LoulaBellie FAQs Library

Step right into our FAQs hub!

Below, you'll find a visual dispaly of the products stealing the spotlight in our frequently asked questions. Consider this your virtual tour guide to all things LoulaBellie !

your Frequently asked questions

LoulaBellie's full FAQ Library

What Are Tubie Pads ? are they right for me ?

Tubie pads, the unsung heroes of comfort! These reusable fabric pads, with a nifty little hole in the center, are a game-changer, replacing traditional medical gauze. They snugly fasten around the feeding tube, absorbing any leaks to protect your delicate skin. Perfect for those battling adhesive allergies, these pads bring comfort without compromise

Let's not forget the fun factor! Tubie pads aren't just about practicality; they bring a splash of style to tubie life. why settle for plain medical dressings when you can rock your tube when Tubie pads are there to provide the ultimate style statement!

whats more is tubie pads are not only fashion-forward but also champions of sustainability! Reusable and cost-effective, they're a an excellent Eco Friendly , planet loving alternative to pricey single-use dressings. So, not only are you making a style statement , but you're also making a positive impact on your bank statement and the environment ! It's a win-win in the world of Tubie pads!

However, before diving into the world of Tubie pads, a word of caution: it's always a good idea to check with your trusty team or PEG nurse first. Some might prefer you to stick with medical gauze, at least until the stoma site has had its time to heal.

Speaking of healing, it's recommended to hold off on introducing Tubie pads until about 3-4 weeks post-surgery. Give that stoma site the time it needs to mend and strengthen before welcoming the cozy embrace of Tubie pads into your routine. Your comfort and well-being are top priorities!

Click here to head over to our Bellie Button pad Info Hub

About Bellie Button pads

The design

each pad is meticulously crafted with a decorative top stitch, inside-out stitching for a smooth finish, and multiple layers of bamboo and bamboo polyester for optimal comfort and absorbency.

Each pad consists of three layers, starting with a decorative 100% cotton front, an eco-friendly bamboo lining fleece core with moisture-wicking polyester, and a super soft organic bamboo fleece backing.

Slim / Low-profile yet highly absorbent pads.

The decorative top stitch adds style and durability , while a thin width maintains a low profile fit under clothing and avoids pulling the tube away from the stoma site. Unlike thicker pads that cause tension on the balloon or bumper our bellie button pads are safe for all styles of tube from adjustable length dangler style tubes , to low profile button tubes.

Click here to head over to our Bellie Button pad Info Hub

The Benefits of Bamboo Tubie Pads

Discovering the benefits of our bamboo backing

Experience the epitome of comfort and functionality with our bamboo-backed design as you Immerse yourself in the luxurious layers of our Bellie Button Pads!

Our 3 layered pad boasts 2 layers of Bamboo with unmatchable water absorbency, hypoallergenic nature, and antibacterial properties making it an ideal fabric for comfort and protection around stomas.

Core : With their eco-friendly bamboo lining fleece core, these pads boast a moisture-wicking polyester layer that swiftly banishes wetness.

Backing : The magic continues with a super-soft bamboo fleece backing, offering a triple treat of water absorbency, hypoallergenic comfort, and natural antibacterial wonders.

Bamboo really is the Perfect solution for stomas !

Click here to head over to our Bellie Button pad Info Hub

whart size are the Tubie Pads

Measuring approximately 3" across at their widest point in a novelty hexagonal shape. our pads are tailored to fit around the wearer's feeding tube with a perfectly snug center hole.

My pads are like the chameleons of the tubie world – usually a perfect fit for all tubes in their standard size, but can happily be tweaked to match your preferences. Some customers opt for a tad smaller version, especially for little ones. However , the majority rave about the standard size.

The entire size spectrum is at your fingertips! Adjust the hole size as you please – shrink it down for dainty catheter tubes or those without bumper to aid gripping and keep the pad in place , at the site ,where it does its magical work , or go big for those wide-bore drainage tubes. Not just that, we can tweak the width to create a sleek, low-profile pad or, on the flip side, go thicker for extra padding, perfect for loose tubes or if you're after some added absorbency.

