Coloplast vs Hollister vs Convatec UK: Complete Brand Comparison 2026
Choosing between the UK's leading ostomy supply brands — Coloplast, Hollister and Convatec — is one of the most important decisions you'll make as an ostomate. All three brands are available free on NHS prescription in the UK through dispensing appliance contractors. Each brand has genuine strengths and weaknesses depending on your stoma type, skin sensitivity and lifestyle. This independent UK comparison breaks it all down.
Quick Comparison: Coloplast vs Hollister vs Convatec
Here is the at-a-glance breakdown for the three global ostomy leaders:
| Coloplast | Hollister | Convatec | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1957, Denmark | 1921, USA | 1978, USA/UK |
| Flagship Colostomy Product | SenSura Mio | CeraPlus | Natura Plus |
| Flagship Ileostomy Product | SenSura Mio Drainable | CeraPlus Drainable | Esteem+ |
| Skin Barrier Technology | SenSura (aloe vera) | CeraPlus (ceramide) | Moldable Technology |
| No-Cut Moldable Option | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ (Moldable Technology) |
| Accessory Range | Brava (extensive) | Adapt (good) | Stomahesive (limited) |
| Free Samples | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Nurse Support Line | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Approx. Price (per pouch) | $3–$6 | $2.50–$5 | $2.50–$5 |
| Best For | Skin sensitivity, accessories | USA users, ceramide skin care | Irregular stomas, no-scissors |
Coloplast Ostomy Products
Coloplast is a Danish company founded in 1957 by Elise Sørensen, whose sister had a colostomy. Coloplast is widely regarded as the global quality leader in ostomy care, with a particularly strong range of skin barrier accessories and the most comprehensive accessory line on the market (Brava).
Key Coloplast Ostomy Products
- SenSura Mio — Their premium 1- and 2-piece system. Ultra-thin, body-hugging design. The SenSura barrier uses a unique formulation that is gentle on skin and flexible with body movement.
- Assura — A trusted mid-range system, available in flat and convex profiles. Good choice for budget-conscious users who still want Coloplast quality.
- SenSura Mio Convex — For flush or retracted stomas. The convex shape pushes against the skin to create a better seal.
- Brava Accessories — The gold standard accessory range: barrier rings, skin barrier wipes, adhesive remover sprays, moldable strips, belt. Brava accessories are compatible with other brands too.
Coloplast: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent skin-friendly barrier technology | Generally the most expensive brand |
| Brava accessories are best-in-class | No moldable (no-cut) barrier option |
| Ultra-thin, discreet pouch profile | Some users find adhesion too light in hot weather |
| Excellent stoma nurse support and education materials | Limited range for irregular stoma shapes without accessories |
Best for: Ostomates with sensitive peristomal skin, those who value accessories, and anyone willing to invest in premium comfort.
Hollister Ostomy Products
Hollister Incorporated is a US-based company with over 100 years of history and the largest market share in North America. Their CeraPlus skin barrier technology — which incorporates ceramides, a naturally occurring skin component — is a genuine innovation backed by clinical evidence for skin protection.
Key Hollister Ostomy Products
- CeraPlus — Their flagship barrier with ceramide-infused adhesive that actively maintains skin health between changes. Available in 1-piece and 2-piece, closed and drainable.
- New Image — A well-established 2-piece system with a clicking flange coupling — the click gives reassurance that the pouch is locked on.
- Moderma Flex — Hollister's flexible 1-piece range, with a soft backing sheet that moulds to body contours.
- Adapt Accessories — Barrier rings, paste, adhesive remover, pouch deodorant and stoma powder.
Hollister: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| CeraPlus technology actively protects skin | Accessory range not as extensive as Coloplast Brava |
| Audible click on 2-piece system = security confidence | Some users find the click coupling stiff initially |
| Widely available through US insurance and suppliers | No moldable barrier option |
| Good mid-range pricing relative to quality | Less dominant in European and Asian markets |
Best for: US-based ostomates using Medicare or private insurance, those with skin irritation issues, and anyone who values that satisfying click-fit security.
Convatec Ostomy Products
Convatec is a global medical technology company headquartered in the UK and USA. Their most distinctive innovation is Moldable Technology — skin barriers that can be moulded with warm fingers to the exact shape of the stoma without scissors. This makes them particularly popular for irregularly shaped stomas and for beginners who find cutting intimidating.
Key Convatec Ostomy Products
- Natura Plus with Moldable Technology — The flagship no-cut colostomy system. The barrier warms with body heat and moulds around the stoma for an exact fit. Prevents undercutting without needing precise scissors skills.
- Esteem+ with Moldable Technology — 1-piece drainable system for ileostomy. Soft, comfortable backing with the moldable barrier advantage.
- Stomahesive — Convatec's classic wafer material, used in medical settings for decades. Excellent adhesion and reliability.
- Surfit Natura — 2-piece system with cut-to-fit wafer, good for users who prefer a traditional flat barrier.
Convatec: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Moldable Technology eliminates cutting — unique advantage | Some users find Moldable barriers less thin/flexible than competitors |
| Excellent for irregular or oval stomas | Accessory range (Stomahesive) more limited than Brava |
| Stomahesive paste is a trusted clinical standard | Slightly less discreet pouch profile than Coloplast SenSura |
| Strong clinical heritage, widely trusted by stoma nurses | Some older product lines feel less modern |
Best for: Ostomates with irregular, oval or challenging stoma shapes; beginners who find cutting wafers difficult; users who want no-scissors simplicity.
