This topic is about Oscar, who has been living with an ostomy since February 2020 after having surgery to remove part of his colon due to diverticulitis. He uses a Hollister two-piece system, which includes a drainable pouch, a skin barrier, and a barrier ring. Oscar is curious about how long he can safely wear the skin barrier and pouch before needing to change them. He also has some questions about managing odor and making the pouch easier to empty.

Here are some helpful insights and advice for Oscar:

1. Wear-time guidelines:
- The 14604 skin barrier typically lasts between 3 to 7 days, with some users managing up to 10 days if there are no leaks or irritation.
- It's generally recommended to change the barrier and ring every 7 days at most.
- If you notice any odor, itching, warmth, or the flange lifting, it's time to change the system as these are signs of a potential leak.
- The life of the pouch can vary depending on how often it is removed or rinsed. Some people keep it on for the full life of the barrier, while others change it sooner if the plastic shows signs of wear.

2. Odor and gas control:
- Consider using Hollister M9 drops or liquid deodorant in the pouch each time you empty it, as many find this more effective than rinsing with water.
- If the pouch's built-in filter gets wet, it stops working. Use the peel-off filter covers during showers or rinses, then remove them to restore deodorization. Alternatively, keep the filter taped once it fails and rely on deodorant drops.
- "Burping" the pouch to release gas can help prevent ballooning and filter overload.

3. Rinsing vs. lubricating:
- Frequent rinsing with water can shorten the pouch's life and deactivate the filter.
- Instead, try adding a teaspoon of baby oil, olive oil, or a commercial pouch lubricant inside before attaching the pouch. This helps the output slide down more easily and reduces residue at the tail closure.
- If you do rinse, pour water in through the bottom opening to avoid loosening the seal.

4. Accessory use and skin care:
- Some people find they get better wear time by using fewer extras, like paste or wipes, if their skin can handle it. However, if the 7805 ring helps prevent leaks due to grooves or creases, continue using it.
- If you experience skin irritation, consider requesting free samples from other manufacturers to find a product that suits your skin better.

5. General tips for newcomers:
- Be aware that your stoma size and output may change in the first few months, so adjust your cutting templates as needed.
- Keep a change kit handy, especially when you're at home, so you can experiment safely.
- Explore archived forum threads and manufacturer guides for additional techniques. Over time, you'll discover the routine that works best for you.