Why Choose Natura® Durahesive® Flex Barrier

This barrier combines Durahesive® extended-wear technology engineered to resist breakdown from liquid output with Flex construction that moves naturally with your body instead of creating rigid, uncomfortable barriers. The 5" × 5" square wafer provides generous adhesive surface area for challenging peristomal contours, while the flexible design conforms to body curves and bending without creating pressure points or losing adhesion. The "turtleneck" swelling seal prevents liquid undermining, and the 2¼" (57mm) Natura® coupling—the most common flange size—provides secure attachment with an audible "click" to a wide range of pouches.

Key Features & Benefits

Durahesive® Extended-Wear Hydrocolloid:

• Specifically formulated to resist erosion from liquid output
• Maintains adhesion longer than standard hydrocolloids when exposed to moisture
• Essential for ileostomy users with liquid to semi-liquid output
• Appropriate for high-output colostomy or urostomy situations
• Reduces barrier change frequency compared to standard formulas
• Protects peristomal skin from caustic liquid effluent
• Tan color indicates Flex formulation

Flex Flexible Construction:

• Thin, pliable wafer moves naturally with body contours
• Conforms to bending, twisting, and movement without rigid resistance
• More comfortable during daily activities than stiff wafers
• Reduces pressure points and skin irritation from inflexible barriers
• Maintains adhesion despite flexibility
• Especially comfortable for active users or those who sit/bend frequently
• Low-profile design lies flat under clothing

5" × 5" (127mm × 127mm) Square Wafer:

• Generous adhesive surface area for secure attachment
• Larger than standard barriers provides extra security
• Better coverage for uneven, creased, or challenging peristomal surfaces
• Accommodates various stoma positions on the wafer
• Can be trimmed/customized if needed for body contours
• Provides confidence for active lifestyles or physical work

"Turtleneck" Swelling Seal:

• Durahesive® absorbs moisture and swells gently around stoma base
• Creates protective collar that prevents liquid output from undermining
• 360° seal adapts to stoma shape during wear
• Especially effective for flush or slightly retracted stomas
• Self-adjusting seal accommodates minor stoma size variations
• Critical feature for liquid output management

Cut-to-Fit Opening:

• Customizable opening size cut to match your specific stoma
• Precision fit reduces gaps where leakage could occur
• Accommodates oval, irregular, or uniquely-shaped stomas
• Flexibility to adjust for stoma size changes
• Requires measuring and cutting tools

2¼" (57mm) Natura® Flange:

• Most common Natura® flange size
• Compatible with widest range of Natura® pouches
• Secure snap-on coupling to ConvaTec Natura® 2¼" pouches
• Audible "click" confirms proper attachment for peace of mind
• Two-piece convenience allows pouch changes without barrier removal

Belt Tabs Included:

• Optional belt attachment points for extra security
• Particularly helpful with liquid output that creates pouch weight
• Can reduce barrier edge lift during physical activity
• Useful during high-output situations or sports
• Belt sold separately

Clinical Applications

Ideal For:

Ileostomy with Liquid to Semi-Liquid Output:

• Primary indication for Durahesive® technology
• Resists erosion from frequent, liquid effluent exposure
• Maintains seal longer than standard hydrocolloids
• Reduces barrier change frequency (fewer skin traumas)

High-Output Ostomies:

• Any ostomy producing >1000mL daily output
• Frequent liquid output challenging for standard barriers
• Extended wear reduces cost-per-day and skin trauma
• 5" × 5" surface area provides extra security with heavy pouches

Active Users Needing Flexibility:

• Athletes or physically active individuals
• Users who bend, twist, or move frequently during work
• Jobs requiring physical labor or awkward positions
• Users who find rigid wafers uncomfortable or restrictive
• Active lifestyles incompatible with stiff barriers

Challenging Peristomal Contours:

• Uneven, creased, or irregular peristomal surfaces
• Surgical scars creating challenging topography
• Soft or loose abdomens requiring broader adhesive area
• Body shapes where flexibility improves conforming

Users Prioritizing Comfort:

• Those who found previous rigid barriers uncomfortable
• Sensitivity to pressure from inflexible wafers
• Preference for natural movement over rigidity
• Long wear periods where comfort is essential

Combination Challenges:

• Liquid output AND need for flexibility
• Liquid output AND challenging contours
• Liquid output AND active lifestyle
• When multiple features must work together

Understanding Durahesive® Technology

What is Durahesive®?

