Why Choose Natura® Urostomy Pouch with Accuseal® Tap
This urostomy pouch delivers three essential features for safe urinary diversion management: the Accuseal® tap that provides secure, leak-free drainage control with simple one-hand operation; an integrated anti-reflux valve that prevents urine from flowing back toward the stoma (critical for protecting kidney health); and opaque film that provides confident, discreet coverage for users who prefer complete privacy without visibility concerns. The secure Natura® coupling system features an audible "click" for confident attachment, while the tap connects directly to night drainage bags for uninterrupted sleep without pouch changes.
Key Features & Benefits
Accuseal® Drain Tap:
- Secure, controlled drainage with positive-lock closure
- Opens and closes easily with one hand
- No separate clamps or closures needed
- Direct connection port for night drainage bags
- Leak-resistant seal when closed properly
- Easier to operate than traditional spigot taps
Anti-Reflux Valve (Critical Feature):
- One-way valve prevents urine from flowing back toward stoma
- Protects kidneys from ascending bacterial infections
- Essential safety feature for all urostomy pouches
- Maintains valve function even when lying down
- Reduces risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Allows safe overnight wear without backflow concerns
38mm (1½") Natura® Coupling System:
- Secure snap-on attachment to all ConvaTec Natura® 38mm barriers
- Audible "click" confirms proper coupling engagement for peace of mind
- Compatible with Natura® flat or convex barriers in 38mm size
- Compatible with Durahesive®, Durahesive Plus®, or Stomahesive® adhesives
- Two-piece convenience allows pouch changes without removing barrier
- Smaller flange size appropriate for smaller stomas or body frames
Opaque Film:
- Complete privacy—no visibility of pouch contents
- Confident coverage eliminates concerns about transparency
- Maintains discretion in all situations (business, social, intimate)
- Preferred by many users who don't need visual monitoring
- No concerns about pouch visibility through lighter clothing
- Professional, discreet appearance
10" Standard Length:
- Adequate capacity for typical daytime urine output
- Balances storage volume with discreet profile
- Not so long that it hangs conspicuously below clothing
- Empty when approximately ⅓ to ½ full to prevent pulling on barrier
- Typical capacity: 400-500mL before needing to empty
Odor-Barrier Film:
- Multi-layer film construction prevents urine odor transmission between empties
- Maintains discretion throughout the day
- No ammonia smell detectable externally when pouch is sealed
Soft Body-Side Comfort Panel:
- Fabric backing against skin feels gentle and comfortable
- More comfortable than plastic-to-skin contact during extended wear
- Wicks moisture away from skin to reduce irritation
- Flexible material moves naturally with body contours
Quiet, Soft Materials:
- Low-rustle film reduces crinkling sounds during movement
- Maintains discretion in quiet environments
- More comfortable and confidence-inspiring than noisy materials
Night Drainage Connection:
- Tap connects directly to night drainage bags (adapter typically included or sold separately)
- Allows continuous overnight drainage without waking to empty
- Prevents overfilling that could cause barrier detachment
- Essential for uninterrupted sleep and kidney protection
Clinical Applications
Ideal For:
Urinary Diversion Management:
- Urostomy (ileal conduit, most common type)
- Colon conduit
- Other urinary diversion procedures
- Post-cystectomy patients
Users Prioritizing Discretion:
- Professionals in business settings
- Active social lives requiring maximum confidence
- Intimate situations where discretion is preferred
- Users uncomfortable with transparent pouches
- Anyone preferring complete privacy
Smaller Stomas or Body Frames:
- Smaller urinary stomas requiring 38mm barrier
- Petite individuals where 38mm flange provides better fit
- Pediatric or adolescent urostomy patients
- Users who find 45mm+ flanges too large or bulky
Established Urostomy Management:
- Experienced users who no longer need frequent visual monitoring
- Stable output without recent complications
- Users confident in their routine without checking pouch contents
- Long-term urostomy management (years post-surgery)
Nighttime Drainage:
- Users who sleep 6-8+ hours without waking
- Prevention of overnight pouch overfilling
- Continuous drainage to protect kidneys
- Reducing nighttime barrier stress from full pouch
Typical Pouch Wear Time: 1-3 days (replace pouch while keeping barrier in place)
Understanding Anti-Reflux Valves
Why Anti-Reflux is Critical for Urostomy:
Unlike colostomy or ileostomy output that flows in one direction, urine can flow backward (reflux) if the pouch is positioned above the stoma or if the user lies down. This backflow is dangerous because:
Kidney Infection Risk: Bacteria from the pouch can travel back through the stoma, up the ureters, and into the kidneys, causing serious pyelonephritis (kidney infection).
