Our Technologies
Convex Ostomy Products
A guide to convexity and why you might consider a convex ostomy product
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Convexity is the outward curving of the wafer or skin barrier.
Convex ostomy wafer or skin barriers are designed to help reduce leakage. If you have been experiencing leakage, if your stoma is flush or retracted or if your abdomen tone has changed you might consider talking to your healthcare provider about convex ostomy products.1
Convexity may help maintain a secure seal between the wafer or skin barrier and the skin.1
What does a stoma look and feel like?3
Your stoma may be protruding above the skin surface, flush with the skin surface or retracted below the skin surface. Convex products help the stoma protrude further into the pouch.
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ProtrudingA protruding stoma will typicallyextend 1.5cm to 3.5cm above the surface of the skin depending on the type of stoma you have. |
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FlushA flush stoma does not protrude.Instead, it lies flat at the same level as the skin on the abdomen. |
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RetractedA retracted stoma also does notprotrude but will seem pulled into the abdomen, below the level of the skin. |
Is convexity best?
Pouching systems come in one-piece or two-piece options with either a flat or convex skin barrier. A flat skin barrier lies flush against the skin, while a convex skin barrier curves outward to provide gentle pressure around the stoma. Because every body is different, people with a protruding, flush, or retracted stoma may benefit from a convex system.³
How convexity pouch systems work with a flush or retracted stoma¹
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1.Position theskin barrier above a flushstoma. This also works with retracted stomas or with skin folds. |
2.The convex skin barrier exerts downwards pressure on the skin. |
3.The pressure on the peristomal skin will help the stoma protrude further into the pouch, allowing for a better seal and helping to. |
Our new one-piece ostomy system with Leak Defense™ combines our goldstandard
adhesives with a comprehensive soft convexity range, designed to
adapt to the body for a secure, longer-lasting seal.
- Available in 2 depths and 4 tension locations to help you find the
optimal convex option. - As pioneers in hydrocolloids, our adhesives were created to help
users get it right the first time, every time. - Designed for flush or retracted stomas, or with an abdomen that has
folds or loose skin.
Featured Convex Products
Esteem Body™ Soft Convex One-Piece Drainable Pouch - with window
Esteem synergy® Adhesive Coupling Technology™ Convex Moldable Durahesive® Skin Barrier
SUR-FIT Natura® Two-Piece Durahesive® Skin Barrier with CONVEX-IT® Technology
New from Convatec
Learn more about convexity and request product samples today.
1. Colwell J, Stoia Davis J, Emodi K, Fellows J, Mahoney M, McDade B, Porten S, Raskin E, Sims T, Norman H, Kelly M, Gray, M. Use of a Convex Pouching System in the Postoperative Period: A National Consensus. Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing. 2022;49(3):240-246.
2. McNichol L, Cobb T, Depaifve Y, Quigley M, Smitka K, Gray, M. Characteristics of Convex Skin Barriers and Clinical Application: Results of an International Consensus Panel. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2021;48(6):524-532.
3. Carmel J, Colwell J, Goldberg M, eds. Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society Core Curriculum Ostomy Management. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer; 2022. 2. Redmond C, Cowin C, Parkter T. The experience of faecal leakage among ileostomists. Br J Nurs. 2009 Sep 24-Oct7;18(17):S12-7.doi: 10.12968/bjon.2009.18.Sub6.44170. PMID: 19797994. © 2025 Convatec Inc. TM and R are trademarks of the Convatec group of companies. Convatec me+ is a trademark of Convatec. AP-77253-USA-ENGUv1