Durahesive® is ConvaTec's advanced hydrocolloid formulation specifically engineered for ostomies with liquid or high-output effluent:

Enhanced Erosion Resistance: Resists breakdown when exposed to liquid output—maintaining structural integrity and adhesion longer than standard hydrocolloids including Stomahesive®.

Moisture Management: Can absorb and manage higher moisture levels without losing adhesive properties—critical for liquid ileostomy output.

Extended Wear Time: Typical wear time of 5-7 days even with liquid output, compared to 3-5 days for standard hydrocolloids in the same conditions.

Skin Protection: Creates reliable barrier between caustic liquid effluent and vulnerable peristomal skin, reducing chemical irritation and breakdown.

Controlled Swelling: Absorbs moisture and swells in a controlled manner to create the protective "turtleneck" seal without compromising adhesion.

Understanding Flex Technology

What is Flex Construction?

Flex refers to the thin, pliable wafer design that distinguishes this barrier from standard rigid wafers:

Thin Profile: The wafer is manufactured thinner than standard barriers, making it more flexible and less rigid.

Material Flexibility: The hydrocolloid formulation allows bending and conforming without cracking or losing adhesive contact.

Body Movement Accommodation: Flexes with natural body movements—bending at the waist, twisting, sitting, standing—without creating rigid resistance or pressure points.

Maintained Adhesion: Despite flexibility, maintains secure adhesion to skin through the same Durahesive® technology.

Comfort Benefits:

• Reduces "board-like" feeling of rigid wafers
• More natural sensation during wear
• Less awareness of barrier presence
• Better for users who move frequently

Tan Color: Flex barriers are tan/beige colored (vs. white standard Durahesive®), making them easy to identify.

Flex vs. Standard (Non-Flex) Barriers

Flex (This Product):

• Thin, flexible, pliable wafer
• Moves naturally with body
• More comfortable for active users
• Better for frequent bending/twisting
• Tan color
• Low-profile design
• Same Durahesive® protection with added comfort

Standard (Non-Flex) Barriers:

• Thicker, more rigid wafer
• Provides firmer support
• May feel more substantial or secure to some users
• Better for users who prefer firmness
• White or tan depending on formulation
• May be slightly more durable against mechanical stress

Choosing Between Them:

Choose Flex (This Product) if:

• You're active and move frequently
• You find rigid wafers uncomfortable
• You want low-profile, flexible design
• You need Durahesive® but want comfort
• You prioritize natural movement

Choose Standard if:

• You prefer firmer, more rigid support
• You like substantial feeling of thicker wafers
• Flexibility isn't a priority
• You're satisfied with standard barrier feel

Many users prefer Flex once they try it, reporting better comfort without sacrificing protection.

Understanding "Turtleneck" Seal Technology

How the Turtleneck Seal Works:

As the Durahesive® hydrocolloid barrier is exposed to moisture from stoma output, it undergoes a controlled swelling process:

Step 1 - Initial Application: Barrier adheres flat against peristomal skin with opening at stoma base.

Step 2 - Moisture Exposure: As liquid output contacts the barrier edge around the stoma, the hydrocolloid begins absorbing moisture.

Step 3 - Controlled Swelling: The inner edge of the barrier swells gently upward and inward, creating a raised collar or "turtleneck" around the stoma base.

Step 4 - Protective Seal: This raised collar creates a physical barrier that prevents liquid output from tracking horizontally under the barrier (undermining).

Benefits:

• Self-adjusting seal that adapts during wear
• Particularly effective against liquid undermining
• Works continuously throughout wear period
• No user action required—happens automatically
• Functions even with flexible Flex wafer

5" × 5" Square Wafer Advantages

Why 5" × 5" Matters:

Increased Adhesive Surface: Larger wafer provides more skin contact area for stronger, more secure adhesion—important when managing liquid output and heavier pouches.