It's a world of possibilities, and the customization options are boundless!

So, whether you're team standard or looking for something a bit different, get in touch , and let's make magic happen! ✨📏

simply send us a message to explore the possibilities of smaller or larger pads tailored to fit your needs. Fun fact: I've crafted pads as petite as 2” and 2.5” in the past.

(Quick heads up: for smaller pads, and thicker pads , the popper colors are limited to black or white to ensure they are compatible with altered pad design)

please note : all requests must be made prior to ordering and are subject to availability. products otherwise ordered in the standard way are ‘sold as seen’ and will not have your desired adjustments , due to the high volume of orders we cannot review requests made after purchasing or at the point of purchase. Items are non refundable due to their sanitary nature

Click here to head over to our Bellie Button pad Info Hub

what's the lifetime of a Tubie Pad

The longevity of these pads hinges on various factors, including your preferred washing method and individual leakage levels. Different fluids may cause stains, which don't impact functionality, but some users prefer retiring heavily stained pads. Check out our care instructions for recommendations to ensure lasting cleanliness – we've even included tips on banishing stubborn stains, a major key to avoiding the common fate of discarding belly button pads!

In a nutshell, for extended wearability and to keep that fleece luxuriously soft wash after wash, we suggest hand washing using a detergent specifically designed for delicates. It's worth noting that we have remarkable customers still using the same pads from 2019 to the present day – now, that's seriously impressive!

Personally my favourite pads that i crafted in 2021 for myself have endured anywhere from 35 to 50 washes each so far and are still going strong, with only a few bidding farewell due to those stubborn extreme stains.

Click here to head over to our Bellie Button pad Info Hub

How often should I change my Tubie pad each day ?

Typically, most people switch out their tubie pads at least twice a day – once in the morning and once at night. However, the frequency may vary based on personal preferences and the level of leakage. every time you tidy up the site, it's high time for a fresh tubie pad.

Swap out the pad when it gets soiled beyond your comfort zone or during your regular cleaning routine, even if it's not visibly soiled. For many, this means a switcheroo in the morning and another at night.

Remember, tubie pads need a break during bathing, showering, or swimming. They're like the superheroes of dryness, but they don't perform well when soaking wet. Let them bask in their off-duty glory during water escapades. After all, nobody wants that post-bath moistness lingering around the stoma.

Click here to head over to our Bellie Button pad Info Hub

washing instructions

Check out Our Washing Guide section By clicking Here for a treasure trove of tips, tricks, and a step-by-step manual to ensure the upmost care for your Tubie pads, clips, and valve covers.
Dive into a world of expert advice, discover the art of maintaining hygiene, and master the secrets to extend the life of your cherished Tubie accessories.
From ingenious tricks to a detailed step-by-step guide, we've got your Tubie care routine covered. Because your Tubie gear deserves nothing but the best!
or if you dont have time to visit our tubie care oasis ,here are some key points to stick to when caring for your accessories !
Care instructions we recommend to ensure longevity and cleanliness :

remove surface stains before washing, use a gentle cycle with mild detergent in a mesh bag, reshape the pad, and air dry (you can put the pads on a low, spin only cycle to spin out some of the water and aid drying time - note: you must place pads in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase so they don't spin loose and break in your washing machine). Avoid fabric softeners, hot wash, and tumble drying. Do not bleach.

For an extended wearability and to maintain the softest fleece wash after wash ,we recommend hand washing with a hand washing specific laundry detergent made for delicates.
do not use fabric softener,
do not hot wash
do not tumble dry. do not bleach.

Tubie clip care instructions :

The plastic clip is integrated in the overall Tubie clip so clips must be washed by hand to prolong the lifetime of the product. spot clean by wiping with a damp cloth and mild detergent/soap and leave laying flat to air dry.

