Issues with
Pancaking
Pancaking problems
Pancaking occurs when the front and back of the plastic films that make up a pouch stick together. It prevents waste matter from entering the pouch, which can cause problems often leading to leakage and sore skin.
Solutions for pancaking issues
Pouch choice – some pouches can also help reduce the problem.
The naturfit® ileostomy and colostomy pouches include an integrated carbon filter for reduced risk of pancaking. To help reduce the risk of pancaking, add a small amount of air into your pouch before application and then place the filter sticker (which is included in your naturfit® pack) over your filter to stop any more air coming in or out. This will allow some of the air to stay in your pouch. Once your stoma has functioned and if you are not planning to replace the pouch immediately, you may want to consider discreetly removing the sticker from the pouch to encourage the stool to drop to the bottom (which will also help release any smells) and then reattaching a sticker.
Take a look at our naturfit® one piece stoma pouches here.
Consider a stoma management product
- High viscosity gels can help prevent pouch layers sticking together to avoid the problem of pancaking.
- Accessories such as a stoma bridge are designed to keep pouches from sticking together.
Our products that can help with pancaking:
1. Perrin A, et al. Br J Nurs 2013 Sep;22(16):S6, S8-9. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2013.22.Sup16.S6.