An ostomate created a prototype of the current Osto-EZ-Vent®, an air release device. The original prototype was redesigned for broad consumer use, and a durable bonding adhesive was added for security. Osto-EZ-Vent® was created and designed for fast and easy access to release air from ostomy pouches and designed without a filter to provide these benefits . It was test marketed for over a year with
ostomates throughout the US and Canada. The vent is currently in use by a broad range of ostomates; children to retirees, ranging from the very active to nursing home patients. The vent is manufactured in the United States. In 2000 the Osto-EZ-Vent® was chosen the winner of the 3M® 20th Anniversary Design Contest for their special bonding tapes. The award was received in the category of "Smartest Replacement of Mechanical Fasteners". The Osto-EZ-Vent® was created in 1995 by an ostomate to address the need to release gas pressure from ostomy pouches for those who have had a colostomy or an ileostomy. Filtered systems didn't work for the inventor, nor was it always convenient to find a restroom to burp or open the clip to release the gas pressure. The venting device fit the company's mission statement, it was tested, patented, and KEM decided to market the new venting device under the name of Osto-EZ-Vent®. With the input of many ostomates and ET nurses who took part in a year and a half of product testing, design changes resulted in the current product. In 1998 the Osto-EZ-Vent® was officially introduced at the Wound, Ostomy, and Continents Nurses Conference in Salt Lake City.
