Topic Explanation
The forum discussion revolves around the issue of ostomy bags filling with gas predominantly at night. The original poster, Lee, notes that while their ostomy produces some gas during the day, it doesn't fill the bag with air as it does overnight. Lee avoids gas-producing foods and carbonated beverages but still experiences a fully inflated ostomy bag by morning, leading to discomfort and the need to empty the bag during the night.

Advice and Insights

- Daytime vs. Nighttime Gas Production:
- During the day, frequent emptying of the bag allows gas to be released, preventing the bag from filling up with air.
- At night, the bag is not emptied as frequently, leading to a buildup of gas.

- Dietary Considerations:
- Healthy foods, including certain vegetables and fruits, can produce gas.
- Carbohydrates can also contribute to gas production.
- Avoiding high fructose corn syrup may help reduce gas. Some sodas, like Pepsi made with "real sugar," might be a better option.

- Bag Management Techniques:
- Some users burp their bags multiple times during the night to release gas.
- Using an irrigation sleeve at night can help manage gas buildup, as it can contain more gas than a standard bag.
- High-volume bags might be an alternative, though compatibility with the current wafer should be checked.

- Filters and Bag Types:
- Bags with built-in filters are designed to allow gas to pass through, but their effectiveness can vary. Some users find them ineffective.
- Hollister and Coloplast offer samples of different pouching systems, which might be worth trying to find a better solution.

- Sleep Disruption:
- Getting up to empty the bag at night can disrupt sleep, making it difficult to fall back asleep.
- Some users try to manage the situation by rearranging the bag or burping it without getting out of bed, though this can lead to issues with partners due to the smell.

- Personal Experiences:
- Many users share the common experience of debating whether to get up and empty the bag or try to manage it in bed.
- Some have had "unfortunate" incidents that led them to always get up to empty the bag to avoid accidents.

- Additional Tips:
- Cutting off food intake earlier in the day can help reduce nighttime gas production.
- Herbal tea