Ostomy Armor Frequently Asked Questions
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1How long will my order take?
All Ostomy and hernia belts are built to your needs. It will be constructed when you order; this is not a "pull and ship" item. We usually ship orders within 7-10 business days but occasionally we might experience a higher than usual volume. We will keep you informed of this. Custom orders will take a little longer.
Waste Wicks and Emergency Kits are in stock and if ordered individually, will ship the next business day.
In the U.S. priority mail with delivery confirmation will arrive in 2-3 days anywhere in the US via USPS (once your product is made.) If you require your package to be sent via UPS, costs may be different. You can contact us for a quote.
Shipping overseas will cost from $25 upwards. Note: Shipments to countries outside the USA may incur additional taxes, fees or Customs fees. These fees are not included in the cost of your products and are the responsibility of the customer. Once a package leaves our hands, we have no control over how long it takes to arrive. Most overseas shipments arrive in 2-3 weeks after mailing. If you have questions about your order, please contact us.
2What is the main difference between the models, apart from price? Which one should I buy?
The Heavy Duty Armor works for everyone, whether you are in a wheelchair or are taking part in sports or a meeting. The Heavy Duty is made of aircraft grade aluminum and is light, flexible and extremely durable. If you take part in normal to moderate activities, this is the one for you.
If you are into sports, or you have an extreme job, such as a police officer or a firefighter, the Titanium Max will provide a greater range of motion and protection. Some people chose the Titanium Max just because they want the top of the line, but not everyone needs this level of protection. The Titanium Max has been tested against knives and provides stab protection.
If your waist is less than 25", the Petite Armor may be a better fit for you.
The Large Hernia belt is the best fit for waists over 50" and/or large hernias that are greater than 3" from top to bottom.
If you have further questions, just ask! We won't sell you something that you don't need!
3Is there a preferred method of cleaning the Armor?
We recommend cleaning the Armor once a week. You can use almost any light soap, Woolite or shampoo. Do not put Ostomy Armor in the washing machine. Scrub with a brush or cloth and allow to air dry or use a hairdryer. The back of the Buckle Slider is made of chamois and needs a lighter touch. Use a cloth (not a brush) with shampoo on the chamois.
4How does Ostomy Armor™ work?
Ostomy Armor does three things: Comfort, Support, Protection.
First, it protects your stoma against anything (except bullets).
Second, Ostomy Armor helps prevent hernias or other related problems involving your stoma. With Ostomy Armor, a hernia has nowhere to go.
Third, Ostomy Armor, when used with a stiff, non flexible barrier will decrease leaks and blowouts drastically. This increases the life of the barrier/flange/wafer/baseplate. When you change your barrier less often, it decreases skin irritation caused by frequent changes.
5I'm not very active. Will the Armor work for me?
It's not just for tough guys! The Armor will help every ostomate by preventing leaks, blowouts and protecting your stoma, whether or not you lead an active lifestyle. Just wearing a seatbelt can be a risky thing. Our philosophy and hope is that you will lead the life you want to, not just a life that you feel forced to. From time-to-time we will feature photos of other ostimates doing things that would ordinarily cause a blowout or other problems. You may not lift weights or go skydiving, but if you see people doing these things with Ostomy Armor™ then you should be able to go dancing, bowling, playing golf or shopping...lead a normal life.
6I've seen other "belts" on the market. Why should I buy Ostomy Armor™?
There are products called "support belts", but there are no other products as strong as, or even similar to, the Armor. The Armor is strong, slim, discreet and built to take a pounding. It's not a flimsy plastic/ elastic item; it's tough, durable and will take care of you for a long time. We hear from lots of customers who bought a cheap copy first only to have it stretch out of place after less than a year. Ostomy Armor will not stretch out of place and provides years of support.
Choose the cost effective one first:
Ostomy Armor is the ONLY product with a 2 year warranty.
You can find this customer comment on our Facebook page: "Stomaplex is total crap, went through two of them (the first was warrantied, I didn't bother asking for another after the second failed too) and they both fell apart pretty quickly. My first Ostomy Armour still worked after almost six years even though the material was worn." Aaron Dennis. · Reply · Message · September 27 at 4:29pm
7How does Ostomy Armor compare to the other belts?
Soft and stretchy will NEVER outlast strong and sturdy. Ostomy Armor has a two year warranty on materials and workmanship. Our product lasts for years and years.
8Financial times are tough. Why should I spend over $160 on a product when I don't know if it works?
We have hundreds and hundreds of customers who know that it works! Ostomy Armor saves you money by reducing the number of times you change your barrier/wafer. It also brings you piece of mind knowing that your stoma is protected.
