Abstract: The present invention is an ostomy-bag cover that provides a waterproof covering for an ostomy bag. This permits a patient wearing an ostomy bag to shower or bathe without getting his or her ostomy bag wet. In some embodiments, the ostomy-bag cover is constructed such that the patient can engage in water related activities, including swimming, while wearing the ostomy-bag cover over the ostomy bag and prevent the ostomy bag from getting wet. In some embodiments, the ostomy-bag cover includes a resealable opening configured to allow the patient to empty the ostomy bag without the need to remove the ostomy-bag cover. In other embodiments, the ostomy-bag cover includes a waterproof exhaust vent to allow air to be removed from the ostomy-bag cover.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to an ostomy pouch comprising at least one absorbent material housed within the interior of the pouch. Specifically, the absorbent materials are contained within a sachet that includes at least one of the following: a frangible seal, a porous film, or a fluid-permeable film. In use, as fluid enters the interior of the ostomy pouch and contacts the sachet, the porous film and/or the frangible seal weakens to allow fluid to enter the sachet and contact the absorbent material housed within. Alternatively or in addition, in embodiments wherein the sachet includes a fluid-permeable film, fluid directly enters the interior of the sachet. As a result, the absorbent material expands and ruptures the frangible seal and/or the sachet, thereby releasing the absorbent material into the interior of the pouch for full absorption of the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for the abatement of noise emanating from surgically created abdominal stomas. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a sound abatement device for an abdominal stoma. The device includes a noise suppressor formed of sound dampening material, which defines an opening and cavity suitable in size and shape for receiving and enveloping a stoma formed through a body wall of an individual. The device further includes a support arm extending from the noise suppressor, which includes a first end connected to the noise suppressor and a second end disposed opposite thereof. The device further includes a base member disposed proximate the second end of the support arm, which includes an attachment for connection to an individual. The device also includes an attachment feature for releasable attachment of the second end of the support arm to the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in situ cleanable filter for an ostomy appliance comprising a pathway for leading gases to a vent in an ostomy bag and a protective element contained in said pathway to prevent solid or semi-liquid waste from blocking the pathway where a channel or compartment formed by liquid impermeable layer(s) is defining at least part of the pathway and at least a part of said compartment or channel contain a protective element of an open celled compressible material having a memory and having a pore size of at least 60 PPI, said protective element extending in the same direction as the gas flow within the channel or compartment, said channel or compartment having an opening providing access to the pathway from the interior of the bag, said pathway having another opening being connected to a vent in the ostomy bag, optionally via a deodorizing filter. The invention relates to an ostomy appliance comprising a filter as above and a method for emptying and cleaning the filter.

Abstract: An improved ostomy bag comprises an outwardly facing irrigation line attachment adapter. A removable vent housing may be attached to the attachment adapter, where the vent housing is attached during normal operation of the ostomy bag, where the vent housing may comprise a charcoal filter and a scent absorbing medium for reducing odors which may vent from the ostomy bag. The vent housing is attached with quick-connect connectors, and is easily removed so that a conduit may be attached to the attachment adapter, where the conduit is attached to a source of flushing liquid, such as a squeezable reservoir or faucet.

Abstract: A controlled discharge ostomy appliance assembly comprises (i) a stoma seal that is self-urging with a dynamic damping characteristic that resists changes of seal volume, (ii) a press-fit coupling member displaceable from an unlocked position to a locked position as part of a press-fit process, and (iii) a single-use frangible portion. The assembly further includes a protector shield removably fastened to the appliance forming a combined assembly therewith. The protector shield comprises (i) a seal displacer manipulable for displacing the stoma seal to a non-operative position ready for fitting, (ii) a substantially rigid coupling member guard portion for protecting the state of the coupling member, and (iii) a bracing portion for bracing the single-use frangible portion.

Abstract: An ostomy bag (1) for receiving bodily waste comprising; an outer protective pouch (3) comprising a laminated material with an outer layer of water-impermeable material (15) and an inner layer of water-soluble material (13); an inner waste-collecting pouch (5) enclosed within the outer protective pouch (3) comprising a laminated material with an outer layer of water-soluble material (9) and an inner layer of water-impermeable material (7), and means (23) defining an orifice (19) to enable bodily waste to enter the inner pouch (5); wherein the outer protective pouch (3) is removeably sealed and both the outer protective pouch (3) and inner waste-collecting pouch (5) are of a structure which is weakened upon immersion in a toilet bowl to both become less buoyant such that the bag (1) can be flushed away.