What distinguishes Bellie Button Pads from alternatives on the market ?

What sets Bellie Button Pads apart from many other pads are their high quality materials each picked for their unique properties , their inside-out stitching ensuring a smooth finish near the stoma site designed to prevent sores whilst also promoting easier cleaning and of not forgetting their unique novelty hexagonal shape !

Other pads have made my stoma site sore - how do Loulabellie pads prevent this ?

unlike many other pads on the market Bellie button pads are sewn completely inside out with just a smooth top stitch for decoration meaning there is no harsh stitching close the the stoma site.

Click here to head over to our Bellie Button pad Info Hub

custom orders

Click here to purchase your Custom order or find out more / Apply for a custom Order Slot

Each product is meticulously hand sewn which means all of our Tubie products can be designed or personalised to your needs upon request.

we would love to help solve a problem you have and help create a product designed specially for you to meet your needs , thats why we created LoulaBellie !

we also offer alterations to out tubie pad design too -

My pads are like the chameleons of the tubie world – usually a perfect fit for all tubes in their standard size, but can happily be tweaked to match your preferences. Some customers opt for a tad smaller version, especially for little ones. However , the majority rave about the standard size.

The entire size spectrum is at your fingertips! Adjust the hole size as you please – shrink it down for dainty catheter tubes or those without bumper to aid gripping and keep the pad in place , at the site ,where it does its magical work , or go big for those wide-bore drainage tubes. Not just that, we can tweak the width to create a sleek, low-profile pad or, on the flip side, go thicker for extra padding, perfect for loose tubes or if you're after some added absorbency.

It's a world of possibilities, and the customization options are boundless!

So, whether you're team standard or looking for something a bit different, get in touch , and let's make magic happen! ✨📏

- please note : all requests must be made prior to ordering and are subject to availability. products otherwise ordered in the standard way are ‘sold as seen’ and will not have your desired adjustments , due to the high volume of orders we cannot review requests made after purchasing or at the point of purchase. Items are non refundable due to their sanitary nature

other backing options (available via custom order)

other backing options (available via custom order)

Here at LoulaBellie we have several different Bamboo fleece backing options available subject to availability as part of our custom order options.

Original bamboo fleece - a cream/oat coloured backing , super absorbent (used for our standard pads available to buy as sold as seen items )

Charcoal bamboo fleece - grey coloured, charcoal infused bamboo which neutralises odour and stains don’t show up as much due to dark colour

Yellow coloured bamboo fleece - less likely to stain especially from urine from leakage with a SPC

Silvadur bamboo fleece - has integrated silver ions giving it antimicrobial properties

Bamboo velour - super soft

Bamboo Sherpa - an off white , super snugly , thick Sherpa perfect for winter months and very absorbent

Thinner bamboo polyester mix fleece - still fairly absorbent whilst extra thin for an ultra low profile tubie pad perfect for tight tubes.

Silvadur Backing

Will Silver ions in the silvadur bamboo affect healthy bacteria or cause skin irritation ?

antimicrobial properties won’t impact your skins healthy micro-flora, or get rid of or get rid of any good bacteria whilst safely minimising microbes that cause odor and material degradation and inhibit bacterial growth.

- contain silver ions to neutralize odour-causing bacteria and keep fabrics fresh throughout the lifetime of your Tubie pad and eliminate the bacteria causing decay to prolong the lifetime of your Tubie pads.

-fabrics treated with silverdur are marketed to not fade or yellow over time

-still have the same hypoallergenic properties with no skin irritation

whilst wearing these special pads , you can be confident that not matter what your level of activity that your tube will stay smelling fresh throughout the day.

snap and clip colour options (customisable items only)

at Loulabellie we have a whole rainbow of colours for you to chose from for our customisable items.


