This topic is about using Mentos and other mints in an ostomy pouch to help control odor. A new ostomate heard from a nurse that Mentos might be useful for this purpose, but they are unsure about the best way to use them. Here are some helpful tips and insights from others who have experience with this:

1. A common tip from nurses and clinicians is to drop a whole mint, like Mentos, Tic Tac, or small Altoids, directly into the pouch. Smaller mints such as Tic Tacs and Altoids "Smalls" tend to dissolve more completely and quickly than Mentos.

2. Many people have found success using Tic Tacs because they are cheap, small, and can be used mainly at night or before the first morning empty.

3. Some individuals find mints ineffective and prefer using products specifically designed for odor control, such as:
- Hollister M9 Odor Eliminator Drops or Hollister M9 Deodorizer.
- Safe n' Simple Ostomy Appliance Deodorant, which costs around $13.33 for an 8 oz bottle.
- Devco tablets, which might be covered by insurance.

4. As a DIY alternative, you can try adding a few drops of McCormick Mint Extract. However, be cautious, as certain liquids or extracts can irritate the stoma or weaken the pouch plastic.

5. Safety is important:
- Very strong mints in prolonged contact with the stoma could cause irritation or a burning sensation, so it's important to monitor your skin.
- Be aware that Mentos can cause a vigorous CO₂ reaction with some carbonated liquids, similar to the well-known "Mentos & Coke" effect. If your output is especially gassy, this could lead to ballooning or leakage.

6. Some users have found that peppermint round candies work well as a cheap substitute for odor control.