Why Flextend Extended-Wear Technology

Standard hydrocolloid barriers can break down quickly with higher output or prolonged wear. Flextend's advanced formulation provides superior erosion resistance and long-lasting adhesion, maintaining a reliable seal throughout extended wear periods even on challenging high-output days.

Key Features & Benefits

• Flextend® extended-wear hydrocolloid provides exceptional durability and resistance to breakdown
• Cut-to-fit up to 3½″ (89 mm) accommodates large or protruding stomas with custom sizing
• Flat barrier profile ideal for protruding or regularly shaped stomas without convexity needs
• 4-inch (approximately 102 mm) New Image™ coupling compatible with full New Image pouch family
• Tape border adds edge security and gentler removal characteristics
• Latex-free construction safe for latex-sensitive ostomates
• Low-profile, discreet design provides comfortable wear under clothing
• Typically 5 barriers per box convenient packaging for extended-wear users
• Maintains reliable seal during long wear periods and higher-output days
• Custom aperture cutting improves fit precision and reduces leakage risk around large stomas
• Two-piece system flexibility—change between drainable, closed, or urostomy pouches without barrier removal
• Extended wear time reduces frequency of barrier changes and protects peristomal skin
• Durable adhesion withstands physical activity and daily movement
• Gentle tape border removal minimizes skin trauma during changes

Clinical Applications

Ideal for ostomates with: ✓ Large stomas measuring up to 3½ inches requiring custom cut-to-fit barriers ✓ Protruding or budded stomas that work well with flat barrier profiles ✓ Colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy requiring extended-wear protection ✓ Higher output volume needing erosion-resistant barrier materials ✓ Active lifestyles requiring durable, long-lasting barrier adhesion ✓ Regularly shaped stomas on relatively flat peristomal planes ✓ Preference for two-piece systems offering pouch change flexibility ✓ Need for extended wear time (3-7 days) between barrier changes ✓ Desire for 4-inch coupling compatibility with larger capacity pouches

Usage & Application

Sizing & Preparation:

• Measure stoma diameter accurately using measuring guide (remeasure periodically as stomas can change size)
• Verify stoma size is within 3½-inch maximum cutting range
• Add approximately ⅛″ (3mm) clearance around stoma for skin protection
• Gather supplies: barrier, measuring guide, scissors, pen/marker, skin cleanser
• Clean peristomal skin thoroughly with water only (no soaps with oils or lotions)
• Pat skin completely dry—moisture prevents proper adhesion
• If using barrier accessories (rings, paste, strips), have ready before application
• Warm barrier between hands for improved moldability

Cutting the Barrier Opening:

1. Remove barrier from packaging
2. Locate cutting guide printed on barrier backing paper
3. Use measuring guide to determine exact stoma size
4. Add ⅛″ (3mm) to measurement for clearance
5. Trace stoma shape plus clearance onto barrier backing paper
6. For large or irregular stomas, trace actual shape rather than perfect circle
7. Cut opening carefully with sharp scissors following traced line
8. Ensure cut edges are smooth with no jagged points that could irritate skin
9. For oval or irregular stomas, customize shape as needed
10. Verify opening size against stoma before removing backing paper

Application:

1. Remove barrier backing paper just before application to prevent drying
2. Warm prepared barrier between hands for 30-60 seconds
3. Position yourself comfortably with good view of stoma
4. Hold barrier with 4-inch coupling facing outward
5. Center cut opening over stoma—ensure no skin is exposed between stoma and barrier
6. Apply from bottom up to eliminate air pockets
7. Press gently against peristomal skin starting at stoma and working outward
8. Avoid stretching or pulling skin during application
9. Smooth tape border firmly around entire perimeter
10. Press hand over entire barrier for 30-60 seconds to activate adhesive
11. Use body heat by holding hand over barrier for additional 1-2 minutes
12. Ensure all edges and tape border are fully adhered
13. Run fingers around coupling ring to verify it's secure and ready for pouch attachment

Attaching the Pouch:

1. Select compatible 4-inch New Image pouch (drainable, closed, or urostomy)
2. Align pouch coupling ring with barrier coupling ring
3. Press rings together starting at 12 o'clock position
4. Work around entire circumference ensuring complete engagement
5. Listen/feel for secure connection (depending on coupling type)
6. Gently tug on pouch to verify secure attachment
7. Ensure pouch is properly oriented with drain or closure at bottom

Monitoring Throughout Wear:

• Check barrier edges daily for signs of lifting or loosening
• Monitor for any output leaking under barrier
• Typical Flextend wear time: 3-7 days depending on output and adhesion
• Assess peristomal skin condition at each barrier change
• Watch for erosion around stoma opening (indicates barrier may be too large)
• Note any skin irritation, redness, or breakdown
• Verify coupling remains secure throughout wear
• Replace barrier when:
  • Edges begin lifting or rolling
  • Leakage occurs under barrier
  • Itching or burning sensation develops
  • Scheduled wear time is reached
  • Barrier shows signs of erosion or breakdown

Pouch Changes (Without Barrier Removal):

1. Support barrier with one hand
2. Gently remove pouch from coupling by peeling or releasing mechanism
3. Clean coupling ring on barrier if needed
4. Apply fresh pouch following attachment steps above
5. This flexibility allows multiple pouch changes per single barrier

Barrier Removal:

1. Remove pouch from coupling first
2. Empty pouch completely before disposal
3. Support peristomal skin with one hand
4. Gently peel barrier away starting at top edge
5. Remove slowly and carefully to minimize skin trauma
6. Use adhesive remover wipes if needed for comfortable removal
7. Tape border should lift gently without aggressive pulling
8. Discard used barrier in appropriate waste receptacle
9. Clean peristomal skin thoroughly with warm water
10. Pat skin completely dry
11. Inspect skin for any irritation, erosion, or breakdown
12. Allow skin to air dry 1-2 minutes before applying new barrier
13. Take this opportunity to remeasure stoma size

Tips for Large Stoma Management:

• Ensure adequate clearance when cutting—large stomas may expand slightly
• Consider barrier paste or strips for extra security with very large openings
• Monitor weight of full pouch—may need more frequent emptying with large stomas
• Check that clothing doesn't put pressure on barrier edges
• Use support garments if needed for additional security with larger systems

Product Specifications

System: Hollister New Image™ 2-piece ostomy system
Barrier Type: Flat Flextend® extended-wear hydrocolloid
Barrier Profile: Flat (no convexity)
Coupling Size: 4 inches (approximately 102 mm)
Opening: Cut-to-fit up to 3½ inches (89 mm) maximum
Border: Tape border for added edge security and easier removal
Materials: Latex-free construction (not made with natural rubber latex)
Compatibility: All Hollister New Image 4-inch pouches (drainable, closed, urostomy)
Flexibility: Change pouches without removing barrier
Wear Time: Extended wear (typically 3-7 days)
Sterility: Non-sterile product
Use: Single-patient use; replace per wear schedule
Packaging: Typically 5 barriers per box (confirm SKU)
Color: Neutral/tan
Profile: Low-profile, discreet design
Best For: Large or protruding stomas up to 3½″ on ostomates requiring extended-wear durability with two-piece system flexibility

Hollister's New Image™ flat Flextend® barrier delivers extended-wear durability and erosion resistance for large stomas up to 3½ inches—combining customizable cut-to-fit precision with 4-inch coupling compatibility across the entire New Image pouch family for confident, flexible ostomy management that protects skin and maintains reliable sealing on high-output days and throughout extended wear periods.