Frequently Asked Questions

Trio Elisse^® is different from other skin barriers as it’s specifically made from a hypoallergenic, silicone formula. Although other skin barriers may use silicone in their formula, Elisse is the only one purely made from silicone. Trio was awarded a patent for Elisse in 2019 as research proved that Elisse’ formula actively soothes sore and reddened skin when it’s applied, helping to stop itchiness and improve skin health over time.

Trio Pearls^® Gelling and Odour Control Sachets are formulated to absorb the fluid in loose stool and form a gel inside the ostomy pouch helping prevent leaks associated with liquid output. The best way to use Pearls is to pop one in the top of your stoma bag during your bag change or once you’ve emptied a drainable bag, you can push a Pearls sachet up through the outlet (just make sure it’s all the way in and not caught in the fold).

Peristomal skin generally ends up sore because it’s come into contact with output in some way. Leaks aren’t always obvious and don’t always come through the wafer or base plate, but output can still find its way out and end up on your skin causing irritation and soreness. If the skin directly under your wafer or base plate is sore, you could be reacting to an ingredient within the wafer itself (some contain aloe vera or honey etc.) so speak to your healthcare professional about trying another type of bag or base plate.

Silken, although fulfilling a similar function to stoma paste, is a very different product. Its silicone formula gives it the flexibility to fill skin folds and create an even surface for your ostomy bag or base plate. Trio Silken^® solidifies over time using the skin’s natural moisture to set, helping it to fill gaps and creases as you move around. It does not absorb body waste or output making it more hygienic than paste. It also removes in one piece without leaving sticky residue.

It normally takes a few weeks for the size and shape of your stoma to settle down. This can make finding the right stoma products difficult at the beginning. Try everything your nurse gives you and as many samples as you can to get the right products for you.

Yes. The NHS has a drug tariff which states how much each manufacturer charges the NHS for their products. In the UK, these costs are not passed on to the consumer because we have the NHS and these products are essential to quality of life for ostomates.

Hydrocolloid is an absorbent material used in many ostomy products, it’s designed to absorb moisture and the more it absorbs the better it sticks. When used in ostomy, output and sweat can be absorbed by the hydrocolloid products and held against the skin, causing irritation and sore skin as well as causing the hydrocolloid to break down and lose integrity. Silicone maintains a good adhesion with skin but does not absorb waste making it kinder on skin and more hygienic. It’s hypoallergenic, so less likely to cause irritation, and the silicone in Trio products is also responsive, fitting and moving with your stoma and body to improve the fit.

You can speak directly to your delivery service and ask them to switch your product, however some prefer for you to speak to a healthcare professional before changing products. In this case, speak to your stoma care nurse or GP to get your prescription updated.

Yes. Trio products are available through all delivery services as your delivery service must honour whichever products are on your prescription. Some pharmacies also stock our products, if yours doesn’t and you require them, they will get in touch with us and place an order. You can also buy our products on Amazon if you cannot get them on prescription.

Many of the ostomy product manufacturers are aligned with a delivery company. However, a manufacturer is the company who actually designs and produces ostomy products (i.e. Trio, Coloplast etc.). A delivery service is the company who delivers the products to you, the consumer, whatever the brand or make of product (i.e. Bullen, Charter, Respond).

Absorbency is a requirement of hydrocolloid to enable it to achieve adhesion, however silicone products are designed to adhere to the skin without the need to absorb liquid or body waste. This results in instant adhesion and keeps corrosive output and body fluids away from the skin providing a cleaner, more hygienic solution.

Yes. Genii™ ostomy seals and flange extenders are non-absorbent and adhere well to the skin allowing the user to shower without fear of the water affecting adhesion.

Most ostomy products will struggle to adhere to very wet skin. If your skin is very sore and wet, you should seek medical attention and take advice from your healthcare professional. However, if your skin is mild to moderately wet, you should prepare your skin as normal prior to any appliance or bag change, then apply the Trio product as normal. This includes washing and drying the skin and applying powder if necessary.

Trio® silicone products are designed to remain on the skin, delivering their full benefits, until you are ready to change your appliance/bag. Trio’s custom formulated silicones do not break down in the presence of body fluids and are designed to remain on the skin for prolonged periods of time.

Genii™ ostomy seals are moulded into the blister pack and we know sometimes ostomates aren’t sure how to remove them or have concerns about breaking them during removal. Once you have taken off the foil lid, to remove the seal easily you should hold the blister pack using the tab and with your thumb gently peel the edge of the seal towards the middle of the blister. Once the seal has released, using your thumb and forefinger carefully pull the seal from the blister. The seal is strong enough to be pulled free from the blister without tearing or damage. If you aren’t sure, take a look at our user guide page for visual step by step guidance here.

It is important to note that silicone is chemically inert and unlikely to cause skin irritation. Silicone is used widely in all areas of healthcare for this exact reason. However, if you feel that irritation has occurred, remove the product in question from your skin and clean the skin thoroughly with clean, warm water only. If the irritation persists, then discontinue use and seek advice from either the Trio Customer Service helpline or your Stoma Care nurse. You may wish to patch test the product before use, by placing it on another area of the body to see if skin irritation occurs away from the stoma site.

Yes. Genii™ Flange Extenders can be used on sore skin, offering protection from further damage and allowing the skin to heal naturally. Our flange extender is thin, conformable, allows skin to breathe and is gentle on removal.

Yes. Trio Silken cures into a soft, silicone, adhesive, protective gel that can help to reduce the friction that often causes granulomas.

Yes. Trio Silken^® silicone gel is safe and effective around fistulae. You may want to discuss your fistula with your healthcare professional before changing products.

Yes, you don’t have to use the same type of seal all the time, we know your stoma varies so your products may need to vary too. Any combination of Trio^® silicone products can be used depending on your needs and what works for you. Please call or email our Customer Services team for advice and guidance.

Yes, Genii™ convex ostomy seals are designed to help support your appliance and prevent leaks. Genii™ convex ostomy seals are versatile and can be applied in two ways, either convex side up or convex side down so provide the best fit to your body shape.

Trio^® silicone products have been priced in line with traditional hydrocolloid products to enable our advanced technologies to be delivered at an affordable price for ostomates and healthcare providers around the world. For individual product pricing, you can speak to our Customer Service team or your local distributor.

No. The Genii™ ostomy seals remove easily in one piece for reduced risk of skin stripping. They also do not leave a sticky residue on the skin when removed.

Trio^® silicone seals are designed not to break down in the presence of body fluids to provide you with better skin protection and potentially longer wear times of your appliance/bag.

No. None of the Trio^® silicone product range contains any alcohol or latex.

Yes, all Trio^® silicone products are available from delivery companies and pharmacies in the UK and some EU countries. For more details, contact your normal supplier or email our customer services team at careline@triohealthcare.co.uk

We recommend that you apply directly around the stoma to ensure a good seal. You can view our application guides here.

Genii™ ostomy seals are designed to be able to be removed and reapplied without affecting adhesion.

Yes, all Trio® silicone products are available on prescription from your GP. Provide your GP with the relevant product code (found on the product page) to make it easier to find. For accuracy, we can also send you a prescription card with the product(s) you use selected for you to give to your GP. You then obtain the product through your usual provider (delivery company or pharmacy). For International customers, please contact your nearest stockist for local information.