This topic is about finding the best sleeping position after ostomy surgery to improve the wear time of ostomy appliances. The person sharing their experience has recently managed to achieve a 3-day wear time and is curious if sleeping on their back has contributed to this success. They have a colostomy and have tried different products and techniques to prevent leaks. Here are some helpful tips and insights shared by others:

1. Sleeping Position
- Many people with ostomies find success sleeping on their back, sides, or in a semi-reclined position. Sleeping face-down is less common.
- Sleeping on your back can help reduce creasing and allow gravity to move output to the bottom of the pouch, though it may cause pooling if the seal isn't tight.
- Side sleeping, especially on the side opposite the stoma, can be more comfortable with a pillow between the knees or under the top leg to reduce pressure.
- Adjustable or wedge beds can help you stay partially upright, which benefits both CPAP therapy and pouch drainage.

2. Appliance Fit & Leak Prevention
- Cut or mold the wafer opening slightly smaller than the stoma to ensure a snug fit.
- Use barrier rings to fill gaps in abdominal creases instead of paste, as paste can sometimes lead to more failures.
- Combining convex wafers with barrier rings, elastic strips, and an ostomy belt can extend wear time significantly.
- Moldable two-piece systems can help reduce cutting errors and leaks.
- If the pouch tends to "pop" open, consider a larger wafer-flange diameter and use a belt for extra support.

3. Skin Preparation
- Clean the skin around the stoma with a non-moisturizing soap to ensure good adhesion.
- Be alert for itching under the wafer, as it can indicate the need for a change.

4. CPAP Tips
- Using nasal pillows with a chin strap can help avoid skin irritation from full-face masks.
- Adding a few drops of Albos Oil to the humidifier can help clear nasal passages.
- Route CPAP tubing over the headboard to minimize movement and prevent mask shifts.

5. Emptying/Maintenance Routine
- Set an early-morning alarm to empty the pouch and prevent ballooning or over-filling overnight.
- Use a waterproof mattress cover to protect against rare nighttime leaks.

6. Stoma Siting Considerations
- Proper pre-op siting away from natural creases is crucial to avoid repeated wafer failures.
- If surgery is upcoming, ensure the stoma is marked on a flat, easily visible area, even if it means adjusting the initial mark.

7. Activity Reassurance
- Many people with ostomies continue to work physical jobs, ride motorcycles, swim, and even occasionally sleep on their stomachs once they find the right appliance combination. Trial and error is a normal part of the process.