Why Elastic Edge Support Matters

Barrier edge lift is one of the most common causes of premature appliance failure. When the edges start to peel away—whether from body movement, moisture, or uneven contours—it creates pathways for leaks and exposes your skin to output. Traditional barrier tape can be stiff and uncomfortable, but Brava Elastic Barrier Strips use flexible hydrocolloid that stretches and returns to shape as you move. The wishbone (Y) design is specifically shaped to hug corners and curves, giving you reliable edge security exactly where you need it most.

Perfect for: Anyone experiencing edge lift, people with active lifestyles, curved abdominal areas, skin folds near the stoma, or those wanting to extend wear time with extra edge reinforcement.

Key Features

✓ Wishbone (Y) shape — designed to straddle corners and curves for broader, more secure edge coverage
✓ Elastic hydrocolloid material — stretches up to 30% and returns to shape, moving naturally with your body
✓ Prevents edge lift — reinforces barrier perimeter to keep edges sealed between changes
✓ Blocks undermining leaks — stops output from seeping under lifted edges
✓ Skin-friendly adhesive — gentle on peristomal skin with minimal residue on removal
✓ Pre-cut and ready — no trimming, cutting, or measuring needed
✓ Universal compatibility — works with any 1-piece or 2-piece barrier from any manufacturer
✓ Neutral tan color — blends discreetly with skin tones
✓ Latex-free; single-patient use

What You'll Appreciate

Moves with you — Unlike rigid barrier tape, the elastic hydrocolloid flexes when you bend, stretch, sit, or exercise. It moves with your body instead of fighting against it, which means better comfort and a more reliable seal during daily activities.

Targets problem areas — The wishbone shape is perfect for securing the tricky spots: curved edges where your barrier follows your body contour, corners where lifting often starts, and areas near skin folds that experience movement and moisture.

Extended wear confidence — By reinforcing the barrier perimeter from the start, you can often extend your wear time. The strips help your barrier stay secure for its full intended duration without premature edge failure.

Simple application — No complicated techniques or mess. Just peel, align, and smooth. The pre-cut wishbone shape does the work for you, conforming to your barrier's contours without trimming or adjusting.

Comfortable all day — The soft, flexible material feels natural against your skin. You won't notice stiff edges or uncomfortable pressure points, even when wearing the strips for days at a time.

How to Use

Preparation:

1. Apply your ostomy barrier first to clean, dry peristomal skin according to your usual routine
2. Ensure the barrier is secure — press firmly around the entire perimeter before adding strips
3. Identify problem areas — look for corners, curves, or spots where you've experienced edge lift before

Application:

1. Select a wishbone strip from the package
2. Peel off the backing paper to expose the adhesive
3. Position the "Y" center so it sits at a corner or curve of your barrier edge
4. Align the strip so one arm extends along each side of the corner/curve
5. Smooth each arm of the wishbone firmly along the barrier edge, pressing from center outward
6. Apply additional strips as needed around your barrier perimeter, overlapping slightly if desired for complete coverage
7. Press firmly along all strips to ensure good adhesion to both your skin and the barrier edge

How Many Strips to Use:

• Partial coverage: 2-4 strips for high-risk areas (corners, curves, or known problem spots)
• Full perimeter: 4-8 strips (varies based on barrier size and shape)
• Custom approach: Use as many or as few as you need based on your specific concerns

Important Tips:

• Apply strips to dry skin for best adhesion
• For extra security on very curved areas, slightly overlap the arms of adjacent wishbone strips
• The elastic property works best when the strip isn't stretched during application—let it sit naturally, then it will flex with movement
• If you have very active areas (like near the waistline), consider placing strips there even if you haven't had problems yet

Removal: The strips will come off when you remove your barrier. Peel gently; if any residue remains, wipe with warm water or adhesive remover wipes. The low-residue formula minimizes cleanup and skin irritation.

