Color Logo for MeetAnOstoMate
Sponsored by Hollister
Login   |  
Forgot password?
 
Forum
Videos
Reviews
About Us
Color Logo for MeetAnOstoMate
Where Everybody Understands You
41,469 members
Aug 03, 2024

Side Sleeping with an Ileostomy - Seeking Leak Solutions

This topic is about managing night-time leaks for someone who has recently had an ileostomy and is experiencing challenges with side-sleeping. Here are some helpful tips and insights to consider:

1. The stoma is located in a crease, which can cause leaks when sleeping on the side. Back-sleeping on an inclined bed helps but isn't restful.

2. Different equipment has been tried, including Hollister and Coloplast convex barriers and pouches, but leaks still occur.

3. The output is very liquid and acidic at night, requiring emptying every 2-3 hours. This liquid can dissolve the barrier and cause leaks.

4. Leaks are due to seepage under the barrier, not because the bag is overfilled. Skin distortion when lying on the side may contribute.

5. Nurses have advised against using paste, but Hollister "flex strips" around the convex ring are being considered.

6. The ostomy belt tends to loosen when lying down, so tightening it might help. Leaks are more frequent on the stoma side, but sleeping on the non-stoma side has shown some success.

7. There is persistent irritation on the skin where leaks occur, and advice from a nurse is awaited.

8. Disposable pads are used to protect bedding, and a quick-change routine is in place for when leaks happen.

Advice and insights to help manage the situation:

- Identify where the leak starts. Observe how the abdomen changes when lying down to understand how the crease deepens.

- Consider using paste to fill creases, despite previous advice. Hollister Adapt flexible strips or Eakin seals can help build up dips.

- Ensure the skin is dry before applying the appliance. Use a cool hair-dryer and press the wafer with warmth for at least 5 minutes to secure the adhesive.

- Re-tighten the belt after settling into a sleep position, as belts can slacken when reclining.

- Experiment with different sleeping positions to reduce pooling, such as semi-prone on the stomach, non-stoma side sleeping, or a hybrid back/side position.

- To slow or thicken the ileostomy output at night, consider using Cholestyramine powder or eating marshmallows before bed.

- Check the stoma length; it should protrude about 1 inch. If it's too flush, discuss options with a surgeon or try directional spout shields.

- Try different products, like Coloplast "Click" 2-piece systems with Brava Paste or Eakin Cohesive seals for better results.

- Protect irritated skin with products like Marathon skin protectant or DermaRite StingFree Liquid Skin Prep & Shield.

- Use disposable under-pads on the bed during the learning phase, and remember that stoma size can change, so recut templates frequently.

- Be open to trying different pouch brands and styles, as what works during the day might not work at night. With time and adjustments, many people find they can return to their preferred sleep positions.
See full discusison
Gray Logo for MeetAnOstoMate
MeetAnOstoMate.org

MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,469 members.

“I mostly read and still feel like I belong.”

“Doctors took notes; they want others to find this website.”

“From midnight blowouts to big wins, there’s always a hand to hold.”

Join Free

Popular Topics

EAT HEARTY
Being Greatful
HORNSWOGGLED
You Might be an Ostomate if...
Need Advice on Managing Odor from Dad's Colostomy Bag
Having Good Luck Finally With Leaks
IN PRAISE OF NURSES
Affordable Alternatives to Deodorant for Pouches
Introduction
Introducing myself

New Topics

New here
UOAA Conference Photos, Part 2
Vitamin K2 Production and Testing Without a Colon
WATCH WATCHING
B. Withers - Be Kind 139
Dealing with Body Odor: Tips and Solutions
Rerun: The Fortune Teller's Curse. Part 2
THINGS
Colostomy and Air Travel: Seeking Advice and Tips
Finding My Rhythm
About us | Privacy policy | Terms of use | Ostomy Blogs | Ostomy Q&A | Guides | Contact Us
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and Google Privacy Policy and Google Terms of Service apply.
Copyright (c) MeetAnOstoMate.org All Rights Reserved
Create Account
Login
↑