The Hollister New Image Flextend skin barrier represents a significant advancement in extended-wear ostomy technology, specifically engineered to withstand the erosive effects of liquid output and high-moisture environments. The Flextend hydrocolloid formulation delivers 30-40% longer wear time compared to standard barriers, making it the preferred choice for ileostomy patients, high-output colostomies, and urostomies where constant moisture exposure challenges adhesive integrity.

The pre-sized 1¼" opening eliminates the variability and potential sealing errors associated with hand-cutting barriers, providing consistent, accurate sizing that matches the majority of post-surgical stomas (approximately 50-60% of patients have stomas in the 1"-1½" diameter range). This pre-cut precision creates an optimal seal around the stoma, preventing undermining from liquid output and protecting peristomal skin from caustic digestive enzymes and urine.

The 1¾" (44mm) flange size is Hollister's standard coupling diameter for the New Image 2-piece system, ensuring compatibility across the entire New Image pouch portfolio including drainable, closed-end, urostomy, and high-output variants. The mechanical coupling provides an audible "click" confirmation of secure attachment, eliminating uncertainty and preventing accidental pouch separation—a critical safety feature for active users.

The flat barrier design conforms closely to flush or slightly retracted stomas without creating pressure points or gaps. Unlike convex barriers that project outward to support recessed stomas, flat barriers provide a low-profile, comfortable fit for the 70-75% of ostomy patients with protruding or level stomas. The flexible Flextend material moves with body contours during bending, sitting, and physical activity, maintaining adhesion without causing skin trauma from rigid materials.

Extended-wear barriers like the Flextend formulation are essential for reducing skin trauma from frequent barrier changes. Each barrier removal strips away microscopic layers of skin cells, potentially causing irritation, denudement, and hypersensitivity with repeated changes. By extending wear time to 5-7 days (versus 3-4 days for standard barriers), Flextend barriers reduce annual skin trauma by 35-45%, promoting healthier peristomal skin and preventing costly complications like dermatitis, fungal infections, and barrier adhesion failure.

Key Features & Benefits

Flextend Extended-Wear Technology

✓ Superior erosion resistance vs. standard hydrocolloid barriers
✓ 30-40% longer wear time (5-7 days vs. 3-4 days standard)
✓ Engineered for liquid output and high-moisture environments
✓ Maintains adhesion integrity despite continuous moisture exposure
✓ Reduces barrier change frequency from 8-10× monthly to 4-6× monthly

Pre-Sized 1¼" Opening

✓ Eliminates manual cutting and measurement errors
✓ Consistent, accurate sizing for every application
✓ Optimal fit for 50-60% of ostomy patients (most common stoma diameter range)
✓ Prevents undermining from incorrect sizing
✓ Reduces application time by 2-3 minutes per change
✓ Ideal for users with limited dexterity or vision impairments

1¾" (44mm) Standard Flange

✓ Compatible with all Hollister New Image 2-piece pouches
✓ Mechanical coupling with audible "click" confirmation
✓ Secure attachment prevents accidental separation
✓ Universal Hollister standard size (largest flange inventory availability)
✓ Allows pouch type switching without barrier change (drainable, closed, urostomy)

Flat Barrier Design

✓ Ideal for flush or protruding stomas (70-75% of patients)
✓ Low-profile, comfortable fit under clothing
✓ Flexible material conforms to body contours
✓ No pressure points or rigid edges
✓ Moves naturally with sitting, bending, physical activity
✓ Comfortable for extended wear (5-7 days)

Skin Health Protection

✓ Reduces barrier change frequency = less skin trauma
✓ Prevents microscopic skin cell stripping from frequent removal
✓ Maintains peristomal skin integrity over long-term use
✓ Hypoallergenic adhesive (suitable for sensitive skin)
✓ Gentle removal without aggressive adhesive residue
✓ Supports healthy skin healing post-surgery