As there is such an array of colour choices I have carefully selected the colours that I think go best with each fabric

but for custom order items ofr our customisable items you can choose any colour from the colour chart provided on the pictures sent to you in the order process

There’s never too much choice when you are making something your own !

Clip colours are limited so if you want a matching pad and clip he sure to check the colour numbers/names match up.

if your feeling super creative why not have different colour snap and clip combinations to mix it up a little.

What are Tubie clips ? Are they suitable for my needs ?

Tubie clips are crafted with the intention of enhancing wearers mobility and minimizing the risk of entangled lines, consequently reducing the chances of tubing dislodgement or pulling. Not only do they maintain the equipment in an orderly and easily accessible manner, but they also offer crucial support for the extension tubing, preventing undue stress on the stoma site, which is particularly vital during the healing phase.

These clips come equipped with a poppered section, allowing for the convenient coiling or securement of tubing. Additionally, their soft close crocodile-style clip firmly grips onto clothing, soft linen, and bags, securing coiled tubing without causing any damage or marking on the materials. Beyond their functional benefits, these clips provide a playful alternative to traditional tape and other medical securement devices.

Click here to head over to our Bellie Bundle Tubie clip Info Hub

what are valve covers ? are they suitable for my needs?

Discovering the benefits of our valve covers 

Experience security , confidence and functionality with our fleece lined design as you cover your catheter valve or feeding tube in a fun patterned cover keeping it clean , cushioned to protect it from digging into delicate skin and safe from accidental disconnections or opening of clamps / taps. 

Designed to prevent valve leaks, these covers form a secure envelope around the valve and catheter connection point, reducing the risk of twisting or popping open. 

They offer a stylish accessory for your catheter, concealing the valve while providing an absorbent pocket for leak-prone valves or tube connectors. The fleece lining acts as a protective layer, catching leaks before they reach clothing or furnishings.

Covers are the ideal addition to any catheter/ Tubie’s protection measures as they deter little ones from opening the valve tap / twisting the feeding tube connector , and also catch any sticky messes if tubes get pulled out of the connector by mistake ie . During activity / sports or when sleeping ! 

they also add a playful touch to catheter decoration, making it less clinical for young people. 

Easy access and top notch security all in one with a snug fit design with multiple access points : 

The cover includes plastic snap press stud fasteners, allowing easy access to the flip-flo valve for emptying / access to the feeding connector to change infusions easily. 

Our press studs are meticulously placed in our original design tried and tested out on both tubes and catheters as part of a custom order request so you can be sure they do the job correctly ! 


When all snaps are fastened, the cover stays securely in place, preventing sliding down the tubing and ensuring the valve / connector  remains unexposed.

Click here to head over to our LoulaBellie Valve cover Info Hub

About LoulaBellie Valve Covers

The design

each valve cover is meticulously crafted with a decorative top stitch , inside-out stitching for a smooth finish, and a layer of coloured , soft and absorbent cotton / polyester microfleece for optimal absorbsion and less visible stains.


Constructed with two layers, these catheter valve covers feature a 100% cotton or cotton patterned fabric on the outside and a super-soft, absorbent microfleece lining on the inside.

Constructed with 2 layers, starting with a decorative 100% cotton front, and and a layer of coloured , super soft/ padded , absorbent microfleece with moisture-wicking polyester to soak up leaks and  anti-pilling technology meaning it remains plush and fluffy Wash after wash and doesn’t lose its absorbency qualities . The covers are also topstitched for enhanced style and durability.

The cover includes plastic snap press stud fasteners, allowing easy access to the flip-flo valve for emptying / access to the feeding connector to change infusions easily. 

Our press studs are meticulously placed in our original design tried and tested out on both tubes and catheters as part of a custom order request so you can be sure they do the job correctly ! 

When all snaps are fastened, the cover stays securely in place, preventing sliding down the tubing and ensuring the valve / connector  remains unexposed.

Click here to head over to our LoulaBellie Valve cover Info Hub

what distinguishes LoulaBellie Valve covers from others on the market ?

