Living with a urostomy can sometimes come with challenges, like dealing with nighttime leaks. If you find yourself waking up to wet sheets, here are some practical tips that might help you manage and prevent these leaks:
1. Identify the leak source:
- Check if the leak is due to the flange adhesive breaking down, the flange lifting, a bag puncture or burst, or the night-drainage tubing pulling out.
- If the flange is the problem, consider trying a different brand. Many companies offer free samples to test.
2. Appliance wear-time and setup:
- Use a one-piece pouch and change it every 24 hours.
- When sleeping, lie on your back. Route the night-bag tubing under the knee on the stoma side and let the night bag rest freely on the floor. Avoid using racks or frames so the bag can move with you.
3. Adhesives, barriers, and skin protection:
- Try different combinations of barrier sprays, barrier creams, adhesive remover sprays, and wafers. Some combinations might stick better and be gentler on your skin.
- Keep track of what works, as adhesion can change with diet or skin chemistry.
- Consider trying products from companies like Braun, which are known for offering trials of their products.
4. Sleeping position and bed adjustments:
- If rolling onto your side dislodges the wafer, think about using an adjustable bed or recliner that keeps you slightly elevated. This can help reduce movement and improve wafer security.
5. Diet timing:
- Avoid eating snacks or heavy foods, especially crisps, fries, and fizzy drinks, within two hours of bedtime, as they can increase output and affect the seal.
- Drinking a pint of water before bed might help dilute urine and reduce concentration-related seal issues, though it might mean getting up to empty the bag.
6. Professional support:
- Consider scheduling an appointment with a stoma or ostomy nurse to analyze the leaks and review your products and fitting technique.
Remember, finding the right solution might take some trial and error, but with patience and the right support, you can manage nighttime leaks more effectively.
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