Why Wide Rings Make a Difference

Not all barrier rings are created equal. Standard thin rings (2mm) work well for minor irregularities, but deeper creases, pronounced scars, or significant skin folds need more substantial support. Brava Wide Rings at 4.2mm thickness provide more than double the gap-filling capacity of standard rings. This extra thickness means you can fill deeper valleys, create smoother transitions, and build up more support exactly where you need it. The result is a more even surface for your barrier to adhere to, which translates to better seals, fewer undermining leaks, and extended wear time—especially important if you have challenging peristomal skin topology.

Perfect for: Deep creases or folds near the stoma, pronounced surgical scars, uneven peristomal planes, retracted stomas needing extra support, recurrent undermining leaks, or anyone needing maximum gap-filling capacity.

Key Features

✓ Extra-thick 4.2mm profile — more than double the thickness of standard rings for maximum gap-filling
✓ 18mm inner diameter — stretches gently to accommodate various stoma sizes
✓ 48mm outer diameter — broad contact area for secure seal and edge support
✓ Moldable hydrocolloid — warm with your hands and shape to fill any contour
✓ Stackable design — use multiple rings for very deep valleys or extreme irregularities
✓ Trimmable opening — cut the inner diameter if needed for larger stomas
✓ Skin-friendly formula — alcohol-free, gentle on peristomal skin
✓ Low-residue removal — easier cleanup when changing barriers
✓ Flexible and comfortable — moves with your body without creating rigid pressure
✓ Universal compatibility — works with all 1-piece and 2-piece systems from any manufacturer
✓ Latex-free; single-patient use

What You'll Appreciate

Maximum gap-filling power — When you have deep creases, significant scars, or pronounced folds, standard thin rings just don't provide enough support. The 4.2mm thickness fills substantial gaps to create a level surface your barrier can grip.

Versatile sizing — The 18mm inner opening works for small to medium stomas and stretches gently if you need a bit more. The 48mm outer diameter provides generous coverage to bridge uneven areas and support your barrier edges.

Custom moldability — Warm the ring between your hands and it becomes pliable like soft clay. Shape it to fill your specific contours, press it into creases, or mold it around scars. It adapts to your unique peristomal topology.

Stackable for extreme cases — Have a particularly deep valley or complex contour? Stack two rings for up to 8.4mm of support. This is especially helpful for severely retracted stomas or deep surgical depressions.

Better seals, fewer leaks — By filling gaps and creating an even surface, wide rings help prevent the undermining leaks that happen when output seeps under your barrier through channels and valleys.

Extended wear time — When your barrier starts with a good seal on a level surface, it's more likely to stay secure for its full intended wear time instead of failing prematurely from edge lift or undermining.

Comfortable flexibility — Despite being thick, the hydrocolloid remains flexible and moves with your body. You won't feel like you have a rigid ring creating pressure points.

Works with everything — Whether you use paste, powder, strips, or any other accessories, wide rings integrate seamlessly into your routine and enhance whatever system you're already using.

How to Use

Preparation:

1. Cleanse and dry peristomal skin thoroughly
2. Remove the ring from packaging — you'll notice it feels firm at room temperature
3. Warm the ring between your hands for 30-60 seconds:
   • The heat makes the hydrocolloid soft and moldable
   • It should feel pliable, like soft modeling clay
   • Don't skip this step—warm rings mold much better

Sizing the Opening:

Option 1: Stretch to fit (most common)

• The 18mm opening can stretch gently to accommodate stomas up to about 25mm
• Warm the ring first, then gently stretch the inner opening
• Stretch gradually and evenly around the circumference
• Don't force it—gentle stretching prevents tearing

Option 2: Trim to fit (larger stomas)

• For stomas larger than 25mm, you'll need to cut the opening
• Measure your stoma and mark the desired size on the ring
• Use sharp scissors to cut the inner circle smoothly
• Cut in one continuous motion for clean edges

Option 3: Use as-is (18mm stomas)

• If your stoma is close to 18mm, no adjustment needed
• Simply warm and apply

Application Method 1: Ring on Skin

1. Position the warmed ring around your stoma:
   • Center it so your stoma comes through the opening
   • The ring should sit directly on your peristomal skin
2. Press and mold the ring:
   • Press down gently to adhere to skin
   • Mold the hydrocolloid to fill creases, folds, or valleys
   • Push it into gaps to create a smooth, even surface
   • Pay special attention to problem areas you know leak
3. Smooth the outer edge for good contact with your skin
4. Apply your barrier over the ring:
   • Center your barrier opening over the stoma and ring
   • Press firmly from center outward
   • The barrier will adhere to both the ring and your skin

Application Method 2: Ring on Barrier

1. Apply the warmed ring to your barrier's adhesive surface:
   • Center it around the barrier's stoma opening
   • Press to adhere to the barrier
   • Mold to fill the contour between barrier and skin
2. Apply the barrier with ring attached to your skin:
   • Position over stoma
   • Press firmly, smoothing from center outward
   • The ring creates a transition between barrier and skin contours

Most users prefer Method 1 (ring on skin) as it allows better molding to fill specific gaps and valleys.