When to Use Elastic Barrier Strips

Common scenarios where these strips help:

Active lifestyles — If you exercise, play sports, or have a physically demanding job, the strips help your barrier stay secure during movement

Body contours — Curved abdominal areas, natural body folds, or uneven surfaces where barriers are more prone to edge lift

Moisture challenges — Sweating, swimming, or humid environments where moisture can compromise barrier adhesion

Skin folds — Areas where skin-to-skin contact or movement creates stress on barrier edges

Previous edge lift — If you've experienced premature barrier failure due to edge peeling, strips provide preventive reinforcement

Extended wear goals — When you need your barrier to last its full wear time without edge compromise

Peace of mind — Even if you haven't had problems, strips offer extra security for important events, travel, or times when you can't easily change your appliance

Comparison: When to Use Strips vs. Other Products

Elastic Barrier Strips (this product):

• Best for: Edge lift prevention, active lifestyles, curved areas
• Provides: Flexible edge reinforcement that moves with you
• Application: Quick and clean; pre-cut shapes

Standard Barrier Tape:

• Best for: Basic edge reinforcement on flat areas
• Provides: Rigid edge security (less flexibility)
• May be less comfortable during movement

Barrier Rings:

• Best for: Gap filling around the stoma, uneven skin near the opening
• Provides: Support at the barrier opening, not the outer edges
• Often used together with edge strips for complete protection

Strip Paste:

• Best for: Filling creases and gaps directly around the stoma
• Provides: Smooth surface for initial barrier adhesion
• Also can be used together with edge strips

Many users combine products: For example, use strip paste to fill gaps around the stoma, apply your barrier, then reinforce edges with elastic barrier strips for comprehensive protection.

Technical Specifications

Product Name: Brava Elastic Barrier Strip — Wishbone (Y) Shape
Material: Elastic hydrocolloid
Elasticity: Stretches up to 30% and returns to original shape
Shape: Wishbone / Y-shape for corner and curve coverage
Size: Pre-cut strips (specific dimensions optimize corner/curve fit)
Color: Neutral tan/beige (blends with skin tones)
Adhesive: Skin-friendly, low-residue hydrocolloid adhesive
Primary Use: Barrier edge reinforcement to prevent edge lift and undermining leaks
Application Area: Outer perimeter of ostomy barriers (corners, curves, edges)
Compatibility: Universal — works with all 1-piece and 2-piece ostomy barriers from any manufacturer
Wear Time: Replace with each barrier change (typically every 3-7 days depending on your system)
Materials: Latex-free; not made with natural rubber latex
Patient Use: Single-patient use; do not share between individuals
Sterility: Non-sterile accessory
Packaging: 20 wishbone strips per box
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place; keep sealed until ready to use

Indications for Use: ✓ Preventing barrier edge lift
✓ Reducing undermining leaks
✓ Supporting active lifestyles
✓ Securing curved barrier edges
✓ Reinforcing problem areas near skin folds
✓ Extending barrier wear time
✓ Providing extra security for events/travel

Ordering Guidance

When to consider Brava Elastic Barrier Strips:

• Your barrier edges lift before the end of normal wear time
• You're active and need extra security during movement
• You have curved abdominal contours that stress barrier edges
• You've experienced undermining leaks from edge failure
• You want to extend your wear time with preventive reinforcement
• You need flexibility (elastic) rather than rigid tape
• You have skin folds or uneven surfaces near your barrier perimeter

Shape options:

• Wishbone (Y) shape (this listing): Best for corners, curves, and broad edge coverage
• Straight strips (different SKU): Better for straight barrier edges with fewer curves

Quantity considerations: Each box contains 20 wishbone strips. Depending on how many strips you use per barrier change:

• Partial coverage (2-4 strips): One box = 5-10 barrier changes
• Full perimeter (6-8 strips): One box = 2-3 barrier changes

Pro tip: Start by using strips only on problem areas. If you find they help, you can gradually extend coverage around more of your barrier perimeter as needed.

For personalized guidance on whether elastic barrier strips are right for your situation, or to learn application techniques, consult with your ostomy care nurse or contact Coloplast customer service.