Ascending UTI Risk: Reflux allows bacteria to colonize the urinary diversion and potentially cause urinary tract infections.
Stoma Irritation: Urine refluxing onto the stoma and peristomal skin can cause chemical irritation and skin breakdown.
How the Anti-Reflux Valve Works:
The valve is a one-way flutter mechanism inside the pouch near the stoma opening:
- When urine flows into pouch: valve opens to allow entry
- When pouch moves or is positioned above stoma: valve closes to prevent backflow
- Functions automatically without user intervention
- Maintains protection during all positions (standing, sitting, lying down)
⚠ Never use a pouch without an anti-reflux valve for urostomy applications. This is a critical safety requirement.
Understanding Accuseal® Tap Technology
What is the Accuseal® Tap?
The Accuseal® tap is ConvaTec's proprietary drainage valve design for urostomy pouches, offering several advantages:
Positive-Lock Closure: The tap clicks securely closed with a definite "closed" position, reducing accidental leakage from incompletely closed taps.
One-Hand Operation: Can be opened and closed with one hand, helpful in public restrooms or for users with limited dexterity.
Night Drainage Port: Designed to accept standard night drainage bag connectors without requiring separate adapters (though some connectors are universal).
Durable Construction: Maintains seal integrity through multiple openings and closings during pouch wear period.
Easy-Clean Design: Smooth surfaces reduce urine crystal buildup compared to complex valve designs.
Opaque vs. Transparent Film
Opaque Film (This Product):
- Complete privacy and discretion
- No visibility of pouch contents
- Confident coverage in all situations
- Preferred for social/professional settings
- Eliminates concerns about transparency
- Cannot visually monitor urine without emptying
Transparent Film:
- Clear visibility of urine output
- Visual monitoring of color, clarity, volume
- Early detection of blood or infection signs
- Essential for post-operative monitoring
- Training aid for new urostomy patients
- Healthcare provider can assess output easily
Choosing Between Them:
Choose Opaque if:
- You prioritize complete discretion and privacy
- You're experienced with urostomy management
- Your output is stable without recent complications
- You prefer not seeing pouch contents
- You're in professional/social situations requiring confidence
Choose Transparent if:
- You're recently post-operative or new to urostomy
- You need to monitor for complications (blood, infection)
- Your healthcare provider recommends visual monitoring
- You find reassurance in checking output
- You're still learning urostomy management
Many users start with transparent for monitoring, then switch to opaque once comfortable with their routine.
Natura® 38mm (1½") Coupling System
This pouch uses ConvaTec's Natura® 38mm (1½") coupling—a less common but important size for smaller stomas or body frames.
Compatible With:
- ConvaTec Natura® 38mm flat barriers
- ConvaTec Natura® 38mm convex barriers
- Durahesive® barriers (38mm coupling)
- Durahesive Plus® barriers (38mm coupling)
- Stomahesive® barriers (38mm coupling)
- Cut-to-fit or pre-sized barrier openings (as long as coupling is 38mm)
NOT Compatible With:
- Other ConvaTec flange sizes (45mm, 57mm, 70mm)
- Other manufacturers' systems (Hollister, Coloplast, etc.)