Stacking Rings for Deep Gaps:

For very deep creases or severe irregularities:

1. Warm both rings thoroughly
2. Apply first ring directly to skin around stoma
3. Mold to fill the deepest part of the valley
4. Apply second ring on top of the first
5. Mold to create smooth transition to skin level
6. Apply barrier over the stacked rings

Don't stack more than 2 wide rings (8.4mm total) without clinical guidance—excessive buildup can create other problems.

Important Application Tips:

• Always warm first: Cold rings are stiff and won't mold properly
• Mold while warm: Work quickly once warmed; hydrocolloid firms as it cools
• Press into gaps: Don't just lay it on top—push it into valleys and creases
• Smooth transitions: Blend the outer edge gradually into surrounding skin
• Check for air pockets: Make sure there are no gaps between ring and skin

Combining with Other Products:

Rings + Barrier Paste:

• Apply paste to very narrow creases first
• Then apply ring for broader gap-filling
• This combination addresses both narrow and wide irregularities

Rings + Powder:

• Use powder on weepy skin first (brush off excess)
• Then apply ring over the powder
• Ring adheres fine over properly powdered skin

Rings + Barrier Strips:

• Apply ring for gap-filling around stoma
• Add barrier strips around outer barrier edges for edge support
• Complete protection from center to perimeter

Understanding Ring Thickness Options

When to choose which thickness:

Thin/Standard Rings (2mm):

• Best for: Minor skin irregularities, shallow creases, gentle transitions
• Gap-filling capacity: Light—good for small imperfections
• Common uses: Routine gap-filling, minor scars, slight unevenness
• Profile: Low—creates minimal bulk

Wide Rings - 4.2mm (This Product):

• Best for: Deep creases, pronounced scars, significant folds, retracted stomas
• Gap-filling capacity: Substantial—fills deep valleys and creates major transitions
• Common uses: Challenging skin topology, recurrent leaks from gaps, extra support needs
• Profile: Thick—noticeable but flexible support

How to decide:

• Start with standard if you have minor irregularities
• Upgrade to wide if standard rings don't fill your gaps adequately
• Use wide from the start if you have obvious deep creases or pronounced scars
• Try one of each and compare results if you're unsure

Can you switch between them? Absolutely. Keep both types on hand and use whichever is most appropriate for your current needs. Skin topology can change with weight fluctuations, healing, or hernia development.

Troubleshooting Wide Ring Use

"The ring feels too thick and bulky." This might mean:

• You don't actually need the wide thickness—try standard rings instead
• You're stacking when one ring is sufficient—use less
• The ring isn't warm enough to mold smoothly—warm it longer If you genuinely need the gap-filling capacity but find it uncomfortable, consult your ostomy nurse about alternative approaches.

"The ring won't stretch enough for my stoma." Solutions:

• Make sure you're warming it adequately first (60+ seconds)
• Stretch slowly and evenly around the entire circumference
• If your stoma is much larger than 25mm, trim the opening instead
• Consider whether you actually need to stretch—can you trim instead?

"My barrier still leaks even with wide rings." Investigate:

• Is the ring positioned correctly and filling the actual problem areas?
• Are you molding it while warm to fill gaps, or just laying it on flat?
• Do you need to stack rings for even deeper support?
• Is your barrier opening cut correctly to your stoma size?
• Could you benefit from additional accessories (paste, strips, powder)? Schedule a fitting with your ostomy nurse to assess your complete system.

"The ring creates wrinkles or air pockets." This happens when:

• The ring isn't warmed enough before application
• You're not pressing it firmly into contact with skin
• You're stretching it unevenly
• Your skin has too much residual moisture Solution: Warm thoroughly, ensure dry skin, press firmly while molding, and smooth out any wrinkles before they set.

"Removal is painful or leaves residue." Tips for easier removal:

• Use adhesive remover spray or wipes
• Remove slowly—don't rip it off
• Peel gently while supporting your skin
• If residue remains, wipe with warm water or adhesive remover
• Brava Wide Rings are formulated for low-residue removal, but some buildup is normal

"Should I use rings with convex barriers?" Yes! Rings work well with convex barriers. The ring fills the transition area between the convex barrier and your skin contours, enhancing the seal. Apply the ring to your skin, then apply the convex barrier over it.

"Can I cut rings into pieces for targeted filling?" Yes, you can cut wide rings into sections if you only need gap-filling in specific spots. This stretches your supply and reduces bulk. Warm the ring, cut to size, and apply pieces where needed.

