I am confused why so many say to not do this. Everyone is different which is why experimentation is important. I have used ConvaTec barriers with large tape boundaries and others with smaller tape boundaries — the smaller tape boundary actually worked best. For example, if the larger boundary extends into an uneven part of the skin where it is okay while sitting but loosens while standing or engaged in physical activities then that introduces an opening in the adhesion and it pulls further away with time. I read in one of the threads on this site where someone said they cut off the tape adhesion from their wafers and create a smaller tape boundary using pink tape. I currently use a coloplast appliance with no tape boundary.
To try it is not permanent, if it doesn't work you can always revert back on the application of the next appliance. Users shouldn't be afraid to experiment — especially new users who are afraid they might break something.
For example, I knew hydrogen peroxide inhibits bacteria growth, I also know as effluent sits in a pouch the build-up of more and more bacteria causes the odor to intensify. I asked my home health nurse, after my release from the hospital, if I could use hydrogen peroxide in my pouch, she said she didn't know but I could try. I tried 5ml and it did not make much difference, I moved to 10 ml and it made a noticeable difference. I next did a little research to find out that hydrogen peroxide is decomposed before absorption in the intestine. Solutions of hydrogen peroxide displays poor penetration when applied to tissue means I don't have to worry about my stoma if it should come into contact with the peroxide. I next found out when injected into water, hydrogen peroxide releases a large amount of dissolved oxygen which has a strong oxidizing effect, destroying odors. Since I do things to make my output semi-solid I needed to add water to put the peroxide to work. More experimentation led to me settling on adding 3 ml of water to my pouch — Ileostomies with liquid effluent would not have to add water. This alone reduced my effluent odor about 75%. Further experimentation with a cotton ball containing essential oil drops has led to the odor from my pouch being almost negligible. Unfortunately nothing I could do was that effective with fish and garlic. 😮
I don't mind experimenting because I learn something even with failures. I think it's a good thing to see ostomates willing to experiment because they are able to learn why things work the way they do in their unique circumstances.
I have seen Bill with his DIY baseplate; Beth has experimented a lot because doctors did not aways have a solution for her; IGGIE with his Iggieclip. Bob and Warrior both were presented with challenging skin Irritations, that required them to experiment with various solutions. I even recently saw where someone made a pouch on their t-shirt using iron-on tape — I intend to experiment with this since I can't sew. 😊
I apologize this post became so long but helping users experiment to understand how to effectively manage their stoma is something I am passionate about.