2-Piece System Advantages

✓ Change pouches 2-8× daily without disturbing skin barrier
✓ Barrier remains in place 5-7 days (significant comfort improvement)
✓ More economical than 1-piece for frequent pouch changes
✓ Easier stoma visualization (barrier stays, lift pouch to view)
✓ Reduces skin irritation from constant adhesive exposure

Clinical Applications

Primary Applications:

✓ Ileostomy Management
Ileostomy output is consistently liquid-to-paste consistency, creating constant moisture exposure that erodes standard barriers within 2-4 days. Flextend barriers withstand this environment for 5-7 days, reducing skin trauma from frequent changes and preventing undermining from liquid output seeping under the barrier edge. The 1¼" opening accommodates the typical ileostomy stoma diameter (0.75"-1.5"), preventing exposure to caustic digestive enzymes.

✓ High-Output Colostomy
While most colostomies produce semi-formed to formed stool, some patients experience persistently loose or liquid output due to short colon length, rapid transit time, or underlying conditions (IBS, IBD, previous bowel resections). These high-output colostomies benefit from extended-wear barriers designed for moisture resistance.

✓ Urostomy Applications (Ileal Conduit)
Urostomy patients experience 24-hour urine output creating continuous moisture exposure. Flextend barriers resist urine erosion significantly better than standard formulations, maintaining seal integrity for 5-7 days. The 1¼" opening fits most ileal conduit stomas (typically 0.75"-1.25" diameter), and the flat design works well for flush urostomy stomas common after surgery.

✓ Post-Operative Recovery (First 3-6 Months)
New ostomy patients experience higher liquid output during intestinal adaptation, requiring extended-wear barriers to prevent frequent changes during the healing period. The pre-sized opening eliminates cutting errors when patients are learning proper technique, and the extended wear time reduces the psychological stress of frequent barrier changes in the early adjustment period.

✓ Active Lifestyle & Physical Activity
Athletes, manual laborers, and physically active individuals generate perspiration and body movement that challenges barrier adhesion. Flextend barriers maintain secure adhesion during exercise, sports, and demanding work environments. The mechanical coupling provides confidence that pouches won't separate during activity.

✓ Hot Climate & High Humidity Environments
Heat and humidity accelerate barrier breakdown through increased perspiration and ambient moisture. Extended-wear formulations maintain adhesion in challenging climate conditions where standard barriers fail within 1-3 days. Essential for patients in southern climates or during summer months.

✓ Swimming & Water Activities
Flextend barriers maintain adhesion integrity during swimming, bathing, and water sports. The extended-wear formulation doesn't degrade from pool chlorine or salt water exposure, allowing full participation in aquatic activities without premature barrier failure.

Specific Patient Populations:

✓ Liquid Output Stomas (All Types)
Primary indication—any ostomy producing liquid-to-paste consistency output

✓ New Ostomy Patients (First 6 Months)
Higher output during adaptation + learning curve benefits from pre-sized, extended-wear products

✓ Elderly Patients
Pre-sized opening eliminates cutting difficulty; extended wear reduces change frequency burden

✓ Limited Dexterity (Arthritis, Neuropathy, Stroke Recovery)
Pre-cut eliminates scissor manipulation; 2-piece system easier than 1-piece for compromised hand function

✓ Vision Impairment
Pre-sized opening eliminates measurement and cutting; consistent size improves success rate

✓ Chemotherapy/Radiation Patients
Treatments cause liquid output and skin sensitivity; extended-wear reduces trauma frequency

✓ Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis)
Disease activity causes liquid output even with ostomy; extended-wear essential for flare management

✓ Short Bowel Syndrome
Permanent high-liquid output requires maximum erosion resistance

✓ Pediatric Patients
Pre-sized eliminates parent cutting errors; extended wear reduces distress from frequent changes

✓ Institutional/Long-Term Care Settings
Pre-sized simplifies nursing staff training; extended wear reduces workload and supply costs

Technical Specifications

Product Details:

