Our range of Corsinel ostomy and hernia support garments comprises more heights in the maximum support underwear, belts and tubes, and we are often asked when to recommend what height. In the following we give you our recommendations.  To advise about the right height, the below 7 factors should be considered.

1. HERNIA LOCATION

The location of the hernia plays an imperative role in terms of proper height recommendation. In principle, a hernia can be located anywhere on the belly. If a hernia is located in the upper part of the belly, low underwear may not cover the hernia sufficiently. In these cases, high underwear is needed. If the hernia is located in the lower part of the belly, low underwear may cover the hernia entirely.

2. HERNIA SIZE

The size of the hernia must be assessed to ensure that the height of the garment provides fully coverage. If the garment does not cover the hernia entirely, the supportive function of the garment is partly lost, and the garment may also feel uncomfortable to wear. In case low-heighted underwear or the 15 or 20 cm belt/tube does not fully cover the hernia, a higher garment is recommended.

3. HEIGHT OF TORSO

If the torso measured from below the breast to the hips is relatively short, low underwear or 15 and 20 cm tubes and belts may cover the hernia entirely, whereas in cases with a high torso and a hernia located on the upper part of the belly, high underwear may be the solution for a comfortable fit.

4. BODY SHAPE - SLIM OR OBESE?

As we all have different body shapes, recommendation on height also depends on individual body assessments. Some people are slim, others are obese and in addition, the obesity may range from mild to severe.

Furthermore, the distribution of fat tissue is to be considered. In some people, the fat tissue is typically located above the waist and around the belly, whereas in others it is typically located below the waist around the hips and thighs. These body shapes are often referred to as apple or pear shapes respectively.

Apple shaped people often prefer to wear a garment that covers most or the entire belly. If the edge of a garment is located in the middle of an apple shaped belly, it may feel very uncomfortable, cause pressure marks, and the garment may also slide up or down.

5. TIGHTNESS OF THE BELT

The belt or tube has to be tight fitting for optimal support, however, it must not sit as an uncomfortable, narrow elastic around the belly. If the belt or tube feels too tight, and a heavy bulging of the abdominal skin above and below the belt/tube as well as skin irritation and/or discomfort is present, it is recommended to use a higher version and/or a bigger size.

6. EDGE BAND LOCATION

The edge bands prevent the underwear or the belt and tube from rolling, and it is important that the edge bands sit comfortably and do not dig or cause indentations on the skin. If the bands feel uncomfortable, it may help to recommend a bigger size and/or a higher version.

7. COMFORT

No matter the height of the garment, it is always very important to ensure that the user feels comfortable wearing the garment. For optimal supportive function it should be tight fitting of course, but it must not cause pressure marks or redness, nor pain or discomfort. If the garment is uncomfortable to wear, it may be worth trying a different size and/or another height.