Summary
People with ostomies often struggle with managing and preventing odors. This blog is an overview of the top odor-eliminating products and common causes of ostomy odors, and tips on how to prevent or minimize them.
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- Types of Ostomy Odor Eliminators
- Best Spray for Quick Odor Elimination
- Most Effective Odor Drops for Pouches
- Best Deodorizing Tablets for Eliminating Smell-Inducing Bacteria
- Top-Rated All-in-One Odor Control Solution
- Best Budget-Friendly Option for Odor Control
- Tips for Managing Ostomy Odor in Daily Life
Introduction
A common fear for people with ostomies is unpleasant odors coming from their pouches that others might notice. Adjusting to life with an ostomy is a big change, and it's natural to be worried about smells affecting your daily and social life. The good news is that there are plenty of products available for solving this problem and to help you manage and neutralize bad odors.
Causes of Ostomy Odors
There are many things that cause ostomy odors, but the main one is what you eat. Your diet directly affects what comes out, and certain foods may cause more odors than others. Ill-fitting pouches or bad seals also allow odors to escape, along with not changing or draining your pouch on a regular schedule. If you use a reusable pouch, not cleaning your pouch frequently or thoroughly enough can cause a smelly buildup of bacteria.
Types of Ostomy Odor Eliminators
1. Odor Eliminating Sprays
Odor-eliminating sprays neutralize odors instead of covering them up for comfort and discretion. To make the most out of your odor-eliminator spray, spray 1-2 pumps into your pouch between drains or changes. You can also use sprays for additional room deodorizing in a pinch.
2. Odor Control Drops for Ostomy Pouches
Odor-eliminator drops work the same as an odor-eliminator spray, but are usually designed with a dropper tip for cleaner and more convenient application. Add 2-3 drops in between drains and changes for effective, 24/7 odor control. Some odor-control solutions may recommend more than 2-3 drops - make sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations.
3. Lubricating Deodorants for Odor Reduction
Lubricating deodorants both neutralize bad odors and lubricate the inside of the pouch, preventing output from sticking to and building up in the pouch. This helps you ensure your pouch completely drains when emptying. For best results, apply to the pouch interior between every change or drain.
Top-Rated Odor Eliminators for Ostomy Pouches
Hollister m9 Odor Eliminator Spray – Best Spray for Quick Odor Elimination
M9 Odor Eliminator Spray is a pH-balanced, non-acidic formula that is safe for use on ostomy bags and tubing. This water-soluble solution neutralizes urinary and fecal odors at the source and is available in unscented or scented options.
Key Features
- Neutralizes Odors Rather Than Covering Them Up
- Comes in Large and Travel Sizes for at Home and on the Go
- Convenient Pump Spray Is Quick and Easy to Use
Customer Review
"This is the most effective spray I have used for eliminating odors. It is also reasonably priced and a little goes a long ways."
M9 Odor Eliminator Drops – Most Effective Odor Drops for Pouches
The Hollister M9 Odor Eliminator Drops are a simple solution for managing odor. These drops target odor-causing bacteria, neutralizing smells at the source. A few drops after each change or emptying is all you need to keep unpleasant odors away.
Key Features
- Dropper Tip for Convenient, Precise Dosing
- Quickly Neutralizes Bad Smells with 4 – 12 Drops
- Unscented Formula Leaves No Fragrance Behind
Customer Review
"Completely eliminated foul smell with 4 to 5 drops. Amazing product!"
Parthenon Devrom Chewable Internal Deodorant Tablets – Best Deodorizing Tablets for Eliminating Smell-Inducing Bacteria
Devrom Chewable Internal Deodorant goes beyond your typical odor eliminator - this FDA-approved internal deodorant targets smell-inducing gut bacteria during the digestive process, relieving gas and blocking odors from escaping in the first place.
Key Features
- Pleasant Banana Flavor for Patient Compliance
- Chewable Tablets Are Easy to Consume Regularly
- Bismuth-Subgallate Attacks Smell-Causing Bacteria
Customer Review
"They have made a big difference in my life because they really do take away the odor."
