This topic is about using a Hollister convex ostomy belt, which is a support accessory designed to help secure an ostomy appliance and provide additional comfort and confidence. The person sharing their experience has just started using this belt and is looking for advice from others who have used similar products. Here are some helpful tips and insights from other users:

1. Belt vs. No-Belt
- Many people see the belt as a form of "insurance" against leaks and blow-outs, as it helps maintain steady pressure on the barrier and offers peace of mind.
- It can also serve as a mild hernia or support garment, especially when used with an abdominal wrap.

2. Fit & Tension
- Avoid over-tightening the belt; it should be snug but comfortable.
- Some users tighten the belt briefly after changing the appliance to help the adhesive set, then loosen it to a normal tension.
- There might be a short break-in period, but many users forget they’re even wearing it after a week or two.

3. Belt Width & Rolling
- The standard 1-inch Hollister belt may be too narrow and prone to rolling for some users.
- Alternatives include Nu-Hope belts (available in 3-inch and 4-inch widths, with or without a prolapse strap) and Stealth Belt waist-high support garments.
- One user sewed a Hollister belt clip onto a wider Coloplast belt to prevent rolling.

4. Positioning Issues
- If you wear the pouch at an angle inside your underwear, the wafer loops might not align evenly, and round-opening belts could push or dislodge the wafer. In such cases, a wider fabric support belt like Nu-Hope or Stealth Belt might work better than the thin clip-on style.
- Not all pouches come with belt loops, so it's important to check before ordering.

5. Skin Protection & Sealing
- The added pressure from the belt can irritate the skin at the wafer edge. Using an Eakin Cohesive (or other moldable) barrier ring under the convex wafer and cutting the wafer hole slightly larger can prevent rubbing and improve the seal.
- The combination of convexity and a belt has helped several users manage low or skin-level stomas and reduce leaks.

6. Hernia Management
- Continuous gentle support from a belt or wrap has helped some users keep their parastomal hernias small and controlled.

7. Daily Living Tips
- Keep at least one spare belt on hand, as laundering accidents can happen.
- Wearing a snug T-shirt in bed or holding the pouch when turning can help keep everything stable.
- Some users wear Stealth Belt or Nu-Hope belts during the day and remove them at night for comfort, while others wear a belt 24/7.

8. Brands, Products & Modifications Mentioned
- Hollister thin clip-on belt, which comes with many Hollister 2-piece convex appliances.
- Coloplast belts, which are wider and can have a compatible clip sewn on.
- Nu-Hope support belts, available in 3-inch and 4-inch versions with an optional prolapse strap.
- Stealth Belt, a custom fabric support belt.
- Eakin Cohesive barrier rings.