Baseplates come in two different forms:

Flat Baseplates

Flat baseplates are best for stomas that protrude at least an inch beyond the skin. They lie flat on the skin and the stoma has no problem poking out and emptying into the ostomy pouch (as opposed to leaking under the baseplate).

Convex Baseplates

Convex baseplates have a curved base, like a shallow bowl that pushes the skin down and helps to push the stoma out from the body so the output goes into the bag.
Benefits to a convex baseplate:

  • Increase wear time
  • Push stoma out, forcing output to empty into the ostomy pouch
  • Prevent and/or stop leakage that causes skin irritation.

People with stomas that don’t stick very far out of the skin (if at all) can struggle with irritated skin due to leaks under their baseplate. These people can often find a lot of relief by using a convex baseplate. Sometimes a convex baseplate and belt is necessary to keep the stoma pushed out enough to avoid a leak.

If you think you might benefit from a convex baseplate, talk to your ostomy nurse and have them help you get it fitted.