Sleeping with a colostomy bag can be a bit challenging, especially when trying to find a comfortable position at night. The situation involves a husband who has had a colostomy since December and has been sleeping in a recliner ever since. He finds it difficult to get comfortable in a bed, even with a wedge to keep his upper body elevated. His partner is seeking advice to help him return to bed or improve his comfort in general.

Here are some suggestions and insights that might help:

1. It's common for many people with a new colostomy to sleep in a recliner for weeks or even months after surgery. If he feels comfortable and it's not causing any harm, continuing to use the recliner is perfectly fine.

2. Consider trying an electric "recliner bed," which is an adjustable bed that can raise the head and/or feet. This can mimic the reclined position of a chair while still using a mattress. These beds are available at most bedding stores and from suppliers of disability equipment.

3. In a regular bed, use multiple pillows or wedges to create a semi-reclined "hammock" shape. Sleeping on the side with a pillow supporting the abdomen can also help reduce pressure on the pouch.

4. Explore whether the fear of nighttime leaks is the main concern. Building confidence through short trial naps in bed might help ease this worry.

5. If leaks or heavy nighttime output are an issue:
- Consider switching from filtered to non-filtered bags if the filters tend to clog.
- Assess the overall output volume, as some people with colostomies experience little to no output overnight.

6. Look into colostomy irrigation, which can be discussed with a surgeon or a Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) nurse. There are also online instructional videos available. Regular irrigation can eliminate or greatly reduce the need to wear a pouch overnight.

7. Remember that digestive adjustment takes time. Many people find they can return to sleeping in a normal bed once their healing and digestion have stabilized.