This design was made for a customer like you who couldn’t find a valve cover on the market ( only feeding tube port connection covers ) so is the first in this specific design which we think makes it pretty unique and exciting ! 

this custom order request product has been curated to do the job correctly so you can be sure that it’ll be the right fit ! 

Our press studs are meticulously placed in our original design layout and have been successfully tried and tested out on both nasal feeding tubes , surgical feeding tubes tubes and catheters with valves both with without leg bags and night bags. 

When all snaps are fastened, the cover stays securely in place, preventing sliding down the tubing and ensuring the valve / connector  remains unexposed.

Click here to head over to our LoulaBellie Valve cover Info Hub

Do you Accept Returns of Tubie Pads and clips etc ?

Click here to read our Full Returns policy

Embarking on your tubie journey and unsure if that much-anticipated surgery is on the horizon? Well, here's a little tale to consider before placing that order.

Unfortunately, we dont accept returns, but we promise this story is worth a read and should help you make your mind up and also explain. our policy so theres no hidden clauses or surprises in your tubie pad buying journey.

Picture this: You're at the beginning of your tubie adventure, a path filled with twists and turns. You've got these fantastic pads in your sights, ready to be your trusty companions. But, oh, the uncertainty! here are some things to consider before buying tubie pads

  1. will they work with your tube ? if your tube is stitched in remember these won't fit under the external bumper plate. you could still use them for decoration , but they wont sit against the stoma site so may not absorb as much leakage
  2. is your surgery date scheduled , we all know how frustrating delays can be and we don't want you to spend all your pennies if your surgery plans are going to get scuppered.think of ordering tubie pads as a post surgery treat from you to your new tube , remember you cant wear tubie pads for around 2-3 weeks anyway so plenty of time for them to make their way to you
  3. check the sizings and measurements of our products + materials before placing your order to make sure they suit your needs - we LOVE our design and think its perfect but everyone's different - message us if you have any questions as we want to help you feel confident in your purchase -we offer bespoke sizes and thicknesses by special order so if you needd something more absorbent or bigger / smaller dont hesitate to ask us. tubie pads are reusable so once you find the right product for you they are well worth the investment.

now for the funny version of why making the right choice is so important ...

Imagine this: You've just snagged these incredible pads for your feeding tube adventures. Life's a wild ride, plans are ever-changing, and we totally get it. But when it comes to these pads, they're not just any pads – they're the VIPs of hygiene, the Very Important Pads!

Now, you might be pondering, "Can I send them back if the feeding tube fiesta doesn't unfold as planned?" Well, here's the scoop: Once these pads break free from their packaging and join the skin soiree , they've RSVP'd to a no-return party. We'd love to have magical powers to predict their fate, but alas, no crystal ball in our inventory to check their party status, we're just here to ensure they're party-ready!

Just picture if we accepted returns on pads that might have had a dance or two – it'd be like a used-pads panic parade, and trust us, nobody's RSVPing to that party and were certainly not looking to host that event!!

So, while we can't peek into the future or accept returns on pads that have danced with destiny and may or may not have been used ...

Embrace the unpredictability, keep the celebration alive, and let these pads be the life of the party even if they're just chilling in the packaging on a grand adventure with you waiting for your tubie surgery to be rescheduled or that pesky infection to clear.

if all else fails we've heard from the Pad Party professionals that these pads are primed to become the perfect gift, bringing a touch of glam to your tubie friend's medical routine and there's no rules on regifting especially when they're this cute !

How long will it take for my order to arrive after placing my order ?

Check out our shipping guide here for all the details

from Dispatch to Door Step

Just a heads up! Our dispatch game is strong, aiming to ship non-personalized items within 3-5 working days. for personalized goodies theres a 4-6 week wait. Quick note: if you mix in some personalized items, we won't send out your order until those special items are all set to send too.

during crazy times (especially post restocks and launches), our dispatch timeline might stretch a bit. Keep your eyes on our Facebook & Instagram pages for the freshest News on turnaround times.

oh and while you're here , just to let you know : the delivery aim by Evri It's their best shot, not a guarantee!