Other Ostomy Brands Worth Knowing
The market extends well beyond the "big three." Depending on where you live, these brands may also be excellent options:
| Brand | Country | Why Consider Them |
|---|---|---|
| Salts Healthcare | UK | UK-manufactured, NHS standard, excellent quality. Confidence BE range offers good skin protection. Free samples available. |
| Dansac | Denmark | Soft, discreet pouches popular in Scandinavia and Europe. Nova Life range well-regarded by ileostomates. |
| Pelican Healthcare | UK | Innovative UK brand with the BioFit 3D skin barrier that moulds to body shape. Free sample service direct to your door. |
| Welland Medical | UK | Growing UK brand with the Confidence BE and Aurum systems. Known for purple backing pouches (easy identification). |
Which Brand for Your Stoma Type?
For Colostomy
| Situation | Best Brand Option | Product to Try |
|---|---|---|
| Round stoma, standard size | Any — trial all three | Coloplast Assura, Hollister CeraPlus, Convatec Natura+ |
| Oval or irregular stoma | Convatec | Natura Plus Moldable Technology |
| Sensitive, sore skin | Coloplast | SenSura Mio + Brava Barrier Rings |
| Flush or retracted stoma | Convatec or Hollister | Convatec Convex Moldable / Hollister CeraPlus Convex |
For Ileostomy
| Situation | Best Brand Option | Product to Try |
|---|---|---|
| Standard ileostomy, active lifestyle | Coloplast | SenSura Mio Drainable 2-piece |
| Skin irritation / dermatitis | Hollister | CeraPlus Extended Wear |
| Irregular stoma shape | Convatec | Esteem+ Moldable |
For Urostomy
| Situation | Best Brand Option | Product to Try |
|---|---|---|
| Standard urostomy | Coloplast or Hollister | Coloplast SenSura Mio Urostomy / Hollister CeraPlus Urostomy |
| Extended wear between changes | Convatec | Natura Plus Urostomy |
Our Verdict: Which Brand Is Right for You in the UK?
Choose Coloplast if…
- Skin sensitivity is your top concern
- You want the best accessory range (Brava)
- You value a thin, discreet pouch profile
- Budget is less of a constraint
Choose Hollister if…
- You are in the USA using Medicare or insurance
- You want active skin protection (ceramide)
- You like the click-lock 2-piece security
- You want good quality at mid-range prices
Choose Convatec if…
- You have an oval or irregular stoma shape
- You want no-scissors moldable barriers
- You are a beginner nervous about cutting wafers
- Your stoma nurse recommends a clinical heritage brand
The honest answer: all three brands are excellent and any of them can work well for you. The right choice depends on your body, stoma type and preferences. Request free samples from all three — your stoma nurse can organise this — and trial each for a week before deciding.
Complete Your Ostomy System With SIIL Clothing
Whichever pouch brand you choose — Coloplast, Hollister or Convatec — pairing your pouch with specialist ostomy clothing takes comfort and confidence to the next level.
SIIL Ostomy makes garments designed to hold any ostomy pouch securely against the body, preventing sagging, noise and visible bulges under clothing:
- Ostomy Belts — clip directly to most 2-piece wafers (including Coloplast and Convatec flanges). Ideal for sport, travel and active days.
- Ostomy Underwear — breathable daily underwear with an internal pouch pocket. Works with all bag brands.
Trusted by 40,000+ ostomates worldwide, SIIL clothing is compatible with Coloplast, Hollister and Convatec pouch systems.
Shop Ostomy Belts → Shop Underwear →
☆ Featured Product
SIIL Ostomy Belt
Designed for ostomates — discreet, comfortable and secure. Compatible with any pouching system.
Shop Now →Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coloplast or Hollister better for colostomy?
Both work excellently for colostomy. Coloplast SenSura Mio offers the most discreet, skin-friendly profile. Hollister CeraPlus offers ceramic-infused barriers that actively protect skin between changes. If you have sensitive skin, start with Coloplast. If you're a US user seeking good coverage through Medicare, Hollister is often the easier choice.
What makes Convatec Moldable Technology different?
Convatec's Moldable Technology allows the skin barrier to be shaped with warm fingers to perfectly match the stoma — no scissors required. This is particularly useful for oval, irregular or unpredictable stoma shapes, for beginners who find cutting intimidating, and for anyone whose stoma size is still changing post-surgery.
Can I mix accessories from different brands?
Yes. Most ostomy accessories (barrier rings, adhesive remover, skin barrier spray, stoma paste) are compatible across brands. Many ostomates use Coloplast Brava accessories with a Hollister or Convatec pouch system, or vice versa. The exception is 2-piece couplings — the wafer and pouch must be from the same brand for the click-lock connection to work.
How do I get free samples from Coloplast, Hollister or Convatec?
All three brands offer free sample programmes. Visit their websites directly: Coloplast.com, Hollister.com and Convatec.com each have a "request a sample" section. Your stoma nurse or clinical specialist nurse (CNS) can also request samples on your behalf and arrange home delivery. Trialling before committing is always advisable.
Which ostomy brand is best for swimming and sport?
For swimming and active sport, look for extended-wear wafers with moisture-resistant adhesion from any of the three brands. Coloplast SenSura Mio Extended Wear and Hollister CeraPlus Extended Wear are both popular choices. Pair your pouch with a SIIL ostomy belt or support garment to keep the bag secure during physical activity.
This comparison is for informational purposes only. Prices and product availability vary by country and supplier. Always consult your stoma nurse before switching brands or products.
