Keeping Your Ostomy Products Safe In Hot Weather
For many people living with a stoma, warm weather can bring a welcome sense of freedom — lighter clothing, more time outdoors, and a chance to enjoy the sunshine. But it also raises an important question: how should ostomy products be stored when temperatures rise?
The good news is that our products are already used successfully in hot climates around the world, including countries like Australia, where summer temperatures regularly climb well above what we experience in the UK. Patients there use them confidently and comfortably, and the products continue to perform as intended.
Why storage conditions matter for ostomy products.
Like many medical products, ostomy supplies are designed to work best when stored within a recommended temperature range. For our products, that range is 0°C to 27°C.
Prolonged exposure to excessive direct heat can affect the adhesive product performance.
Helpful tips for storing your ostomy supplies
- Avoid direct sunlight — don’t leave unopened products on windowsills or anywhere they’ll sit in the sun.
- Keep them out of hot cars — temperatures inside parked vehicles can rise, even on mild days.
- Store them indoors — a cupboard, drawer, or wardrobe is ideal.
Aim for the recommended range (0°C–27°C) as product’s official storage guidance advises.
Fridges can introduce moisture, and storing medical supplies which feature adhesive parts could lead to damage to the adhesive.
If you’re concerned about travelling, holidays, or heatwaves, remember: these products are already used daily in countries far hotter than the UK. With sensible storage, they continue to perform reliably.
If you have any further questions about your ostomy products, you can contact your local Medilink branch on 0800 626388.