When Wide Rings Are Most Helpful

Wide rings are especially beneficial for:

Deep surgical scars — Pronounced indentations or raised ridges from ostomy surgery or previous procedures

Significant skin folds — Natural creases or folds that create channels under your barrier

Retracted stomas — Stomas that sit below skin level, creating a valley that needs filling

Parastomal hernias — Irregular bulges that create uneven surfaces around the stoma

Weight loss or gain — Body changes that create new folds or alter existing contours

Recurrent undermining leaks — Output consistently seeps under your barrier through specific channels

Uneven peristomal planes — One area of your peristomal skin is significantly different in height from another

Post-revision topology — Skin contours changed after stoma revision surgery

Combination challenges — Multiple factors creating complex peristomal topology

Comparison: Wide Rings vs. Barrier Paste

Both products fill gaps, but they work differently:

Wide Rings (This Product):

• Form: Solid, moldable hydrocolloid
• Thickness: 4.2mm of substantial support
• Best for: Broad, deep valleys and transitions
• Application: Warm, mold, and press into place
• Advantages: Consistent thickness, structural support, clean handling
• Coverage: Broad area around stoma (18-48mm)

Barrier Paste:

• Form: Semi-liquid paste that you shape
• Thickness: Variable—you control how much you use
• Best for: Narrow creases, crevices, small irregularities
• Application: Squeeze, roll, and apply to specific spots
• Advantages: Fills very narrow channels, easily targeted
• Coverage: Precise application where needed

Which should you use?

• Deep, broad valleys → Wide Rings
• Narrow crevices → Paste
• Combination of both → Use paste for narrow creases PLUS rings for broad gaps
• Prefer cleaner handling → Rings (less messy than paste)
• Need precise targeting → Paste (more control over placement)

Many users find the best results come from combining both: paste for fine details and rings for structural gap-filling.

Technical Specifications

Product Name: Brava Wide Adhesive Protective Ring
Thickness: 4.2 mm (extra-thick for maximum gap-filling)
Inner Diameter (ID): 18 mm (stretchable or trimmable)
Outer Diameter (OD): 48 mm (broad contact area)
Material: Moldable hydrocolloid
Color: Neutral tan/beige

Gap-Filling Capacity:

• Single ring: 4.2mm of support
• Stacked (2 rings): 8.4mm of support
• Suitable for deep creases, pronounced scars, and significant irregularities

Moldability:

• Becomes pliable when warmed in hands
• Can be shaped to fill specific contours
• Firms when cooled to body temperature
• Maintains molded shape during wear

Sizing Flexibility:

• Inner opening: Stretches to approximately 25mm; trimmable for larger sizes
• Outer coverage: 48mm diameter provides broad support zone
• Customizable: Cut into sections for targeted filling if desired

Formulation:

• Alcohol-free (gentle on skin)
• Latex-free (not made with natural rubber latex)
• Skin-friendly adhesive
• Low-residue removal formula

Wear Time: Replace with each barrier change (typically every 3-7 days depending on system)
Sterility: Non-sterile accessory for external use
Patient Use: Single-patient use; single use (do not reuse rings)
Packaging: 10 rings per box (individually sealed for freshness)
Storage: Store in cool, dry place; keep sealed until use

Compatibility: ✓ All 1-piece ostomy systems
✓ All 2-piece ostomy systems
✓ Flat and convex barriers
✓ All barrier brands and types
✓ Works with colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy pouches
✓ Compatible with paste, powder, strips, and other accessories

Indications for Use: ✓ Deep creases or folds around stoma
✓ Pronounced surgical scars
✓ Uneven peristomal skin topology
✓ Retracted stomas requiring support
✓ Undermining leak prevention
✓ Creating level surface for barrier adhesion
✓ Enhancing wear time on challenging contours
✓ Parastomal hernia support (clinical guidance)

Ordering Guidance

When to consider Brava Wide Rings:

• You have deep creases, pronounced scars, or significant folds near your stoma
• Standard thin rings (2mm) don't provide enough gap-filling
• You experience undermining leaks from output seeping through channels
• Your peristomal skin topology is complex or uneven
• You have a retracted stoma that needs substantial support
• Your ostomy nurse has recommended thick rings
• You want maximum gap-filling capacity

Ring thickness options:

• Standard/Thin (2mm) — for minor irregularities and routine gap-filling
• Wide (4.2mm) — this listing: for deep gaps and substantial support needs

Quantity considerations: Each box contains 10 wide rings. With one ring per barrier change:

• 3-day barrier wear: One box = 30 days supply
• 5-day barrier wear: One box = 50 days supply
• Stacking 2 rings per change: One box = 5 barrier changes

Cost-effectiveness: Wide rings cost more per unit than standard rings, but provide significantly more gap-filling capacity. If you need the thickness, they're more cost-effective than doubling up standard rings.

Have both sizes on hand: Consider keeping both standard and wide rings in your supplies:

• Use wide rings for challenging changes or high-risk times
• Use standard rings when you need less support
• This flexibility helps you adapt to changing skin conditions

Pro tip: If you're unsure whether you need the wide thickness, ask your ostomy nurse if you can try a sample ring before purchasing a full box. Proper assessment ensures you get the right product for your specific gaps and irregularities.

For personalized guidance on whether wide rings are appropriate for your peristomal skin topology, proper molding techniques, or questions about stacking or combining with other products, consult with your ostomy care nurse for hands-on fitting support.