Tips for the best adhesive seal

Key points

• Make sure you choose an adhesive that is compatible with your stoma, skin type and speaking method.
• Rub your adhesive to warm it up, clean your stoma after coughing and remove your HME before coughing.

Introduction

You may experience your adhesive coming loose every now and then, which is a nuisance when you want to speak. Here are things you can try so your adhesive will stick better and give you the confidence that it will last through the day.

Your adhesive and stoma have to work together

Start by choosing the right adhesive for your stoma, skin type and speaking method.

• If your stoma is flat and your skin is normal, the Provox Life Standard is usually a good choice.
• If your stoma is deeper and/or you talk hands-free, try the Provox Life Stability.
• If your skin is sensitive, the Provox Life Sensitive is usually a good choice for a gentler seal.

Warm up your adhesive

Rubbing your adhesive between your hands before applying it is one way of activating the adhesive material and making it stickier. You could also do this if you start to notice your adhesive wearing off during the day. Massaging it back onto your skin will re-strengthen the seal.

Remove your HME before coughing

Coughing puts extra pressure on your stoma and the mucus can get in between your skin and the adhesive. If you can, carefully remove the HME from it's adhesive before coughing into a tissue. This should extend the life of your adhesive seal.

Keep your adhesive clean

After coughing, you should carefully clean your stoma. Pay attention to the lower part because if there’s leftover mucus between your skin and the adhesive, it won’t form a proper seal. This can cause skin irritation and leakage.

Support the adhesive when removing your HME

Always support your adhesive with a finger on either side when removing your HME. This avoids unnecessary pulling and won’t stretch your adhesive beyond its limits.

Alternate your day and night adhesives

Skin that is irritated is often moist which can cause problems with your adhesive seal. This will make it difficult to use HMEs day and night as recommended.

To avoid irritated and moist skin, we recommend you follow a routine that takes care of your skin overnight. This helps to prepare your skin for a better seal during the day.

The Provox Life Night is designed for the night. The adhesive is made of a hydrogel material with proven skin cooling and soothing effects. This hydrogel is comfortable for sleeping, keeping your skin moisturised.