Better Coverage: Accommodates challenging peristomal surfaces with creases, scars, or irregular contours by providing more "real estate" to work with.

Positioning Flexibility: Stoma can be positioned anywhere within the 5" × 5" area, allowing adjustment for anatomy or preference.

Security for Active Users: Larger surface area provides extra confidence during physical activity, sports, or work.

Trimming Options: Can be trimmed at corners or edges if needed to accommodate body curves or clothing fit.

Natura® 2¼" (57mm) Coupling System

This barrier uses ConvaTec's Natura® 2¼" (57mm) coupling—the most common and versatile flange size.

Compatible With:

• ConvaTec Natura® 2¼" drainable pouches (for ileostomy/colostomy)
• ConvaTec Natura® 2¼" closed pouches
• ConvaTec Natura® 2¼" urostomy pouches
• Widest range of Natura® pouch options

NOT Compatible With:

• Other ConvaTec flange sizes (38mm, 70mm)
• Other manufacturers' systems (Hollister, Coloplast, etc.)

2¼" (57mm) - Most Common Size:

• Standard flange for majority of ostomy users
• Fits stomas up to approximately 1⅛-1¼"
• Balance of adhesive surface and compact design
• Widest product selection available

Usage & Application

Preparing the Barrier:

1. Measure stoma at widest point using stoma measuring guide
2. Trace stoma shape onto barrier paper backing or use template
3. Cut opening approximately ⅛" (2-3mm) larger than stoma measurement
4. Cut smooth, round opening (no jagged edges)
5. For oval stomas, cut matching oval shape

Preparing Skin:

1. Cleanse peristomal skin with mild soap and water
2. Pat completely dry—any moisture reduces adhesion
3. Assess skin condition before each barrier application
4. Apply skin prep or protective products if recommended by clinician

Applying the Barrier:

1. Remove paper backing from barrier
2. Warm flexible barrier between hands for 15-30 seconds—Flex becomes more pliable when warm
3. Center barrier opening over stoma (ensure ⅛" gap around entire circumference)
4. Press barrier onto skin, starting at stoma and working outward
5. Smooth with hand for 30-60 seconds, allowing body heat to activate adhesion
6. The flexible wafer should conform naturally to body contours
7. Ensure no air bubbles or wrinkles—smooth flat
8. Pay attention to edges—press firmly all around 5" × 5" perimeter

Coupling the Pouch:

1. Align pouch flange with barrier coupling ring
2. Press around entire ring perimeter until you hear/feel audible "click"
3. Gently tug pouch to confirm secure attachment
4. If using belt, thread through belt tabs and adjust

For Liquid Output Users:

• Empty pouch when ⅓ to ½ full
• Monitor barrier edges more frequently with liquid output
• The turtleneck seal develops over first few hours of wear
• Flexible wafer shouldn't compromise seal effectiveness

Daily Monitoring:

• Check barrier edges daily for signs of lifting or erosion
• Monitor peristomal skin condition when changing barriers
• Assess if barrier size remains appropriate
• Flexible design may show wear differently than rigid barriers

When to Replace:

• Typical wear time: 5-7 days with liquid output
• Replace if barrier edges begin to lift or erode
• Replace if leakage or undermining occurs
• Replace if skin irritation develops
• Flex barriers typically last as long as standard Durahesive®

Product Specifications

• System: 2-piece ostomy skin barrier (pouch sold separately)
• Material: Durahesive® extended-wear hydrocolloid, Flex formulation
• Color: Tan (indicates Flex construction)
• Wafer Size: 5" × 5" (127mm × 127mm) square
• Profile: Flexible, thin, low-profile (Flex technology)
• Flange/Coupling Size: 2¼" (57mm) Natura® system
• Opening: Cut-to-fit (verify SKU for specific cut range)
• Border: Standard hydrocolloid edge (verify SKU for tape border variants)
• Belt Tabs: Yes (belt sold separately)
• Latex Status: Not made with natural rubber latex
• Sterility: Non-sterile
• Typical Wear Time: 5-7 days with liquid output (extended wear formulation)
• Packaging: Box of 10 barriers
• Manufacturer: ConvaTec
• Product Line: Natura® Durahesive® Flex