FAQ

MyStoma.com.au is here to help new ostomates find their place in their new world and a place for experienced ostomates to provide advice and support. We offer tips and tricks, real-world advice, and a platform for any ostomate to share their story. We also host Australia’s only categorised, searchable database of products available through the Stoma Appliance Scheme, helping you find products that suit your individual needs.

No, we are an independent resource created by and for the Australian ostomy community. While we list products available through the government’s Stoma Appliance Scheme, we are not part of Services Australia or the Department of Health.

No, we don’t sell products directly. Our product database is a research tool to help you find suitable products before ordering through your registered SAS supplier. Products are available through the Stoma Appliance Scheme via your usual supplier.

We source product information from official government SAS data and manufacturer specifications. Community stories and advice reflect real experiences from ostomates. If you spot an error in any product listing, please use the “Spot an Error?” form on the product page. We review all submissions and update our database regularly.

We update our product database every three months due to the current workload involved in doing so.  Over time the update process will be refined and updates will be done the scheme list is updated by the Department of Health.

We love community contributions! You can:

• Share your story in our Community section
• Report product errors using the form on product pages
• Contribute tips and advice based on your experience
• Share the site with other ostomates who might find it useful
• Provide feedback about features you’d like to see
• Write a blog post – Contact us if you’d like to contribute

We review error reports regularly (usually weekly) and prioritise corrections based on:

• Severity of the error
• Number of reports for the same issue
• Verification time required

Most corrections are made within 1-2 weeks. Thank you for your patience!

Yes! When sharing your story, you can choose how much personal information to include. Many people prefer to share their experiences without using their full name, and that’s completely fine. What matters is that your story might help someone else.

Absolutely! We’re always looking to improve and expand. Whether it’s a new feature for the product database, a topic you’d like to see covered in the blog, or a resource you think would be valuable to the community – we want to hear from you. Contact us with your suggestions.

If your question isn’t answered here, you can:

• Browse our blog – For articles on specific topics
• Read community stories – For real-world experiences and advice
• Contact your stoma care nurse – For clinical and product advice
• Contact Services Australia – For SAS scheme questions (call 1800 673 060)
• Contact us – Use the contact form or details on our site
• Visit manufacturer websites – Links available on product pages

Remember: MyStoma.com.au provides information, community support, and resources. Always consult your healthcare team before making decisions about your stoma care. You’re not alone on this journey – we’re here to help.

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Welcome to the ostomy community. Here’s what to do:

1. Work with your stoma care nurse – They’re your primary resource
2. Get registered with the SAS – Ask your nurse or contact Services Australia
3. Read our First 7 Days guide – Essential information for your first week
4. Explore our First 90 Days section – Guidance for your first three months
5. Browse the product database – Learn about different options
6. Read community stories – See how others have navigated their journey
7. Join support groups – Connect with other ostomates

MyStoma.com.au provides several ways to connect:

• Share your story in our Community section
• Read stories from other Australian ostomates
• Learn from real experiences shared by people at different stages of their ostomy journey
• Access tips and tricks from experienced ostomates
• Visit our Resources section for links to Australian ostomy support organisations

• Check if you’re searching by the correct product name
• Try searching by SAS code instead (check your product packaging)
• Try searching by brand name
• If still not found, the product may have been discontinued or relisted under a new code
• Contact your supplier or stoma care nurse for assistance

MyStoma.com.au provides product information and community support – not medical advice. Always consult:

• Your stoma care nurse – For product recommendations and stoma care
• Your doctor – For medical concerns
• Services Australia – For SAS eligibility and scheme questions (call 1800 673 060)
• Your supplier – For ordering and product availability

If you spot an error on any product page:

1. Scroll to the “Spot an Error?” section at the bottom of the page
2. Fill in the form describing what’s incorrect
3. Optionally, include your contact details if you’d like a response
4. Submit the form

We review all reports and update our database accordingly. Thank you for helping keep our information accurate!

We can’t provide personalised product recommendations as we don’t know your individual needs. However, you can:

• Use our searchable database to research options
• Read about different product types and features
• Explore manufacturer websites using the links on product pages
• Read experiences from other ostomates in our community
• Most importantly, consult with your stoma care nurse for recommendations tailored to your specific situation

We list all products available through the Australian Stoma Appliance Scheme. If a brand isn’t here, it may mean:

• The products aren’t currently listed on the SAS
• The brand operates under a different name in Australia
• Try searching by product type instead of brand name

Different manufacturers design their products with varying features:

• Adhesive formulations and skin barriers
• Pouch materials and odour control
• Filter types and placement
• Coupling/click mechanisms for two-piece systems
• Sizes, shapes, and flexibility

Product choice is highly individual. What works well for one person may not suit another. Work with your stoma care nurse and read advice from other ostomates in our community to find what’s right for you.

