How To Use Cymed MicroSkin
Whether you’re new to ostomy care or adapting to changes in your stoma or overall health, living with an ostomy can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with a wide range of appliance and accessory options.
At Cymed, we focus on simplifying the ostomy life experience. With MicroSkin technology, our pouching systems are intentionally streamlined, delivering a more intuitive and comfortable approach to ostomy care. With fewer variables to consider, getting started is straightforward. Begin by selecting the MicroSkin Barrier that best fits your needs.
MicroSkin® Plain Barrier
Protruding
Flush
Recessed
Colostomy
Suitable for most ostomates with smooth peristomal skin surface and solid output. Can fit most hernias or bowl shapes.
Urostomy/Fistula
A good choice for all stoma types including flush, recessed or protruding stomas. Fluid simply flows over the skin-like MicroSkin, so there is no need for convexity in most cases.
Ileostomy
MicroSkin with a MicroDerm washer is best for Ileostomates, however, a washer can be purchased separately and added to the plain barrier for those who wish to try all versions.
MicroDerm™ Thin Barrier
Protruding
Flush
Recessed
Colostomy
Ideal for ostomates with a more liquid output, slight convexity, or who may be prone to leakage. Achieves “turtlenecking” effect around stoma.
Urostomy/Fistula
Helpful for those who are prone to leaks and have a slightly recessed or protruding stoma and produce a high volume of output.
Ileostomy
While adults should use a barrier with the thick washer, this is a good option on a Cymed Mini Pouch for young ones with smaller frames and small, delicate stomas.
MicroDerm Plus™ Thick Barrier
Protruding
Flush
Recessed
Colostomy
Best for high liquid output for optimal skin protection and stomal support. For maximum “turtlenecking” of a prolapsed stoma try adding a second washer to the barrier.
Urostomy/Fistula
Helps support a continuously protruding stoma with high output, especially for those who are prone to leaks.
Ileostomy
Creates optimal stomal support with it’s “turtlenecking” effect and protects skin for longer periods of time. For maximum “turtlenecking” of a prolapsed stoma try adding a second washer to the barrier.
How To Apply MicroSkin
MicroSkin is easy to apply! The MicroSkin barrier comes with protective liner on both sides. The side strips allow you to handle the barrier without touching the adhesive. The outer liner frame provides stability during application and should be left on throughout the process only to be removed in the last step.
To prepare the barrier for application, use the MicroSkin Stoma Measuring Guide to measure the size of your stoma. The correct stoma size is the size of the smallest hole that can be placed around the stoma without touching it. Enlarge the starter hole on the individual barrier to the correct size using a good pair of scissors.
STEP 1
Remove the circular release paper from the center of the MicroSkin or Washer.
STEP 2
Carefully remove the square liner to expose the adhesive plate.
STEP 3
Holding both vertical side strips, apply the barrier over the stoma, starting at the bottom, smoothing with your hands as you go to avoid wrinkles or air bubbles.
STEP 4
Remove the liner from the vertical side strips and press down onto skin. Apply gentle pressure over the entire barrier plate.
STEP 5
Remove the paper frame from the non-adhesive side of the barrier. Gently rub over the entire surface of the MicroSkin, focusing on the seal around your stoma to ensure the best possible adhesion.
Precise Application Made Easy
The MicroSkin Applicator is an excellent tool for accurately applying Cymed ostomy barriers, especially for those with visual or physical impairments that can make it difficult to apply an ostomy pouch without assistance. Regain your independence and confidence with the MicroSkin Applicator.
The MicroSkin Applicator can also be used to help apply other manufacturer’s two-piece barriers!
How To Use The MicroSkin Applicator
STEP 1
Flex the barrier and bend back a corner of the square liner.
STEP 2
Remove the rubber bands from the MicroSkin Applicator. Place the barrier on the curved surface with the mirror’s reflective side facing up. Re-secure the barrier by looping the rubber bands over the vertical side strips one at a time.
STEP 3
Once the barrier is held in place by the rubber bands, carefully peel away the center circle and square liners to expose the adhesive surface. Smooth out any wrinkles by stretching the barrier taut under the rubber bands.
STEP 4
Center the applicator mirror directly over your stoma and press firmly against your abdomen. Rock it up and down to ensure full adhesive contact. Pull straight back and the barrier will pop out of the rubber bands.
STEP 5
Remove the liner from the vertical side strips and press the remaining adhesive down onto the skin. Apply gentle pressure over the entire barrier plate.
STEP 6
Remove the paper frame from the non-adhesive side of the barrier. Gently rub over the entire surface of the MicroSkin, focusing on the seal around your stoma to ensure the best possible adhesion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! All Cymed pouches receive Medicare and/or private insurance reimbursement. See our Top Suppliers page for more.
Yes! MicroSkin is completely waterproof! Water lovers of all kinds have been able to return to their previous activities such as bathing, swimming and even scuba diving. Not even a hot-tub is too much for MicroSkin, which is why we’ve been called “the hot-tub pouch” by ostomates.
