This topic is about improving the seal of an ileostomy using Hollister Adapt Barrier Rings and a simple do-it-yourself tool. The person sharing their experience had been dealing with frequent leaks and blowouts since their ileostomy was created in 2003. They found a solution by using these barrier rings and a clever homemade tool. Here are some helpful tips and insights from their experience:

1. Warm the barrier ring with a hair-dryer on low for about 30 seconds before applying it. This makes it easier to apply and helps ensure a good seal. After a week of wear, the flange remained clean, and the rings were covered by Pharmacare.

2. To make sizing easier, they created a tapered wooden dowel. By grinding a 1-inch diameter dowel to taper from ½ inch to 1 inch, they could warm the ring, slide it over the dowel, and then onto the stoma for a perfect fit without needing to stretch it by hand.

3. Without access to hospital ostomy-nurse appointments, they rely on forum advice and have stored away pastes and Coloplast Brava strips. They are also expecting new samples from ConvaTec, including Eakin Cohesive Seals, for comparison.

4. If you experience leakage between the pouch and the plastic ring on a Hollister product, it might be a faulty batch. It's advised to contact the manufacturer.

5. There was a curiosity about whether Hollister bonds the plastic ring to the pouch using heat/pressure instead of glue.

6. Appliance changes have become quick and stress-free, and they appreciated a suggestion from another member to quarter the rings to stretch supplies.

Additional advice and insights include:

- Warm any barrier ring, whether it's Hollister Adapt or ConvaTec Eakin, with a low-heat hair-dryer or in warm hands. Apply it and hold with firm pressure for about 30 seconds to ensure a tight, paste-free seal.

- Hollister Adapt Convex Barrier Rings have helped resolve chronic leaks and skin erosion for users whose stomas need convexity.

- To save costs, you can cut a 2-inch Hollister Adapt Ring into four segments, roll each into a mini-ring, and create up to four seals from one product.

- If you notice leakage where the plastic ring meets the pouch fabric on a Hollister Moderma Flex Integral Convex one-piece, contact Hollister Customer Service. It might be due to a defective pouch batch or bonding issue.

- ConvaTec Durahesive wafers, especially in convex versions, provide reliable seals for those with soft or uneven peristomal skin, often referred to as "jelly belly.