Not necessarily. Price doesn’t always indicate quality or suitability. The “best” product is the one that:

• Fits your stoma correctly
• Stays secure and doesn’t leak
• Feels comfortable
• Suits your lifestyle and activity level
• Works within your SAS allowance

Check out our community section to see what real ostomates are using and why they chose those products.

Many manufacturers offer sample programs. You can:

• Contact manufacturers directly (use the manufacturer links on our product pages)
• Ask your stoma care nurse for samples
• Speak with your supplier about trial products
• Read experiences from other ostomates who’ve tried different products

Never try products without consulting your stoma care nurse first.

Stop using the product immediately and consult your stoma care nurse or doctor. They can:

• Assess the reaction
• Recommend alternative products with different adhesives
• Provide appropriate skin care advice
• Help you find products better suited to your skin type

You may also find helpful advice from other ostomates who’ve dealt with similar issues in our community section.

We only collect information you voluntarily provide (such as when sharing your story or reporting errors). We don’t sell or share your information. We use standard website analytics to understand how people use our site and improve it. Read our Privacy Policy for full details.

Yes! Our site works on all devices – desktop computers, tablets, and smartphones. Use whichever is most convenient for you.

We’re continually improving our database. Some products have:

• Additional details from manufacturers
• Product images
• Enhanced specifications
• User-contributed corrections

We’re working to enhance all product listings over time.

Product images come from manufacturers and our own research. We’re gradually adding images to all products. If you have product photos you’d like to share, please get in touch!

Our blog features articles on various topics related to living with an ostomy:

• Tips and tricks for daily living
• Product recommendations and reviews
• Lifestyle advice
• Healthcare information
• Community spotlights

Visit the blog section and browse by category or search for specific topics.

The Stoma Appliance Scheme (SAS) is an Australian Government program that provides stoma-related products to eligible people at a subsidised cost. The scheme is administered by Services Australia and helps ensure ostomates have access to the products they need.

You’re eligible if you:

• Are an Australian resident
• Have a stoma (permanent or temporary)
• Are registered with the scheme

Contact Services Australia or your stoma care nurse for information about registering.

If you’re eligible for the SAS, you can access products are generally free (you just pay postage). There are some restrictions – for example you can only get one brand of deodorant in one order and there are limits on the number of products you can get per month, for example, you may be limited to 30 bags per month. If you need more than your allocation per month, your Stoma Nurse can assist and lodge some paperwork on your behalf.

Your state’s Stoma Association will be able to assist if you have any questions.

Once you’re registered with the scheme:

1. Research products on MyStoma.com.au to find what suits your needs
2. Note the SAS codes of the products you want to try
3. Contact a registered SAS supplier
4. Order using the SAS codes

Your supplier will arrange delivery and billing through the scheme.

The scheme covers products that are listed on the official SAS Schedule. All products in our database are available through the scheme. However, your individual product allowance depends on your needs assessment. Speak with your stoma care nurse about what’s appropriate for your situation.

The SAS covers a comprehensive range of products for most situations. If you have specific needs not met by listed products, discuss this with your stoma care nurse. They may be able to help you find suitable alternatives or assist with special provisions.

Go to mystoma.com.au/products

You can search for products in several ways:

• Use the search bar to search by product name, brand, or SAS code
• Use filters to narrow by product type, brand, ostomy type, or other criteria
• Browse by category using the product type navigation

• One-Piece Pouches: The pouch and flange are combined in a single unit
• Two-Piece Pouches: The pouch and flange are separate components that click together
• Drainable Pouches: Pouches with a bottom opening that can be emptied and reused
• Closed Pouches: Sealed pouches designed to be removed and discarded after use
• Accessories: Supporting products like barrier sprays, pastes, removers, and protective rings

A SAS Code is the unique identifier assigned to each product in the Stoma Appliance Scheme. This code helps you and your supplier order the exact product you need. You’ll find the SAS code on your product packaging and on each product page on our site.

Use the “Ostomy Type” filter to see only products suitable for:

• Colostomy: Opening from the colon
• Ileostomy: Opening from the small intestine
• Urostomy: Opening for urine diversion

Always consult with your stoma care nurse before trying new products.

Absolutely! We encourage ostomates to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Your story can help others who are just starting their journey or going through similar experiences. Visit our Community section to share your story and read stories from other ostomates across Australia.

These sections provide practical guidance for different stages of your ostomy journey:

• First 7 Days: Essential information for those just out of surgery, covering immediate post-operative care, what to expect, and how to manage those crucial first days
• First 90 Days: Guidance for navigating the first three months, including building confidence, establishing routines, returning to normal activities, and dealing with common challenges

While we don’t currently have a side-by-side comparison feature, you can:

• Open multiple product pages in different browser tabs
• Use the manufacturer links to view full product ranges
• Research products using the Google search link on each product page
• Read tips and advice from experienced ostomates in our community
• Consult with your stoma care nurse about which products might work best for you