This topic is about dealing with leakage issues from Convatec closed-end filter bags. A couple is experiencing leaks through the filter, which stains clothing, despite trying various solutions. They are seeking advice from others who might have faced similar problems. Here are some helpful insights and suggestions:

1. Many people have experienced filter-related leakage with both Hollister and Convatec products. It might be worth trying Coloplast filtered pouches or other Hollister pouches with filters positioned higher and farther from the stoma. You can request free samples from Coloplast to see if they work better for you.

2. Leakage often occurs when the filter gets wet with stool. If the output is loose, using bulking agents like bran, Metamucil, or boiled rice can help firm up the stool and keep the filter dry.

3. Consider using non-vented pouches or adding a manual vent like Ostovent. These options eliminate filter seepage but require manual gas release and do not filter odors.

4. Changing pouches frequently with inexpensive Coloplast flushable liners can reduce the time a filter is exposed to stool, which can help minimize both odor and leakage.

5. Some people find that irrigating eliminates ballooning and leakage altogether. It might be worth discussing with a stoma nurse or surgeon to see if irrigation is suitable for you.

6. Mechanical tips include mounting the pouch at an angle so the filter is at the highest point, folding the corner with the filter upward to keep stool away, and limiting carbonated drinks to reduce gas volume.

7. Using a cosmetic cotton pad over the filter is a practical home fix. Many users report that it works from "okay" to "great."

8. One user resolved similar issues by switching to Hollister #18374 closed-end filter pouches with the matching Hollister #14604 wafer. This combination allows the filter to be wiped clean and comes with shower covers and disposal bags. The wafer also lasts longer.

9. Hollister representatives acknowledge that odor breakthrough can occur after 1–2 days and recommend discarding the pouch at that point, which can be costly for those who pay out of pocket.

10. If you tape over the vent, use skin-friendly tape to avoid irritating the skin around the stoma.

11. Not everyone experiences this issue. Some successfully use Convatec filtered bags with cloth covers on both sides, indicating that model differences can matter. It's a good idea to keep a backup brand in case a specific model starts failing.

12. If filters fail or odors appear overnight, getting up once to empty the pouch may prevent seepage accidents.

13. Convatec representatives have been informed of the leakage complaints and will pass them on to product managers, with users hoping for design improvements.