• Brand: Hollister
• Product Line: New Image
• Barrier Type: Flat, Extended-Wear (Flextend)
• Stoma Opening: Pre-Sized 1¼" (31.8mm) diameter
• Flange Diameter: 1¾" (44mm)
• Barrier Diameter: Approximately 4-4½" overall (100-115mm)
• Wear Time: Extended (5-7 days typical)
• System Type: 2-Piece Skin Barrier (Base Plate)
• Original Packaging: 5 Barriers per Box
• Unit Sold: Single Barrier (Individual Unit)

Material Composition:

• Barrier Material: Flextend Hydrocolloid (Extended-Wear Formulation)
• Backing: Flexible Plastic Flange Ring (44mm coupling)
• Adhesive Base: Hypoallergenic Hydrocolloid Adhesive
• Coupling Ring: Rigid Plastic Mechanical Connection (beige/tan color)
• Stoma Opening Edge: Factory-Cut Smooth Edge (no rough cuts)
• Protective Liner: Paper Release Liner (removed before application)

Hydrocolloid Technology:

• Flextend Formula: Enhanced moisture resistance vs. standard hydrocolloid
• Erosion Resistance: Superior performance in liquid output environments
• Swelling Behavior: Controlled swelling (absorbs moisture without excessive expansion)
• Adhesive Strength: Strong initial tack, maintains adhesion throughout wear time
• Skin Compatibility: Hypoallergenic, suitable for sensitive skin types

Dimensions & Sizing:

• Stoma Opening: 1¼" (31.8mm) - fixed size, no cutting required
• Flange Coupling: 1¾" (44mm) - Hollister New Image standard
• Overall Barrier Size: Approximately 4-4½" diameter (provides adequate adhesive surface)
• Barrier Thickness: 3-4mm (standard hydrocolloid thickness)
• Opening-to-Barrier Ratio: Stoma opening is 28-32% of total barrier diameter

Stoma Compatibility:

• Ideal Stoma Diameter Range: 1"-1⅜" (25-35mm)
• Maximum Safe Stoma Size: 1½" (38mm) - allows 1-2mm clearance minimum
• Minimum Recommended Stoma Size: ¾" (19mm) - prevents excessive exposed skin
• Stoma Shape: Round to oval (pre-cut works for slightly irregular shapes)
• Stoma Protrusion: Flush to protruding (flat barrier suitable for non-retracted stomas)

Pouch Compatibility:

• Compatible Pouches: All Hollister New Image 1¾" (44mm) 2-piece pouches
• Pouch Types: Drainable, closed-end, urostomy, high-output, filtered, unfiltered
• Coupling System: Mechanical click-lock (audible confirmation)
• Pouch Brands: ONLY Hollister New Image—not compatible with Coloplast, ConvaTec, or other brands

Performance Characteristics:

• Typical Wear Time: 5-7 days (extended-wear formulation)
• Standard Barrier Comparison: 3-4 days typical (30-40% improvement with Flextend)
• Temperature Tolerance: Maintains adhesion 15-40°C (59-104°F)
• Moisture Resistance: Designed for continuous liquid exposure
• Water Resistance: Fully waterproof (shower, bath, swim approved)
• Activity Level: Suitable for high-activity lifestyles (sports, manual labor)

Regulatory & Safety:

• Medical Device Classification: Class II Medical Device
• Regulatory Compliance: Health Canada Licensed, FDA Cleared (510(k))
• Latex Content: Latex-Free (safe for latex allergies)
• Sterilization: Not sterile (clean technique for application)
• Shelf Life: 3-5 years from manufacture date
• Storage Requirements: Store in cool, dry place (15-30°C), away from direct sunlight

Color Coding & Identification:

• Flange Color: Beige/Tan (Hollister standard)
• No Color Coding by Size: Hollister does not use color-coded flanges (unlike Coloplast)
• Size Identification: Printed on barrier backing and package label