The question of whether tube paste or strip paste is better has been a source of debate for ostomy patients. Some people say that the tube paste is easier to apply, while others prefer the ease and convenience of the strip paste. Here are both sides of the argument and can help one decide which type might be best for your needs!
Tube paste is the traditional ostomy paste, in which the user squeezes out a line of what looks like toothpaste onto their wafer or onto their skin directly. It is then dried for approximately three minutes before applying the wafer. Some ostomates like this type because it is simple, easy to use and dispenses the perfect amount. This type of paste can be messy because it has to be applied using your fingers, and it only covers an area about one inch wide by two inches long. Some paste products say you can apply this with a cotton swab, but many ostomates find it difficult to do so.
In contrast, strip paste is applied directly from the container onto the skin, and it comes in a ribbon of paste about an inch wide by fifteen inches long or more. This type of paste takes a little getting used to for some users because it can be difficult to control how much paste you use at one time. But strip pastes are quick and easy to use, which comes in handy when you have a wafer in a hard-to-reach location or your stoma site is on the move!
Strip Paste is unique in that it comes in a pre-cut sheet, much like paper tape for your wafer. This means less mess and no need for fingers directly on the product! You can use any method you prefer to apply, whether using fingers or cotton swabs. It comes in many sizes for different applications! On the other hand, tube pastes are much easier to apply when your wafer is in a difficult-to-reach location.
Barrier ring is also another alternative to tube pastes and strip pastes. It is a clear flexible ring that has adhesive on one side of it. A line of tube paste or a standard paste is applied onto the skin then the ring is placed onto your skin and pressed down, and it creates a seal between your skin and ostomy bag to protect both of them. It makes tube pastes and standard pastes unnecessary, which makes Barrier rings a convenient alternative. Barrier rings are also very easy to use when you have a wafer in hard-to-reach locations.
One final factor to consider is the cost of tube pastes compared to strip pastes. Tube pastes average about $5 for a small container containing one ounce of paste, while strip paste is usually more expensive at $7 or $8 per fifteen-inch ribbon.
Every ostomate has different needs and preferences, so it's important to be open-minded about which type of paste you use. Do some experimenting to see what works best for you, your skin, and your stoma site!
In conclusion, everyone is different when it comes to their ostomy care needs! While some people prefer tube paste because it's easy to apply and doesn't move around once placed on the skin, others need the convenience of strip paste because they have a hard time reaching their ostomy site. Tube pastes and strip pastes each have their pros and cons, but both are easy to purchase from your local pharmacy or online through an ostomy supply company!
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