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Oct 30, 2014

Help! Ostomy bag fills with air at night, causing leaks!

The topic at hand is about dealing with the frustrating issue of an ostomy pouch inflating with gas during the night, which can lead to leaks and disrupt sleep. Here are some helpful tips and insights shared by others who have faced similar challenges:

1. Meal Pattern
- Some people find that going to bed hungry can increase gas production. It might help to have 3-4 small meals throughout the day and a light snack 1-2 hours before bedtime instead of just one meal.
- Staying hydrated with plain water (avoiding carbonated drinks) can help keep the output more stable.

2. Dietary Triggers
- Foods that commonly cause gas include breads, pasta, grains, potatoes, sugar, corn, raw vegetables, cucumber skins, carbonated drinks, wine, and beer.
- Consider experimenting with your diet:
- Try a 24-hour period without flour, grains, potatoes, and sugary foods. Digestive enzymes like Beano might help.
- A carb-free or gluten-free trial for several days has been beneficial for some.
- If cucumbers are a trigger, peel them or opt for English cucumbers. Avoid eating after 7 p.m. if certain foods cause gas.

3. Appliances & Accessories
- Pouches with charcoal filters can help, but they may clog quickly. Some people change their pouch daily or every other day.
- If the filter clogs, cover it with tape and manually release air by "burping" the pouch.
- A high-output pouch with a nozzle and a night collection bag can prevent ballooning.
- Using the largest-capacity pouches can reduce pressure. Consider a night-time extension sleeve or a DIY long bag to give gas more space.
- Products like the Coloplast SenSura Mio system, barrier rings, and Brava strips are praised for their fit and leak prevention. Measure your stoma frequently as its size can change.
- Optional one-way gas vents can be added to any pouch.

4. Medications & Supplements
- Gas-X (simethicone) or other antacids can reduce overnight gas for some.
- Digestive enzyme tablets like Beano are suggested.
- One person found that lorazepam reduced air swallowing at night, though they were hesitant to use it long-term.

5. Sleeping Technique
- Sleeping on your side, especially the left side, helps some people. Others find that sleeping semi-upright or on their stomach with an extended sleeve prevents ballooning.
- Light sleepers recommend waking once during the night to vent or empty the pouch. Keeping an absorbent liner under the sheets can be a good backup.

6. Resources
- A diet and food-effect chart can be found at http://www.ostomates.org/diet.html

These insights and suggestions come from the experiences of others who have dealt with similar issues, and they might offer some relief and help you regain a good night's sleep.
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