This topic is about the experience of waking up to find that the flange, or wafer, of an ostomy appliance has failed during the night, leading to leaks. This can be a frustrating and uncomfortable situation, but it's something many people with an ostomy have encountered. Here are some helpful insights and advice to manage and prevent these night-time leaks:

1. It's quite common for this to happen occasionally. However, if it happens frequently, it might be time to adjust your system or routine.

2. Some common causes of night-time leaks include:
- Not securing the bag or wafer properly after checking or changing it. Make sure to double-check the snaps, especially at the bottom of a two-piece flange.
- The pouch becoming too full with waste or gas during the night. Rolling onto a full pouch can cause a two-piece system to come apart.
- General movement in bed, such as turning or lying on the pouch, can put stress on the seal and lead to a blow-out.

3. To help prevent leaks:
- Empty your pouch before going to sleep. You might also set an alarm or rely on your body's natural wake-up signals to empty it during the night if needed.
- Avoid sleeping tablets, as they might prevent you from waking up when your pouch needs attention.
- Release any air from the pouch before bed by "burping" or venting it.
- Consider using a support belt at night to help keep a two-piece system together, though note that the belt may only hold the flange, not the pouch.
- Switching to a one-piece pouch might reduce the risk of separation for some people.

4. For added peace of mind:
- Wear loose sleepwear or clothing that can help contain any leaks.
- Use disposable bed pads and a liquid-proof mattress cover to protect your bed.

5. If you notice any seepage or skin irritation around the stoma, address it quickly to prevent soreness and ensure the wafer sticks properly.