An ostomy barrier ring is a soft, moldable ring of hydrocolloid that you place around your stoma, between your skin and the wafer, to fill gaps and creases and create a tighter seal. It works like a soft gasket, so output goes into the pouch instead of leaking onto your skin. Some, like Hollister CeraRing, add ceramide to help protect the skin.
In this article
- What is an ostomy barrier ring made of?
- What does a barrier ring actually do?
- How do you use a barrier ring?
- The types of Hollister CeraRing
- Barrier ring or ostomy paste?
- FAQ
What is an ostomy barrier ring made of?
A barrier ring is a donut-shaped piece of hydrocolloid, the same skin-friendly adhesive material used in many wafers. It is solid enough to hold a shape, soft enough to stretch and mold with your fingers. When it meets moisture it swells very slightly, which actually tightens the seal rather than loosening it.
Hollister CeraRing rings add ceramide, a lipid your skin uses to hold on to moisture and stay healthy. That means the ring seals the gap and supports the skin underneath it at the same time. SoftFlex rings are a softer, lower-cost option that does the same molding job without the ceramide.
What does a barrier ring actually do?
A flat wafer is flat, but the skin around a stoma rarely is. Scars, dips, an abdominal crease, or a stoma that sits low all leave tiny channels where output can creep under the barrier and start a leak. A barrier ring fills those channels so the seal is continuous all the way around.
It does a few jobs at once. It bridges uneven skin, it gives you a more consistent seal than adhesive alone, and because it holds firm as the day goes on, it often adds wear time, meaning you get more hours or days out of each appliance before it needs changing.
How do you use a barrier ring?
Using one is quick once you have done it a couple of times.
- Prep your skin. Clean around the stoma with plain warm water and pat it fully dry. The ring will not stick well to damp skin.
- Shape the ring. Peel it from the packaging and stretch or mold it so the inner hole sits snugly at the base of your stoma, with no more than about 3 mm (one eighth of an inch) of gap.
- Place it. Press the ring onto your skin around the stoma, or onto the back of your wafer, whichever you find easier.
- Apply the wafer. Put your pouching system on as usual, then hold your hand over it for 60 to 90 seconds so your body heat sets everything.
If one ring is not enough to fill a deep dip, you can stack two, or stretch a single ring thinner over a wider area. Rings are forgiving, so a little experimenting is normal.
The types of Hollister CeraRing
CeraRing comes in a few shapes so you can match the ring to your body and your stoma. Here is how they compare.
| Ring | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CeraRing 4" Flat (8805) | A larger seal and plenty of material to mold over gaps | $56.96 |
| CeraRing 2" Slim (8815) | A lower profile under clothing and smaller stomas | $50.00 |
| CeraRing Oval Convex (89601) | A flat or retracted stoma that needs gentle outward pressure | $54.32 |
| SoftFlex Ring (7806) | A softer, lower-cost everyday ring | $30.00 |
Ceramide-infused rings with plenty of material to mold over gaps, dips, and creases for a continuous seal.
The convex shape presses gently around a flush stoma to help it protrude and send output into the pouch.
A soft, moldable ring that flexes with you for a snug seal, at a friendlier price per ring.
Barrier ring or ostomy paste?
Both fill gaps, and a lot of people wonder which to reach for. The short version: a ring is cleaner to handle, leaves no sting because it has no alcohol, and is the simpler everyday choice for most people, while paste can still help with very small or awkward crevices a ring cannot reach. For the full breakdown, see our guide on barrier ring vs ostomy paste.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a barrier ring last?
A ring lasts as long as the pouching system it is part of, usually 4 to 7 days. You apply a fresh ring each time you change your wafer, rather than reusing one.
Can you stack barrier rings?
Yes. Stacking two rings, or molding one over a deeper area, is a normal way to fill a stubborn dip or build up a low spot. Use as many as you genuinely need for a flat, gap-free seal.
Do barrier rings hurt to remove?
They should not. A barrier ring lifts away with your wafer at a change. Remove it slowly and supported, pressing the skin down as you peel, and use an adhesive remover if your skin is sensitive.
Are barrier rings FSA or HSA eligible?
Ostomy barrier rings are an eligible medical expense, so the CeraRing and SoftFlex rings here can be bought with an FSA or HSA card. Keep your receipt for your records.
Do I still need a barrier ring if my wafer already seals well?
If you never leak and your skin stays healthy, you may not need one. Rings earn their place when you have leaks, uneven skin, or want longer, more reliable wear. If you are troubleshooting leaks, start with our guide on why your ostomy wafer keeps leaking.
Related guides
- 7 reasons your ostomy wafer keeps leaking (and how to fix each)
- Barrier ring vs ostomy paste: which stops leaks better?
- How to stop peristomal skin irritation: 6 steps that actually work
Find the right ring for your stoma
Flat, slim, or convex, plus a softer budget option. A simple way to seal the gaps and protect your skin.
Shop Barrier Rings →Free shipping over $80. FSA and HSA eligible. Money-back guarantee.
Sources and further reading: Hollister, the versatile barrier ring and Medical Monks, ceramide for peristomal health. This article is general information, not medical advice. Ask your stoma or WOC nurse what fits your stoma best.