← Back to All Ostomy Supplies
What Is a 1-Piece Drainable Pouch?
A 1-piece drainable ostomy pouch combines the skin barrier and the pouch into a single, permanently attached unit. Because the barrier and pouch come together as one piece, there are no flanges, no coupling rings, and nothing to snap or lock — you apply it directly to the skin around your stoma and drain it from the bottom as needed. When it's time to change, the entire system comes off and is replaced. This makes 1-piece drainable pouches one of the most straightforward ostomy appliances available, and a popular choice for people who want a low-profile, discreet system under clothing.
Who Uses a 1-Piece Drainable Pouch?
Drainable pouches are designed for colostomists and ileostomists who need to empty their pouch multiple times per day rather than swapping the bag each time. They are particularly well-suited for ileostomy users, where output tends to be more frequent and liquid, as well as colostomists who prefer the convenience of draining over closed pouches. The 1-piece design appeals to those who value simplicity and a slimmer profile — there's no separate wafer to manage, and the appliance sits closer to the body.
Flat vs. Convex Barriers
The skin barrier on a 1-piece drainable pouch comes in two main profiles. A flat barrier sits flush against the skin and is suitable for stomas that protrude normally from a flat or gently contoured abdomen. A convex barrier curves inward toward the body and is designed for stomas that are flush, retracted, or located in a skin fold — the inward pressure encourages the stoma to protrude, which helps create a better seal and reduces the risk of leakage. Within convex pouches, you'll see descriptions like soft convex, light convex, and deep convex, which refer to the degree of inward curve. Your stoma nurse or ostomy care specialist can help you determine which profile is appropriate for your anatomy.
Cut-to-Fit vs. Pre-Cut Barriers
Most 1-piece drainable pouches are available in two barrier formats. Pre-cut barriers come with the stoma opening already sized at a specific diameter — convenient for users whose stoma size is stable and consistent. Cut-to-fit barriers have a starter hole that you trim yourself to match your stoma's exact shape and size, which is useful for irregularly shaped stomas, new stomas that are still changing size, or users who require a custom fit. Each product listing on this page includes the available opening sizes to help you find the right match.
Finding Your Product
Use the brand filter on the left to narrow by manufacturer — ConvaTec (ActiveLife, Esteem+, Premier lines) and Coloplast (Assura, Sensura, Sensura Mio, Sensura Xpro) are the primary brands in this collection. You can also sort by price or use the search bar to look up a specific product name or SKU. If you need help identifying the right pouch for your stoma type, contact us or speak with your ostomy nurse before ordering.
1-Piece Drainable Pouch FAQ
What is the difference between a 1-piece and 2-piece drainable ostomy pouch?
In a 1-piece system, the skin barrier and pouch are permanently bonded together as a single unit. You apply the whole appliance at once and remove the whole thing when changing. In a 2-piece system, the skin barrier (wafer) and the pouch are separate components that connect via a flange or coupling ring, allowing you to swap the pouch without removing the barrier from your skin. A 1-piece system is generally simpler and sits lower profile under clothing, while a 2-piece offers more flexibility for pouch changes. Neither is inherently better — the right choice depends on your stoma type, change routine, and personal preference.
How do I choose between a flat and convex 1-piece drainable pouch?
A flat barrier is commonly used when the stoma protrudes adequately from a smooth, flat abdominal surface. A convex barrier is designed for stomas that sit flush with or below the skin level, are retracted, or are located in a skin fold or crease — the convexity applies gentle pressure around the stoma to help it protrude and form a better seal. If you are experiencing frequent leakage under the barrier with a flat pouch, a convex design may provide better security. It is recommended to consult your ostomy nurse or wound care specialist before switching barrier profiles, as improper convexity can affect skin health.
How often should a 1-piece drainable pouch be changed?
Most 1-piece drainable pouches are designed to be worn for 1 to 3 days before the entire appliance is replaced, though wear time varies depending on the individual, skin condition, output type, activity level, and the specific product used. The pouch itself can be emptied and rinsed multiple times throughout the day without removing the barrier. Always follow the instructions for use included with your specific product, and change the appliance sooner if you notice any leakage, lifting of the barrier edges, or skin irritation.
What does cut-to-fit mean, and how do I measure my stoma?
A cut-to-fit barrier comes with a small starter hole that you trim to match the size and shape of your stoma using scissors. To measure, trace the outline of your stoma onto the paper template included with most pouching systems, cut out that shape, and use it as a guide when cutting the barrier. Your stoma size may change in the weeks following surgery as post-operative swelling resolves, making cut-to-fit barriers particularly useful during this period. Pre-cut barriers are sized at a fixed diameter and are most convenient when your stoma size is stable. If you are unsure which size to order, consult your ostomy care nurse.
Are the 1-piece drainable pouches on this page covered by insurance or provincial programs in Canada?
Coverage for ostomy supplies varies by province and by individual plan. Several Canadian provinces offer ostomy supply assistance programs — for example, Ontario's Assistive Devices Program (ADP) and similar programs in other provinces provide partial funding for eligible residents. Most extended health benefit plans through employers also include ostomy supply coverage. We recommend contacting your provincial health authority or insurance provider directly to confirm eligibility and covered amounts. All products on this page are available for order and ship within Canada.