Urolux Urinary & Ostomy Appliance Cleanser and Deodorant – Top-Rated All-in-One Odor Control Solution
The Urolux Appliance Cleanser is a concentrated formula that combines cleaning and deodorizing in one solution. It helps dissolve crystal buildup and neutralize unpleasant odors. Urolux is great for cleaning reusable ostomy pouches and maintaining their freshness between uses.
Key Features
- Fresh Citrus Scent Replaces Bad Odors
- Prevents Crystal Buildup to Extend Durability
- Can Be Used with Ostomy or Urinary Appliances
Customer Review
"This product works well. Easy to use and does the job."
Hollister Adapt Lubricating Deodorant – Best Budget-Friendly Option for Odor Control
Adapt Lubricating Deodorant works by coating the inside of the pouch, preventing fecal matter from sticking and making emptying fast and easy. This deodorant neutralizes odors without fragrances or masking agents and comes in easy-to-use individual packets.
Key Features
- Lubricates Pouch Interior to Prevent Static and Sticking
- Clear Formula Helps Prevent Staining
- Neutralizes Unpleasant Ostomy Odors
Customer Review
"I have to have pouch with me all the time and I was always worried about the odor. But I didn't want to have disposable ones so I got this deodorant. It eliminates the odor completely. I even felt mine brand new. Guess I will be able to use this for a long time."
Tips for Managing Ostomy Odor in Daily Life
1. Empty Pouch Regularly
One of the best ways to prevent ostomy odors is to change your pouch regularly1. The frequency may vary depending on the type of stoma you have.
For example, if you have had a colostomy, you may need to change your pouch after every bowel movement. If you have had an ileostomy, you may have a drainable pouch that you can empty throughout the day and change every two to three days. A rule of thumb for most ostomy pouches is to change or empty your ostomy pouch whenever it becomes ⅓ or ½ full.
2. Avoid Smell-Inducing Foods
You may have noticed stronger odors or gas after eating certain foods. Most foods that are high in soluble fiber or sugar can increase the incidence of gas and unpleasant odors2. These foods include, but are not limited to:
- Asparagus
- Apples
- Beans
- Broccoli
- Brussel sprouts
- Cabbage
- Dairy products
- Mangoes
- Onions
- Peaches
- Pears
- Raisins
- Soda and beer
These foods often contribute to ostomy odors, so use this list as a starting point to identify which foods may be causing gas. All, some, or none of the above may cause odors for you; monitor your body's reactions to foods and note which ones cause more odors than others. Avoiding those foods can help you prevent bad odors.
3. Use Odor-Eliminating Products
If the other tips don't help resolve ostomy odors, consider using odor-eliminating products more frequently. Many odor eliminator sprays or drops come in convenient travel-size options so you can take them with you on the go.
4. Try A Different Ostomy Bag
If you have tried everything and are still experiencing embarrassing odors, speak with your doctor about your issues. They may suggest a different ostomy bag that fits your body better, or your current pouch might not be fitted correctly, and they may have tips for creating a stronger seal.
Where to Buy the Best Ostomy Odor Eliminators
Vitality Medical has a wide variety of ostomy deodorizing products available for purchase. We source our products from trusted manufacturers like Hollister, Coloplast, Smith & Nephew, and more. We provide fast 1-3 day shipping so you can get the products you need just when you need them.
Conclusion
Controlling odor is one of the main stresses of living with an ostomy pouch, but it doesn't have to be stressful with odor-neutralizing solutions. Odor-neutralizing drops, sprays, and deodorants can help you manage and prevent odors, leaving you free to enjoy your daily life without worrying about bad smells. Explore our selection of odor-eliminating products today!
Footnotes
- 1 "Savory, G. (2025, March 24)." How to change a stoma bag. Bladder & Bowel Community.
- 1 "Byram Healthcare." 5 ways to avoid ostomy odor. Byram Healthcare Centers, Inc.