Abstract: A single-use ostomy appliance is described including an ostomy coupling for releasable coupling first and second portions at a stomal orifice. The two portions may be separable body-side and non-body-side parts, or the two portions may be portions of a unitary ostomy device such as a controlled evacuation device. The coupling includes a mechanical fastener configured such that the coupling is rendered substantially not resecurable after the fastener is released.

Abstract: A flexible membrane is situated within a rigid or semi-rigid cap. The edge of the cap wall is adhesively fixed to the tissue surrounding the stoma. The interior of the cap is pressurized to press the membrane to seal the stoma against the discharge of solid and semi-solid waste. Gas escapes through a vent with a filter element. The cap can be pressurized by an external pump or an integral pump member situated on top of the cap. A relief valve prevents over pressurization. A collection pouch can be provided as part of a device. The device can be removably mounted on a standard two-piece faceplate.

Abstract: A flexible membrane is situated within a rigid or semi-rigid cap. The edge of the cap wall is adhesively fixed to the tissue surrounding the stoma. The interior of the cap is pressurized to press the membrane to seal the stoma against the discharge of solid and semi-solid waste. Gas escapes through a vent with a filter element. The cap can be pressurized by an external pump or an integral pump member situated on top of the cap. A relief valve prevents over pressurization. A collection pouch can be provided as part of a device. The device can be removably mounted on a standard two-piece faceplate.

Abstract: A controlled evacuation ostomy appliance comprises a membrane that is urged into sealing engagement with a stoma, by the generation of radial tension in the membrane. A tensioning device applies tension, with respect to the stoma, at one or more positions that are (i) outboard of the periphery of the projecting portion of the stoma, and/or (ii) between the level of the peristomal skin and the level of the most projecting part of the stoma. Tension limiting means are disclosed. The membrane may be gas-permeable to allow flatus to be vented.

Abstract: A manifold for ostomy bag irrigation, including an inlet member having a channel defined therein, a T-member having a channel defined therein and in fluid communication with the inlet member, a left tube having a plurality of apertures defined therein and having one end coupled to the T-member, a right tube having a plurality of apertures defined therein and having one end coupled to the T-member, a left cap having a channel defined therein and coupled to the second end of the left tube, and a right cap having a channel defined therein and coupled to the second end of the right tube.

Abstract: An ostomy bag with a filter assembly having a gas filter and a pre-filter for preventing or delaying solid/semisolid matter and liquid from reaching the gas filter. The pre-filter is at least substantially flat and comprises a number of constrictions, such as ribs extending along and between two inner surface parts of the channel. These constrictions/ribs form narrower and wider passages where the gas may more quickly pass a narrow passage and where the wider passages tend to receive and hold the liquid, solid matter and semisolid matter. At least a part of one of the surfaces may comprise an interactive agent adapted to interact with the fluid passing through the gas channel.

Abstract: An ostomy bag with a filter assembly having a gas filter and a pre-filter for preventing or delaying solid/semisolid matter and liquid from reaching the gas filter. The pre-filter is at least substantially flat and comprises a number of constrictions, such as ribs extending along and between two inner surface parts of the channel. These constrictions/ribs form narrower and wider passages where the gas may more quickly pass a narrow passage and where the wider passages tend to receive and hold the liquid, solid matter and semisolid matter. At least a part of the constrictions may be provided in a random pattern.

Abstract: An improved ostomy bag comprises an outwardly facing irrigation line attachment adapter. A removable vent housing may be attached to the attachment adapter, where the vent housing is attached during normal operation of the ostomy bag, where the vent housing may comprise a charcoal filter and a scent absorbing medium for reducing odors which may vent from the ostomy bag. The vent housing is attached with quick-connect connectors, and is easily removed so that a conduit may be attached to the attachment adapter, where the conduit is attached to a source of flushing liquid, such as a squeezable reservoir or faucet.