Yes! A MicroSkin pouch was worn through a grueling world-class Ironman Triathlon by John Dermengian. If the MicroSkin held up to a triathlon, it should be able to hold up to any activity you want to pursue.
The Cymed MicroDerm hydrocolloid washer is soft so it doesn’t hurt the stoma, and it is more dense and absorbent than others on the market. This causes the washer to quickly swell and expand, which creates a “hug” or “turtleneck” around the stoma and seals it from leaking down the sides of the stoma and under the pouch barrier. Once the seal occurs, the washer stops absorbing and degrading.
This temporary seal can often last for up to a week when used correctly, even in ileostomates with high output.
Washers are highly recommended for ileostomates or for colostomates with liquid stool. Washers serve as extra protection for the skin, and are optional for urostomates and colostomates. Washers can also be used to provide slight convexity or help support a prolapsed stoma.
Stoma paste is usually unnecessary because Cymed’s barriers are so flexible. If stoma paste is needed, it should be used only with the barriers that have washers, not with the Plain MicroSkin barrier.
The MicroSkin barrier is the softest, most skin-like barrier on the market. It provides the ultimate in comfort, both for the wearer and the partner. Midsize and mini pouches are available for special moments depending on your type of ostomy.
Your Ostomy Nurse or physician can determine the cause and recommend a plan of treatment. Some rashes are fungal in origin and require medication. Others may be an allergic reaction, or a dermatitis caused by exposure of the skin to urine or stool. You may also consider using a Cymed Skin Barrier Film Wipe, a no-sting, alcohol free formula designed to protect the skin from bodily waste, enzymes, and adhesives.
No, but MicroSkin is known as an effective alternative in many cases. The barrier is totally flexible and has no rigid parts or pieces that press uncomfortably against your skin. MicroSkin’s “skin-like” pliability molds to your body offering a better fit. A study conducted by WOCN Nurses determined that MicroSkin could replace rigid convex barriers approximately 70% of the time.
Yes, MicroSkin’s exceptional flexibility and elasticity make it easy to achieve a secure fit, even within challenging skin folds. For best results, apply the pouch while lying down and remain in position for a few minutes to help strengthen the bond. If additional support is needed, gently lift the skin away from the stoma with one hand and apply your Two-Piece System with the other using the MicroSkin Applicator for precise, controlled placement.
Our Night Drainage Tube is a vinyl surgical tube that pushes tightly on to the end of the pouch and to the overnight drainage bag. A molded adaptor with a wider diameter, for a more custom fit, is also available as a separate purchase.
Yes, the ultra-thin MicroSkin is often the best solution for a hernia as it stretches and moves with you comfortably and securely. If your stoma protrudes, try the MicroSkin with a MicroDerm washer, and for a flush or recessed stoma on a hernia site, a plain MicroSkin barrier should work best.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
The skin around the stoma should be clean and completely dry before the MicroSkin barrier is applied, with no residues of any kind left on your skin. Wash the area with water and a mild soap free from glycerin, oils, and moisturizers. Avoid application in a steamy bathroom or while sweating. A good seal depends on dry skin. No powders, ointments, adhesive removers, etc. should be left on the skin, as those can degrade the pouch adhesive.
Your ostomy nurse or healthcare professional can determine the cause and recommend a plan of treatment. Some rashes are fungal in origin and require medication. Others may be an allergic reaction, or a dermatitis caused by exposure to urine or stool. Skin irritation or breakdown is a common reason for adherence problems. Moisture from red or broken skin can float the MicroSkin off. You may consider trying the Cymed Barrier Film Wipe, a no-sting, alcohol free formula that forms a barrier on the skin surface to protect the skin from bodily waste, enzymes, and adhesives.
The MicroDerm washer is a heat sensitive hydrocolloid that melts into your skin and increases its bond over time. The washer should touch all the way around the stoma without squeezing, leaving no visible gap. Activate the adhesive by applying gentle pressure around the stoma while the washer bonds to the skin. If the washer erodes or melts too quickly, an initial seal was not achieved, and you may add an additional washer. If leakage is happening under the washer, a better adhesion is needed. Try using a Cymed Skin Barrier Film Wipe or a Cymed Seal to prep the skin just around the stoma.
The Original Ile-Sorb is pre-portioned and individually wrapped for convenience and ease-of-use. No scooping required. Simply insert 1-2 packets of Ile-Sorb directly into the pouch and within 10-15 minutes of contact with your loose effluent the wrapping dissolves and the granules go to work. Ile-Sorb is bio-degradable and flushable. Empty pouch as usual.
For ostomates accustomed to using a belt for extra support, transitioning to a belt-free pouching system may feel unfamiliar at first. However, MicroSkin’s advanced adhesive technology and broad surface area are designed to provide a secure, comfortable fit with a reliable, long-lasting seal, without the need for a belt.
