The topic is about finding ways to help someone sleep comfortably after undergoing a colectomy, which is a surgery to remove part or all of the colon. This person has always slept on their stomach, a habit that is particularly important due to their autism. However, after the surgery, they might need to adjust their sleeping position, especially if they end up with a stoma. Here are some suggestions to help with this transition:

1. Consider using an adjustable hospital-style or homecare bed:
- Raising the head of the bed, and if possible, the leg section, can help maintain a semi-reclined position. This makes it more difficult to roll onto the stomach, which might be necessary for recovery.

2. Explore a custom front-sleeping solution instead of forcing a switch to back-sleeping:
- Modify a mattress or bed to resemble a massage table, which could include:
- A cut-out for the face or nostrils to allow for easy breathing.
- Indentations for the chest to reduce pressure on the breasts.
- A recessed or open area around the stoma site to ensure the appliance can drain freely and isn’t compressed.
- Additional shaping for the feet and other pressure points to enhance comfort.
- Use a memory-foam topper or mattress to help the bed contour comfortably to the body.
- In the UK, local volunteer engineer or tradesmen groups might be able to help build or modify such a bed at a lower cost than buying a commercial adjustable bed.