This topic is about dealing with a common issue faced by people with a new ileostomy, specifically when using convex one-piece bags. The issue is known as "pancaking" or "puddling," where the output collects at the top of the bag during the night, making it difficult to manage. Here are some helpful tips and advice to address this problem:

1. **Filter Sticker Usage**
- Try using the filter sticker in different ways. Some people find that leaving the sticker on all day can create a vacuum, leading to pancaking. Others leave it on to trap air, preventing stool from sticking. Experiment for a week with and without the sticker to see what works best for you.

2. **Maintaining Air Cushion in the Pouch**
- Before applying the bag, gently puff some air inside using a hair-dryer or by hand. Adding a small air layer along with a few drops of baby oil, Brava Lubricating Gel, or Hollister Lubricating Deodorant can make the pouch walls slippery, helping the output to slide down. You can request free samples from Hollister.

3. **Rinsing the Pouch**
- Use a squeeze or irrigation bottle (available online) to squirt water upward after emptying the pouch. This can help loosen stool stuck near the filter. If you use a two-piece system, detaching and rinsing is easier, so consider switching if pancaking continues.

4. **Adjusting Output Consistency and Diet**
- Increase your fluid intake to ensure a more watery output that slides down easily. Avoid foods that thicken the output, like pumpkin, squash, and some breads, before bed. Some people find that fiber-rich foods, such as baked beans or vegetable soup, add gas that keeps the pouch inflated, preventing sticking. Test these foods at home first.

5. **Night Routine and Sleeping Position**
- Set an alarm to empty the pouch once during the night if it tends to fill up. If you sleep on your back, rotate the pouch so the outlet points sideways, allowing gravity to direct the stool away from the stoma. Let the bag hang freely at night, as wraps can compress it and encourage pooling.

6. **Equipment Suggestions**
- Consider pouches that resist vacuum, like Salts Confidence (with sticker) or the new grey Convatec two-piece pouch with twin front layers and S-shaped vents. Some people prefer pouches without filters, which can be requested from several manufacturers, depending on your location.

7. **Addressing Convex "Bowl" Puddling**
- If your stoma does not protrude past the convex curve, waste may collect in the recess when lying flat. Frequent rinsing or using a two-piece bag that can be detached for cleaning might be necessary unless you switch to a flat wafer.

8. **Miscellaneous Tips**
- In the UK, patients with permanent ostomies are exempt from prescription charges. You can fill in the FP92A form at your GP. Also, increasing water intake during the day can help soften the morning output.