This topic is about a clever little trick involving marshmallows that can help temporarily stop stoma output during appliance changes. This can be particularly useful for those moments when you need a bit of peace and quiet to get everything sorted out. Here’s how it works and some additional tips and advice that might be helpful:

- Eating about five marshmallows 15–20 minutes before changing your pouch can usually slow down or stop stoma output just long enough to complete the change. This effect is temporary, providing a brief window of calm.

- If output starts again during the change, swallowing 1–2 extra marshmallows might help.

- This trick can also be useful during unexpected leaks, though you might need more marshmallows.

- Keeping bags of marshmallows on hand and avoiding food for several hours before a planned change can be helpful.

- To manage nighttime issues, using hospital “chucks” under your sheets and setting a phone alarm every three hours can help, as the pouch may inflate with gas while you sleep.

- Some people prefer the Coloplast belt for comfort, while others find the Hollister belt uncomfortable.

- Be aware that IV fluids in the hospital can cause your pouch to fill rapidly.

Here are some additional tips and insights:

- For appliance changes, warming the wafer/flange and pouch seals with a hair dryer before application can improve adhesion and extend wear time to 7–10 days.

- Have all your supplies ready, stand at the sink, and keep folded toilet paper handy for any sudden output.

- Many people find it best to change their appliance first thing in the morning after fasting overnight, while others wait until late morning or noon when their stoma is naturally quieter. Find your own “quiet time,” and if none exists, the marshmallow method can be a good backup.

- For colostomates, be cautious with marshmallows as they can cause constipation or blockage. Use them sparingly or avoid them altogether.

- If you are a cancer patient or need to limit sugar or carbohydrate intake, it’s best to avoid this trick since marshmallows are pure glucose.

- This method does not help urostomy patients.

For managing gas and pouch inflation:

- Wearing an elastic support belt clipped to the wafer can help reduce nighttime “ballooning.”

- Over time, gas production at night often lessens, and avoiding carbonated drinks can help.

- The Coloplast SenSura Mio 2-piece “click” system has an effective built-in filter, and you can partly un-click to “burp” the pouch and re-seal it.

- Add-on vents like the KEM Osto-EZ-Vent can make manual gas release easier, though they may not be very effective when gas production is high.

For bedding and emergency preparedness:

- Sleep on a flat bedsheet or hospital “chuck” folded as a draw-sheet to protect your mattress from nighttime leaks.

- Carry paper towels in your purse or pocket for quick clean-ups in public.

- Staying calm and mentally “intending” a quiet stoma can help reduce stress and, anecdotally, output during changes.