The topic at hand is about a new ostomate who is experiencing difficulties with getting their ostomy barrier or wafer to adhere properly to their skin. This can be a common challenge for those who are new to living with an ostomy. Here are some practical tips and advice to help improve adhesion:

- General Preparation
- Ensure the skin around the stoma (peristomal skin) is completely clean and dry before applying the barrier.
- Use soaps that are free from oils, lotions, fragrances, or dyes. Recommended options include Dial bar, Ivory bar, or Cetaphil bar.
- Make sure there is no residue from hand lotion, shampoo, conditioner, or old adhesive. Use adhesive-remover spray or wipes, then wash and rinse thoroughly.
- Warm the wafer or barrier ring before application. You can do this by using a low-heat hair dryer for a short burst or by holding the wafer against your abdomen for a minute. Warm adhesive tends to stick better.

- Barrier Rings & Seals
- The Eakin Cohesive moldable ring is highly recommended. Avoid overstretching it. Some find it helpful to attach the ring to the wafer or baseplate first before applying it to the body.
- The Coloplast Brava Protective Seal is another option, though some report it may be harder and prone to leaks.
- Barrier rings can help fill in crevices around the stoma and improve the seal, especially as the stoma size changes.

- Wafers, Pouches & Brands
- Convatec Durahesive wafers and bags are noted for their strong adhesion.
- If your current brand isn't working, consider requesting free samples from different manufacturers to find what works best for you, as stoma size can change.

- Skin-Barrier Sprays & Wipes
- 3M Cavilon spray or wipes can protect the skin and help heal any irritation.
- Safe n’ Simple Skin Barrier Wipe provides good initial tack but may build up residue with frequent use.

- Attachment Accessories
- Consider using a wafer or bag retention belt, such as the Hollister thin elastic belt. Wear it continuously or at least for an hour after changing.
- A separate stoma support belt worn for the first hour after application can also enhance adhesion.

- Leak-Prevention Checklist
1. Measure your stoma with each change, as its size can vary daily in the early weeks.
2. Check if your skin is flat or creased and whether the stoma protrudes ½ inch or more. Choose a convex or flat wafer accordingly.
3. Ensure the area is dry and warm before applying the wafer, then use gentle finger pressure all around the wafer for 60-90 seconds.

- Other Practical Tips
- Experiment with one-piece vs. two-piece systems and drainable vs. closed systems to find what suits your lifestyle best.
- Consult an ostomy nurse (WOCN/ET nurse) for hands-on fitting and product sampling.
- Be patient, as the early weeks involve trial and error. Keep notes on what works and seek advice from the community for additional tips.