The topic at hand is about whether it's safe for someone with an ostomy to lie on their stomach, even for short periods like 10-15 minutes. Here are some helpful insights and advice from people who have experience with this:

- Safety of the stoma: Many people, including those with decades of experience, regularly sleep or spend time face-down without harming their stoma. The main concern is not injury to the stoma but the possibility of the pouch leaking.

- Manage pouch volume first: It's a good idea to empty the pouch before lying on your stomach. If possible, try to limit food and fluids for a few hours beforehand. Some people set a phone alarm for 20-30 minutes or rely on waking up naturally when the pouch fills up. At night, it's common to get up 3-5 times to empty the pouch.

- Positioning and improvised supports: You can use a travel neck pillow or a Boppy pillow around or under the pouch to create a space for it. Bunching a regular pillow under your upper chest can help keep your mid-abdomen off the mattress. Bringing one knee up toward your chest can also create space for the pouch. Lying on your side with a slight lean towards your stomach can reduce direct pressure. Activities like surfing or other prone sports have been reported to be problem-free.

- Bed or mattress modifications: Some people cut a 6 × 8 inch opening in a 4-inch foam topper so the pouch can drop into the cut-out. Others have considered using fitted sheets with a pocket that aligns with the topper hole.

- Commercial protective aids: Products like the "Stoma Dome" are available. This is a rigid dome that velcros over the appliance, allowing users to lie face-down with more confidence. Many find it helpful for massages and resting in a prone position.

- Appliance considerations: Be aware that filters can fail quickly if output sits against them while lying face-down. It's wise to carry spare parts like a flange, pouch, and clip when traveling. On flights, try to avoid solid food and drink only water to reduce output.

- Learning curve and confidence: Accidents are more common shortly after surgery, but with experience, people become better at sensing when the pouch is full, even while asleep. Some people who have always slept on their back or side choose not to lie on their stomach simply out of habit, not because of safety concerns.