So, if you roll with our Standard option its 2-3 Business days from dispatch & our Express option is a 1-2 Business days delivery aim from dispatch (not from the moment you hit that order button as we have our own processing time to Add any Finishing touches and then lovingly Hand pick & Package up your parcel.)

Delivery Aims:

UK

Standard - 2-3 working days from dispatch

Express - 1-2 working days from dispatch

International tracked/signed/tracked & signed

Europe - 3-5

Worldwide - 5-7 working days

THE DAY THE COURIER RECEIVES YOUR PARCEL DOESN'T COUNT AS A DAY OF POSTAGE :) WE ALWAYS AIM TO HAVE YOUR PARCEL WITH THE COURIER WITHIN 24 HOURS OF YOUR DISPATCH EMAIL BEING SENT (this is automatically sent when we purchase your shipping label ) - so please add 24 hours when working out if your parcel is overdue and remember to only count full business days , our business days are monday-friday (not including bank holidays or public holidays )

most couriers working days are monday-friday - saturday is only a half day in many regions - check the couriers page for up to date working days during holiday periods and strikes )

so how long will it take for my Parcel to arrive after i press order ?

so if everything goes well and you receive a seamless delivery experience here's our Best Guess-timate ... please not this is for our normal processing times - we will update our delivery Page regularly to let you know if there are any delays - these will be given in days of delay ie. we are 4 days delayed sop the processing time is 9 days at the moment rather than the usual 3-5

UK

Standard - 6-9 working days

Express - 5-8 working days from dispatch

International tracked/signed/tracked & signed

Europe - 9-11

Worldwide - 10-14 working days

please remember to add on any delays in our Notice when placing your order :)

How do i get My order ASAP ?

We Process orders in the order we receive them and work on a first come , first served basis to make it a fair system. to get your order to you quickly its important you read our delivery info so there's no mistakes that could lead to delay. if you need your order super quickly , please let us know before ordering and we can discuss Expediting Options (these may incur a small fee as we pay someone to package our orders so this would usually mean extra hours are needed :) and we would be making a trip specially to the courier depot to drop off your order as we have set postal days usually.)

there is also quicker postal option at the checkout called special delivery.

please note If you have discussed an expedited processing time with us prior to check out , this would mean you could get your order within an aim 24-48 hours if placed during the working week.(up 24 hours processing and 24 hours delivery aim )

if you however select our Special delivery and haven't discussed / added an expedited delivery package with us we wont be looking out for your order so wont be able to prioritise it sadly due to our large volume of orders on restock days. Consiquently this would be a 24 hour delivery aim after any regular processing time ( 3-5 days as standard - so you may still be waiting for 4-7 days for your item but have paid alot for a Speedy service and we would hate for you to feel disappointed )

Reasons for delays and how to avoid them

sometimes an order may be delayed even though it was placed before another order so this will then move it down our list slighlty ie. for personalized goodies theres a 4-6 week wait & if you mix in some personalized items, we won't send out your order until those special items are all set to send too.

so if you need your non personalized items sooner and are not willing to wait 4-6 weeks processing time ,you will need to order in 2 separate orders.

other reasons orders may be delayed would be if you haven't entered Postal Addresses correctly or there is another piece of information we are waiting on from yourself. Always make sure to double check any Important details- a little extra care helps avoid any hiccups or delays in getting your order to the right place.

We’re always upgrading our LoulaBellie fact Library and we need YOU to Help us shape the future of our FAQs… It’s your chance to share your Burning Tubie product questions or suggest topics to assist those venturing into the Tubie world ...We want our FAQs to be the ultimate go-to guide ! So with your help we’re hoping to build a resource that truly helps the Tubie community !