This topic is about someone experiencing a shorter wear time with their newer, more flexible Hollister ileostomy bags. They used to get about five days between changes but now only manage three to four days. They are curious if their occasional beer drinking or the new bag design might be causing this change. Here are some insights and advice from others who have faced similar situations:

1. Alcohol and its effects:
- Drinking one beer or moderate alcohol generally does not affect the longevity of the wafer or seal.
- However, it might cause thinner output and extra gas, as the carbonation in beer can lead to bag bloat. Be cautious with heavy drinking, as it might lead to accidents if you sleep through a full bag.

2. Changes in Hollister bags and wafers:
- Many users have noticed that Hollister’s newer pouches and wafers feel lighter, thinner, and more flexible, which can result in a shorter wear time of 3-4 days instead of the previous 5-7 days. The increased flexibility might cause the adhesion to loosen sooner.
- Some users, however, have not experienced any change and still achieve a 7-day wear time, indicating that results can vary depending on the product line and individual skin.

3. Tips for selecting products:
- Consider trying Hollister’s older, thicker wafer models, as some members report a 5-6-day wear time with these styles.
- If the discontinuation of Hollister adhesive spray 7730 affected your wear time, look for substitutes from other companies.
- Request free samples from different manufacturers to compare adhesives and wear times, as switching brands or models might help restore longer wear.

4. Strategies to extend wear time:
- Adding barrier strips around the wafer edge has worked for at least one member, allowing for 7-day changes.
- Some users create their own baseplates and attach commercial pouches, with these customized plates lasting for months.