This discussion revolves around the experiences of people living with an ileostomy, particularly focusing on how often they encounter seal failures. The original poster has had an ileostomy for over 13 years due to Crohn’s disease and typically uses a one-piece setup that lasts about a week. However, they experience seal failures every 3-4 weeks, which they find too frequent, especially given their physically demanding job. They are curious about others' experiences and strategies to minimize these failures. Here are some shared insights and advice:

1. Shorten wear-time
- Many people with ileostomies change their wafers every 1-3 days, with some never exceeding 3-5 days. Adjusting the change schedule to every 3-5 days might help prevent adhesive breakdown and reduce failures.

2. Physical activity and environment
- Activities like heavy lifting, bending, and exposure to hot weather and sweating can quickly compromise seals. It might be helpful to treat appliance changes like changing clothes, accepting more frequent changes during periods of high activity or heat.

3. Use flange/wafer extenders for added security
- Flange extenders, such as "C-strip" extenders, can provide backup security by preventing leaks when a seal starts to fail, allowing for a controlled change. Some have reported no leaks since using these extenders.

4. Protective sheets and accessories
- Products like the Coloplast Brava 6 × 6 in protective sheet can enhance adherence and protect the skin, especially when activity and sweating are moderate. If hair growth under the wafer is an issue, extra adhesive remover wipes might be needed during changes.

5. Check product quality and watch for bad batches
- Some have noted recent quality issues, such as thinner plastic or weaker adhesive in certain products. If you suspect a bad batch, contact the manufacturer for replacements and inspect new shipments before use.

6. Diet and situational triggers
- Consuming large amounts of high-fiber foods or engaging in activities that cause pancaking can lead to blowouts. If the appliance doesn’t feel right upon application, it’s best to reapply immediately.

7. Stoma-related anatomy issues
- Conditions like prolapse or parastomal hernia can cause frequent leaks. In such cases, consulting a surgeon for possible revision or hernia repair might be beneficial.

8. Personal comfort and hygiene
- Some individuals prefer changing their pouch daily or every other day for comfort and hygiene reasons, even if the seal could last longer. Adjusting the change schedule to suit personal comfort can be helpful.

These insights are shared by individuals who have navigated similar challenges, offering practical solutions to improve the experience of living with an ileostomy.