This topic is about finding ways to extend the life of ostomy bag vents and filters. Many people who use the Hollister New Image two-piece pouch system find that the built-in vent and charcoal filter tend to clog and lose their effectiveness after just a day or two. This can lead to the pouch "ballooning" and odors becoming noticeable, which forces an inconvenient and costly change. Here are some helpful tips and insights to address this issue:

1. The original poster usually gets about 3 days out of a vented/filter pouch and receives only 10 pouches per month through Medicare, so conserving supplies is important. They "burp" the pouch when needed but prefer the convenience of a functioning filter.

2. Using liquid lubricant-deodorant can make the output stickier and clog the filter faster. Simply rinsing the pouch with water can help keep it working longer.

3. Many users report that built-in filters on Hollister New Image, Convatec, and other brands stop working within hours or a day. Some have switched to unfiltered pouches and discreetly "burp" them as needed.

4. Vented/filtered pouches are generally designed for single-day wear. Switching to a daily-change closed-end pouch, like the Coloplast mid-size closed pouch, can avoid ballooning and odor while keeping costs low.

5. To conserve pouches, consider adding an external vent so you can keep the same pouch longer. The Osto-EZ-Vent can be attached to any pouch, and some users reinforce the adhesive with tape to keep it secure for up to 9 days. "Snap-in" replacement vent/filter inserts are also available, allowing a second insert to be added when the first clogs.

6. Carry a spare pouch for outings and manually degas in a restroom, car, or other private spot to control ballooning.

7. Hollister customer support acknowledges their current filters are ineffective for "high gas output" and recommends adding the EZ-Vent until they release an improved filter.

8. Coloplast Sensura and Assura one-piece pouches are reported to have filters that continue venting for at least 48 hours and may be a good alternative if Hollister filters fail.

9. Convatec users have mixed results: some wear the same filterless pouch for 3–5 days without odor, while others find recent batches begin to smell after 5 days despite adding EZ-Vents. A new Convatec filter design is said to be "coming soon."

10. For colostomates, irrigation can greatly reduce gas and stool volume, allowing smaller or filterless pouches to be worn comfortably for longer periods.