Abstract: A high performance flatus gas filter assembly, and a body waste collection pouch with which it may be used, along with a method for making such an assembly, are disclosed. The assembly includes a filter pad having first and second layers of deodorizing filter media with an imperforate gas and odor barrier layer sandwiched therebetween for blocking the direct flow of gases between the opposing inner faces of the filter layers. An envelope of liquid and gas impermeable material defines a chamber for enclosing the pad. The envelope has walls with first and second openings communicating with central portions of the first and second filter layers, and defines a peripheral space about the pad to permit the outward flow of flatus gases from the peripheral edge surface of one of the filter layers inwardly into the peripheral edge surface of the other of the filter layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an appliance for irrigation and/or drainage, which appliance comprising a body side member comprising an adhesive wafer for securing the appliance to the patient's skin, said wafer can be provided with an aperture for receiving a stoma, surrounding a wound, a fistula or a drainage site, a wall of flexible material, the wall comprising a rear wall and a front wall, the rear wall being attached to the wafer and having an opening suitable for surrounding the surface area of the skin to be cleansed, and the front wall comprising a coupling flange adapted for removable coupling and sealing to matching coupling means, an sealed chamber which, when inflated, provides a distance between the adhesive wafer and the coupling flange.

Abstract: This patent discloses a colostomy bag belt to be worn by a person to help secure a colostomy bag to that person in an environment. The colostomy bag belt may include a liquid permeable layer fixed against a liquid impermeable layer to form a waste channel. An absorbent core may be located in the waste channel. The colostomy bag belt may include a colostomy bag hole and the absorbent core may be exposed to the environment through a belt top, belt bottom, and a perimeter of the colostomy bag hole. An adhesive layer may be located on the liquid permeable layer around the hole to adhere to the colostomy bag.

Abstract: The ostomy bag comprises an outer chamber comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, and an inner chamber. The inner chamber may comprise a one-way valve that limits the back flow of the bodily wastes from the lower portion of the bag to the upper portion. The one-way valve may comprise a biasing member and the biasing member may have a length that is longer then the length of the bottom of the inner chamber walls. The bag may comprise an irrigation system that provides for the flushing of both the inner and the outer chambers simultaneously. The irrigation tube of the irrigation system may comprise slits along the portion of the irrigation tube that resides within the inner chamber and the lower portion of the outer chamber.

Abstract: A drainable ostomy pouch is disclosed which comprises a first or proximal and a second or distal side wall of flexible sheet material sealed to each other for defining a cavity therebetween for receiving human stomal discharge through an aperture in the proximal side wall. It includes an elongate drainage portion extending downwardly in a longitudinal direction and ending in a drainage opening extending transversely to the longitudinal direction, and a first or proximal and a second or distal flexible stiffening strip of relatively stiff material extending immediately adjacent to and along the drainage opening and being attached to the outer surface of the first and second side walls, respectively, of the drainage portion. The pouch further comprises a securing strip having interlocking elements on the wall and corresponding interlocking elements on a flap for securing a coil comprising the first and second stiffening strips rotated upwards at least two times.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for alerting a colostomate or medical attendant to the presence of fecal matter. The device includes a hollow plug detachably securable to a flexible port positioned about the stoma. The port carries an alarm circuit which is triggered when fecal matter enters the plug lumen which will alert the colostomate to an impending episode. The signal may be vibratory, audible or visible and may be transmitted to a remote location. The device includes an inflatable air cuff which, when inflated, presents a physical barrier to the passage of fecal matter. Gas may pass through filters in the tube. The method involves positioning the device in the stoma, inflating the cuff and generating an alarm when matter is sensed.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance is described in the form of a controlled discharge device for controlling discharge from the stoma and/or an ostomy pouch for collecting discharged waste. The appliance may include one or more of: an elastomeric stoma seal for providing a seal around or directly against the stoma; a stoma occluder for occluding the stoma without passing internally into the stoma; a peristomal foam wall; a confinement seal for confining at least solid excreta to a confinement region adjacent to the stoma; a stowable collector bag; and interchangeable controlled discharge devices and ostomy pouches. The foam wall may provide a barrier to stool, but allow escape of flatus. The foam wall and/or the stoma occluder and/or the confinement seal may apply a force in a direction to increase the sealing force on the stoma seal.

Abstract: A collecting bag for an ostomy appliance, said collecting bag having a front wall and a rear wall, the rear wall having an opening through which waste material may enter the collecting bag, and wherein a manipulation pocket is defined in the front and/or the rear wall of the collecting bag, said manipulation pocket extending into the collecting bag and comprising transfer means adapted to sealed transfer of mechanical movement from the surroundings to the interior of the collecting bag. The sealed transfer of movement can be used to open a passage inside the collecting bag such that flatus gasses may pass through a deodorizing filter, which prior to opening of the passage is protected such that it is not contaminated.