9If the Armor is discreet, why have "Ostomy Armor™" on the front?
When worn correctly, the Armor logo will not be visible under your clothes (unless you are a follower of the pants-down-around-the-knees school of fashion..., then you will see the logo.)
10I have never needed to protect my stoma. Why would I start now?
It does not take very much at all to herniate your stoma and the resulting damage can be quite unpleasant. It takes a small amount of weight to push the muscles out through your abdomen. Our customers lift heavy weights on a regular basis and report no hernias. And when do you predict that something (a shopping cart, a dog, a child, a belt, seatbelt) will bump into you? A small bump can cause a lot of pain. Why risk it?
11What sort of people buy and wear Ostomy Armor™?
All sorts of people just like you! It's not just for tough guys. From 6 months to 95 years old! Some of our customers include active duty Army personnel, construction workers, climbers, police officers, welders, office workers and teachers. We have customers in wheelchairs and confined to a bed. Nurses also use the Armor to help patients in hospital when changing barriers.
12How can you offer ostomy supplies at a discount?
We are a small company and our overhead is low. We don't have a huge warehouse full of products. We don't falsely over inflate our prices in order to offer you a "discount."
13Will insurance cover the cost?
Some insurance plans cover the cost. Contact us to discuss your insurance details. We will work with your company to determine thisi.
14What if I don't like the Armor? Can I return it?
Please contact us first. Often, the problem is caused by an incorrect waist measurement. We can fix this. We have also done modifications to ensure a custom fit for specific problems. We understand that Ostomy Armor™ is not for everyone. If we cannot fix the problem, we will refund your money.
We guarantee the Armor against defects in workmanship for two years. Remember, Ostomy Armor will not work if you don't try it!
Customer satisfaction really is our number one priority.
15I have a tiny/large waist/stoma/hernia. Can you fit me?
We make each Armor individually and will custom make your Armor to fit you at no extra cost. We have made Armor for very large waists and herniations. If you have a tiny waist and are petite, the Petite Armor may be a better fit for you.
16When should I wear the Ostomy Armor™?
Most people only remove the Armor to shower. It is usually worn 24 hours a day. It will help prevent accidents at night (getting the barrier tangled in the sheets; bag blowing up with gas and then popping off; etc.). Again, the Armor works by maintaining the seal on the barrier, which is needed 24/7.
17Who can I call with questions or comments?
Call us! We are knowledgeable about ostomy products and issues relating to ostomies; after all, Gordon Scott is, himself, an ostimate, and uses Ostomy Armor™ and other products on a daily basis. Or email any comments if you prefer.
18I see similar looking products with an Ace wrap type stretchy bandage for a belt; How does your product compare?
Customers who have bought the other products tell us that the stretchy belts are not supportive enough and that the Velcro closures wear out, becoming unsightly in a couple of uses. Customers tell us that the stretchy belts cut off circulation, roll up and become very uncomfortable. They are also easy to displace, leaving your stoma unprotected. Stretchy products are not durable and fall apart quickly. Ostomy Armor does not stretch out of shape or roll up. It stays comfortably in place for long periods of time and lasts for years. Also, when you have a hole in your abdomen wall it provides a "path of least resistance" for hernias to develop. If your muscles can bulge out (with a stretchy belt), there is a good chance that a hernia can develop. Our customers lift extreme and heavy weights on a constant basis without developing hernias.
19Can I have sex while wearing the Armor?
Absolutely. Ostomy Armor™ can stay with you through anything! There is not good time for a product to fail. .
20Do you have clinical studies/trials/ data?
No, we don't. Clinical studies cost millions. We are a small company that provides a service unmatched by massive pharmaceutical companies. What we can offer in the way of proof is our amazing customer satisfaction rate. Since 2006, we have filled thousands of orders and have had less than 20 returns. We have made plenty of modifications to fit individual needs and wishes, but only 18 people have said they did not like the Armor. In 2017 (Jan-Sept) out of hundreds of orders, we had only two returns. We understand that if you are looking for data, this is considered anecdotal, but thousands of happy customers cannot be wrong.
21Does the Armor cause pressure ulcers?
Not that we have heard of. Because we understand life with an ostomy so well, and offer personal service, many of our customers stay in touch with us over the years. We get to chat with long term customers who not only wear their Armor 24/7, but also lead fairly vigourous lives. We talk to firefighters and police officers and retired people wielding chainsaws. There have been no reports of hernias or pressure ulcers. And yes, we asked.
