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Nov 15, 2024

Sleeping on Your Stomach with a Stoma: Is It Safe?

The topic at hand is about whether it's safe to sleep on your stomach if you have a stoma. Here are some helpful insights and advice on this matter:

1. General Safety
- Direct pressure on the stoma itself isn't harmful, but the main concern is the pouch leaking, detaching, or "popping."
- Short periods of lying on your stomach, like during a massage or yoga, are generally okay. However, longer periods without attention can increase the risk of leaks.

2. Ostomy Type Considerations
- If you have a colostomy, the output is more predictable, making it easier to plan for sleeping on your stomach.
- For those with an ileostomy, the continuous, liquid, and high-volume output makes sleeping on your stomach riskier. Most people with an ileostomy need to get up 2-3 times a night to empty the pouch.

3. Risk-Reduction Strategies
- Always empty your pouch before lying on your stomach.
- Consider using a small pillow, rolled towel, or circular foam support under your abdomen to lift your torso and allow the pouch to hang freely.
- Some people find it helpful to bend the leg on the pouch side or sleep in a slight fetal position to keep weight off the appliance.
- If your stoma is prolapsed, avoid putting full pressure on it unless it is supported.
- Wearing a snug T-shirt or similar garment can help hold the pouch close and allow you to quickly detect any moisture.

4. Alternatives and Practical Tips
- Sleeping on your side or back with a knee raised can help prevent accidentally rolling onto your stoma.
- Regularly emptying your pouch overnight, paying attention to your diet to reduce gas, and avoiding smoking in bed can all help reduce the chance of the pouch "popping" during the night.
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