Abstract: A closed drainage system for irrigating colostomy bags wherein the bag is irrigated and cleaned while in its operable position associated with the person. More specifically, the invention mounts a manifold within the colostomy bag with an access to a water pressure from outside, the manifold providing a spray dispersion of fluid, or water preferably, at the top of the bag and gravity then drips it down through the bag and out the open bottom, preferably with the residue of the bag being washed out by the water and passing into a toilet where the user flushes the bag to completion of cleaning with all residue from the bag passing into the toilet. A water source from the toilet itself, or other suitable water supply, provides the pressured water to the manifold inside the top of the colostomy bag.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance of the kind comprising a collecting bag for waste material, at least one opening through which waste material may enter the collecting bag, at least one filter allowing gas to exit the collecting bag and at least one pressure sensitive gas permeable barrier-filter positioned between the at least one opening and the at least one filter, where the barrier-filter in its closed state blocks the passage of semi-solid waste and in its open state maintains an open passage for semi solid waste, where an increase in pressure inside the collecting bag passes a predefined first gas pressure limit triggering the transition of the barrier-filter from its closed state to its open state.

Abstract: An ostomy bag with a filter assembly having a gas filter and a pre-filter for preventing or delaying solid/semisolid matter and liquid from reaching the gas filter. The pre-filter is at least substantially flat and comprises a number of constrictions, such as ribs extending along and between two inner surface parts of the channel. These constrictions/ribs form narrower and wider passages where the gas may more quickly pass a narrow passage and where the wider passages tend to receive and hold the liquid, solid matter and semisolid matter. The constrictions may be provided as a single, monolithic element, such as an extruded element.

Abstract: Described herein is a transcecal ileostomy set including a balloon catheter equipped with a blocking balloon, which serves for obstruction of a small intestine, and a fixation balloon, which serves for fixation of the balloon catheter inside the large intestine when inflated. Furthermore, it includes a holder, adapted to be fixed to a patient's body from the outside, which serves for closing a large intestine wall by tightening a bioresorbable loop passing through the large intestine wall and abdominal wall. A rotary part of the plastic holder may be affixed with a protrusion serving as a block when turning to tighten the bioresorbable loop.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter attached to a human or animal body at a stoma, a detachable lid on the adapter, and a connector for connecting an ostomy bag to the adapter. The adapter includes a protruding section extending from the stoma, and a member for mounting a detachable lid onto the end of the protruding section. The adapter and lid are arranged such that the lid can be slid onto and off the adapter in a direction relatively perpendicular to the axis of the protruding section of the adapter. The connector is arranged to connect the ostomy bag to the adapter and to slide the lid off the adapter. In this way, there is no risk of odors or waste leaking from the adapter or the ostomy bag while the bag is being connected to the adapter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for alerting a colostomate or medical attendant to the presence of fecal matter. The device includes a hollow plug detachably securable to a flexible port positioned about the stoma. The port carries an alarm circuit which is triggered when fecal matter enters the plug lumen which will alert the colostomate to an impending episode. The signal may be vibratory, audible or visible and may be transmitted to a remote location. The device includes an inflatable air cuff which, when inflated, presents a physical barrier to the passage of fecal matter. Gas may pass through filters in the tube. The method involves positioning the device in the stoma, inflating the cuff and generating an alarm when matter is sensed.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a deodorizing filter that even in long-term use, is free from clogging by excrements and can maintain a favorable gas venting function, and to provide an excrements collector having the deodorizing filter. [Element for Solution] The deodorizing filter 30 includes a laminate of, as sequentially superimposed one upon another, a deodorizing layer (31), a breathable waterproof layer (32) covering a one-side surface of the deodorizing layer, a porous material layer (33) covering a one-side surface of the breathable waterproof layer, and a cover layer (34) covering a one-side surface of the porous material layer and having through-holes (36) so that gas may pass through the through-holes (36) of the cover layer, the porous material layer (33), the breathable waterproof layer (32) and the deodorizing layer (31) in the given order.

Abstract: A multilayer film 1 free of halogens for use in the manufacture of ostomy pouches or the like pouches, which is impermeable to aroma compounds, comprising at least one aroma barrier layer 3; 15, and at least one sealable skin layer 2, 4; 12, 14, wherein the aroma barrier layer comprises thermoplastic stiff polyurethane (TPU) or cyclic polyolefin (COC) and/or sulphur absorber.

