[3] They are used to maintain independence, so that a wearer can continue to lead an active lifestyle that can include all forms of sports and recreation.

These barriers, also called flanges, wafers, or baseplates are manufactured using pectin or similar organic material and are available in a wide variety of sizes to accommodate a person's particular anatomy.

The internal opening must be the correct size to accommodate the individual's stoma while protecting the skin from contact with waste.

A barrier may last between one and many days before it needs to be replaced; this is highly dependent on the individual's lifestyle, ostomy type, and anatomy.

The method of attachment to the barrier varies between manufactures and includes permanent (one-piece), press-on/click ("Tupperware" type), turning locking rings and "sticky" adhesive mounts.

The two-piece arrangement allows pouches to be exchanged without removing the wafer; for example, some people prefer to temporarily switch to a "mini-pouch" for swimming, intimate and other short-term activities.

The use of open-end vs. closed-end pouches is dependent on the frequency in which an individual needs to empty the contents, as well as economics.

One of the largest is MeetAnOstoMate, a community where people with similar experiences share information, ask questions, and receive support.