Hollister will ask for the lot numbers printed on your packaging in order to:
- Document your product complaint
- Confirm eligibility for replacements
- Track potential manufacturing issues
I had three boxes saved, and they approved replacements for all three.
3. Provide Your Contact and Product Information
During the call, the representative will ask for:
- Your full name
- Shipping address
- Email address
- Phone number
- Product codes and lot numbers from your boxes
This information is required to create a product report and to ship your replacements.
4. Complete the Consent Form
Hollister will send a Right to Contact consent form via text message or email. You must sign this form before they can move forward with your request. This step took me just a few seconds.
5. Answer Questions About Your Experience
To better document the issue, customer service will ask a few questions such as:
- How long you typically wear your ostomy appliance
- Any skin issues you’re currently managing
- The specific problems you have experienced with the product
These questions help them classify the issue and determine the appropriate replacement.
6. Confirm Replacement Shipment
Once everything is verified, the representative will let you know how many replacement items will be sent. In my case, they shipped replacements for each box I had saved.
Final Thoughts on Hollister Products
This article reflects my personal experience and publicly shared feedback from other ostomates who have been navigating recent difficulties with Hollister ostomy bags. The goal is not to criticize, but to provide insight, validation, and practical tips for those who may be struggling too.
While I appreciate that Hollister promptly provided replacements, the recent issues have made me more cautious about relying on their products moving forward. I’ve used Hollister for many years and currently have a pretty good doomsday stockpile going, so it will be some time before I need to place another order. When that time comes, I truly hope the quality returns to the standard this brand was once known for. If the problems continue, however, I may have to explore alternative ostomy products to ensure reliability and protect my skin health.
If you’ve encountered similar issues, feel free to share your experience. Your story could help someone else troubleshoot, prevent skin damage, or feel less alone in what can already be a challenging journey.
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