Abstract: A stoma closure that includes a conformable portion for conforming to an individual's stoma. The conformable portion includes a sack containing particles. The conformable portion may include a gel that may be loose or be at least partly contained in a sack. The conformable portion may include foam. The conformable portion may be configured to permit venting of flatus, while obstructing the passage of liquid/solid stool.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter attached to a human or animal body at a stoma, a detachable lid on the adapter, and a connector for connecting an ostomy bag to the adapter. The adapter includes a protruding section extending from the stoma, and a member for mounting a detachable lid onto the end of the protruding section. The adapter and lid are arranged such that the lid can be slid onto and off the adapter in a direction relatively perpendicular to the axis of the protruding section of the adapter. The connector is arranged to connect the ostomy bag to the adapter and to slide the lid off the adapter. In this way, there is no risk of odors or waste leaking from the adapter or the ostomy bag while the bag is being connected to the adapter.

Abstract: A colostomy bag provided with a stoma ring, a gas outlet and an external deodorizing filter in which a vertical baffle is provided intermediate the stoma ring and the gas outlet and extending from the upper marginal wall of the bag and a level slightly below the lowest point of the stoma ring. The baffle is designed to prevent feces from being squeezed sideways and upwardly into the gas outlet and clogging it.

Abstract: The ostomy bag comprises an outer chamber comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, and an inner chamber. The inner chamber may comprise a one-way valve that limits the back flow of the bodily wastes from the lower portion of the bag to the upper portion. The one-way valve may comprise a biasing member and the biasing member may have a length that is longer then the length of the bottom of the inner chamber walls. The bag may comprise an irrigation system that provides for the flushing of both the inner and the outer chambers simultaneously. The irrigation tube of the irrigation system may comprise slits along the portion of the irrigation tube that resides within the inner chamber and the lower portion of the outer chamber.

Abstract: A high performance flatus gas filter assembly, and a body waste collection pouch with which it may be used, along with a method for making such an assembly, are disclosed. The assembly includes a filter pad having first and second layers of deodorizing filter media with an imperforate gas and odor barrier layer sandwiched therebetween for blocking the direct flow of gases between the opposing inner faces of the filter layers. An envelope of liquid and gas impermeable material defines a chamber for enclosing the pad. The envelope has walls with first and second openings communicating with central portions of the first and second filter layers, and defines a peripheral space about the pad to permit the outward flow of flatus gases from the peripheral edge surface of one of the filter layers inwardly into the peripheral edge surface of the other of the filter layers.

Abstract: A blood filter system used for the sequential filtering of blood while actively removing air bubbles and debris comprising a filter housing with unique conical, or cylindrical shape, a flared inlet port, a unique up and down blood flow path, a multi-stage sequential filter assembly, an active air purge assembly and a unique downspout assembly with outlet port. The filter housing is adapted so that blood passes from the inlet port through the multi-stage sequential filter assembly to the outlet port following an up and down flow path, while its unique shape and angled filters effectively direct any air bubbles and debris up and out of the blood stream toward the active air purge assembly where they are removed.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance is provided with inner and outer pouches separably joined together by peelable seams. A vent passage and deodorising filter are also provided, most advantageously located externally of the pouches, and a pre-filter is preferably positioned in advance of the deodorising filter.

Abstract: A lesion or fistula isolating bag, the bag defining a first chamber having a closeable entrance and a second chamber for application to a lesion or fistula and wherein access to the second chamber is made through the first chamber via a valve, the valve being arranged to inhibit passage of fluid from the second chamber to the first, and to allow said access from the first chamber to the second, the bag further comprising a closure for said closeable entrance.

Abstract: A filter assembly for an enclosure, particularly for an ostomy bag, is described having an enclosure side, a first layer which is gas permeable, and an adsorbent layer comprising adsorbent particles dispersed in a fine fiber web. The enclosure side of the filter assembly includes an adhesive zone in which adhesive is present having an outer adhesive perimeter and a weld area surrounding at least a portion of the adhesive zone, where the filter assembly is heat-sealable to the enclosure at the weld area. A method of assembly is also described.

Abstract: An ostomy bag with a filter assembly having a gas filter and a pre-filter for preventing or delaying solid/semisolid matter and liquid from reaching the gas filter. The pre-filter is at least substantially flat and comprises a number of constrictions, such as ribs extending along and between two inner surface parts of the channel. These constrictions/ribs form narrower and wider passages where the gas may more quickly pass a narrow passage and where the wider passages tend to receive and hold the liquid, solid matter and semisolid matter. At least a part of one of the surfaces may comprise an interactive agent adapted to interact with the fluid passing through the gas channel.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the construction of a biodegradable film that has barrier towards faeces odour and with no cracking sounds. This is obtained through using a substantially exfoliated silicate filler material, which is applied with water (evaporating under mild conditions) such that the softener of the biodegradable material can be maintained in the film.

