This topic is about helping a parent manage night-time leaks for their 10-year-old daughter who recently had an ileostomy. The parent is dealing with leaks that occur during sleep, often due to gas buildup in the pouch. They are seeking practical advice to prevent these leaks while waiting for a better appliance. Here are some helpful tips and insights shared by others with similar experiences:

1. Food & Meal Timing
- Avoid foods that cause gas, such as breads, grains, cucumbers, and peanut butter. The family is already limiting fiber intake.
- Consider having several small snacks instead of a large evening meal, and try to finish eating 4-6 hours before bedtime.
- Eating 3-4 marshmallows before bed might help thicken the output and reduce gas.

2. Night-Time Emptying / Venting
- Set an alarm to wake up once or twice during the night, around 1–3 a.m., to empty the pouch. This is often the most effective way to prevent leaks.
- Some people vent gas through the outlet or use pouches with charcoal filters, but these filters can clog when wet, so changing the pouch daily or before bed is recommended.

3. Sleeping Position & Physical Supports
- Encourage sleeping on the side opposite the stoma or on the back to avoid putting pressure on the pouch.
- Use pillows to keep the body from pressing on the appliance.
- Protect the bed with washable under-pads, puppy pads, or a plastic sheet under the fitted sheet. Some also consider using adult diapers as a backup.

4. Belts & Supports
- Wearing a stoma belt or a snug hernia belt at night can help. The belt forms a dome over the pouch, preventing pressure on the flange and keeping the appliance flat against the body.

5. Products & Sampling
- Reach out to major suppliers for samples to find the best wafer and pouch combination.
- Apply a fresh pouch with a working filter right before bedtime to maximize the filter's effectiveness.

6. Reducing Air Intake
- If snoring or mouth-breathing is causing the pouch to inflate, try using Breathe Right nasal strips to reduce swallowed air.

By combining these strategies—such as managing diet, emptying the pouch overnight, adjusting sleeping positions, using protective bedding, and employing belts or nasal strips—many have found a significant reduction or elimination of night-time leaks.