This topic is about finding a way to improve the performance of the vent on Hollister ostomy pouches. Many people find that the built-in vents on these pouches tend to clog quickly, often within a day. To address this, one person tried using Gorilla Glue to seal a small gap near the vent, which helped keep it clear for longer. Here are some insights and advice shared by the community:
1. The glue is applied to a ¼-inch space between the flange edge and the vent on the back of the pouch. This helps block output from reaching the vent while still allowing gas to escape through side channels. The initial trial showed that this method allowed for two days of use without needing to "burp" the pouch.
2. For those interested in trying this, the exact placement involves laying the pouch flat, running a thin bead of Gorilla Glue just below the vent, flattening it away from the vent, and weighting it down until it dries.
3. There is interest in experimenting with a clear silicone sealant instead of glue for more flexibility.
4. A long-term idea is to fill the gap with an accordion-folded piece of liner material. This would expand and contract with movement, continuously shielding the vent while keeping both ends open for gas release.
5. Some community members have asked for visual guidance, like photos, and are curious about the specific adhesive used. One person mentioned using simethicone "gas pills" but still needing to vent multiple times at night.
6. An alternative method suggested is sealing the area with tape instead of glue, as tape can be easily removed.
7. For application, it's recommended to use a glue bottle with a narrow, pointed nozzle or a toothpick to prevent excess glue from spreading inside the pouch.
8. A user plans to test this method and report back, noting that it seems simple enough for non-medical tinkerers to try.
9. There is a suggestion to contact Hollister’s Research & Development department with this idea, as it could be evaluated and possibly integrated into future pouch designs.
10. The community encourages further experimentation, including the accordion-style barrier concept, as small user innovations can lead to practical improvements for many people with ostomies.
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