Abstract: A blood filter system used for the sequential filtering of blood while actively removing air bubbles and debris comprising a filter housing with unique conical, or cylindrical shape, a flared inlet port, a unique up and down blood flow path, a multi-stage sequential filter assembly, an active air purge assembly and a unique downspout assembly with outlet port. The filter housing is adapted so that blood passes from the inlet port through the multi-stage sequential filter assembly to the outlet port following an up and down flow path, while its unique shape and angled filters effectively direct any air bubbles and debris up and out of the blood stream toward the active air purge assembly where they are removed.

Abstract: An ostomy pouch and high-performance gas filter assembly therefor, in which the filter assembly includes an envelope defining a filter chamber containing a radial flow deodorizing filter pad. The pad's opposite faces are joined to the inner surfaces of the envelope in such a way that the periphery of the pad is fully exposed within the chamber. A first passage extends through the filter and communicates with a first opening in a wall of the envelope over which a first microporous membrane extends. A second opening extends through the opposite wall of the envelope at a distance spaced laterally from the first opening, and a second hydrophobic microporous membrane extends over the second opening. In a preferred embodiment, the filter pad is oblong in shape and has a second passage spaced laterally from the first passage and communicating with the second aperture.

Abstract: An ostomy bag with a filter assembly having a gas filter and a pre-filter for preventing or delaying solid/semisolid matter and liquid from reaching the gas filter. The pre-filter is at least substantially flat and comprises a number of constrictions, such as ribs extending along and between two inner surface parts of the channel. These constrictions/ribs form narrower and wider passages where the gas may more quickly pass a narrow passage and where the wider passages tend to receive and hold the liquid, solid matter and semisolid matter. At least a part of the constrictions may be provided in a random pattern.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance having a face plate assembly and inner and outer pouches joined thereto, has its outer pouch provided with one or more peripherally-extending sealing seams that allow the walls of the outer pouch to be separated by peeling forces applied in directions transverse to such seam or seams. In preferred embodiments, the sealing seam, also peelably join the peripheral edges of the outer pouch to those of the inner pouch. A method of disposing of the pouch assembly of such an ostomy appliance is also disclosed.

Abstract: An ostomy system for receiving bodily waste having a gas impermeable outer bag and a water impermeable inner bag enclosed within the outer bag, as well as a coupling system for attaching the bag to the body of a patient and for securing the outer bag in relation to the inner bag. The coupling system defines an orifice to enable bodily waste to be received by the inner bag and includes a barrier for preventing liquids and solid particles from passing from the inner bag to the outer bag, at least part of the barrier being permeable to flatus gasses. The barrier may be in the form of a foam. The outer bag has an outlet with a flatus filter for releasing flatus gases from the outer bag. An inner bag is provided, which maintains its physical integrity, e.g. its buoyancy, upon immersion in water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in situ cleanable filter for an ostomy appliance comprising a pathway for leading gases to a vent in an ostomy bag and a protective element contained in said pathway to prevent solid or semi-liquid waste from blocking the pathway where a channel or compartment formed by liquid impermeable layer(s) is defining at least part of the pathway and at least a part of said compartment or channel contain a protective element of an open celled compressible material having a memory and having a pore size of at least 60 PPI, said protective element extending in the same direction as the gas flow within the channel or compartment, said channel or compartment having an opening providing access to the pathway from the interior of the bag, said pathway having another opening being connected to a vent in the ostomy bag, optionally via a deodorizing filter. The invention relates to an ostomy appliance comprising a filter as above and a method for emptying and cleaning the filter.

Abstract: A colostomy bag with a vent and a method for venting gas collected in the colostomy bag. A dual vent and cap assembly attached to a colostomy bag vents gas trapped in the bag either continuously or as periodically desired by a user. A method for venting gas collected in the colostomy bag provides that replacement and/or cleaning of the colostomy bag is reduced. Also, a method of using a disposable sleeve in combination with a clip may be used to hygienically clean the colostomy bag.

Abstract: A laminated material suitable for use in forming skin contacting products is disclosed. The laminated material comprises three distinct layers including a fabric layer, a film layer and an adhesive layer therebetween. The adhesive layer substantially continuously bonds the fabric layer to the film layer.