- Larger Natura® pouches (45mm, 57mm, 70mm)
38mm vs. Larger Flanges:
38mm (1½") - This Size:
- Smallest common Natura® flange size
- Appropriate for smaller stomas (typically under ⅞")
- Better for petite body frames
- Less bulky, more discreet profile
- Lighter weight
- May have smaller adhesive surface area
45mm (1¾") - Most Common Size:
- Standard flange for average stomas
- More adhesive surface for security
- Fits stomas up to approximately 1-1⅛"
Larger Sizes (57mm+):
- For larger stomas or need for maximum adhesive surface
- Heavier, more substantial
How to Choose: Your flange size is determined by your barrier—pouches must match the barrier flange size. If you use 38mm barriers, you must use 38mm pouches.
Usage & Application
Attaching the Pouch:
- If applying fresh barrier, remove paper backing after barrier is adhered to skin
- Align pouch flange with barrier coupling ring
- Press around entire ring perimeter until you hear/feel an audible "click"
- Gently tug pouch to confirm secure attachment
- Verify Accuseal® tap is in closed position before wearing
- Position pouch downward—never allow pouch to sit above stoma level
Emptying the Pouch:
- Empty when pouch is approximately ⅓ to ½ full (don't wait until completely full)
- Sit on toilet and position tap into bowl
- Open Accuseal® tap by releasing the closure mechanism
- Allow urine to drain completely
- Wipe tap opening with toilet paper
- Close tap firmly until you feel/hear the positive lock engage
- Verify closure is secure before standing
Note on Opaque Pouches: Since you cannot see through the pouch to check fullness, monitor by:
- Feeling pouch weight (empty when feels moderately full)
- Time-based emptying (every 2-4 hours typically)
- Learning typical fullness based on fluid intake
- Emptying more frequently rather than waiting too long
Typical Emptying Frequency:
- Daytime: Every 2-4 hours (varies by fluid intake and urine production)
- More frequent emptying after drinking fluids
- Empty before leaving home, before bed, and regularly throughout the day
- Never allow pouch to become completely full (weight can detach barrier)
Night Drainage Connection:
- Connect night drainage bag to Accuseal® tap before bedtime
- Ensure all connections are secure to prevent leakage
- Position night drainage bag below mattress level (gravity drainage)
- Open Accuseal® tap to allow continuous drainage into night bag
- In morning, close tap before disconnecting night bag
- Empty and clean night drainage bag per manufacturer instructions
When to Change Pouch:
- Per your routine wear schedule (typically 1-3 days)
- If Accuseal® tap no longer seals properly or shows wear
- If anti-reflux valve appears compromised
- If film develops any tears or punctures
- If coupling ring shows signs of wear or doesn't click securely
- If persistent urine odor develops despite proper cleaning
Pouch Disposal:
- Empty remaining contents into toilet
- Decouple pouch from barrier by gently pulling coupling apart
- Wrap used pouch in newspaper or disposal bag
- Dispose in household trash (do not flush)
When Visual Monitoring is Important
Even with opaque pouches, monitor your health by:
- Checking urine color when emptying into toilet
- Noting any changes in odor or consistency
- Tracking daily urine volume (should be 1000-1500mL minimum)
- Watching for symptoms of infection (fever, pain, burning)
- Reporting concerning changes to healthcare provider
What to Report to Healthcare Provider:
- Decreased urine output (less than 1000mL/day)
- Unusually dark or strong-smelling urine
- Pain or burning sensation near stoma
- Fever or signs of infection
- Unusual fatigue or malaise
Product Specifications
- System: 2-piece urostomy pouch
- Coupling Size: 38mm (1½") Natura® flange
- Coupling Type: Snap-on with audible click confirmation
- Length: 10" (approximately 25cm)
- Capacity: Approximately 400-500mL
- Drainage: Accuseal® tap with positive-lock closure
- Anti-Reflux: Integrated one-way anti-reflux valve
- Night Drainage: Compatible with standard night drainage bags
- Film: Opaque odor-barrier film
- Body-Side Panel: Soft comfort fabric backing
- Sterility: Non-sterile (external use only)
- Latex Status: Not made with natural rubber latex
- Packaging: Box of 10 pouches
- Typical Wear Time: 1-3 days per pouch (replace pouch, keep barrier)
- Manufacturer: ConvaTec
- Product Line: Natura® with Accuseal®