Living with an ostomy can be a big adjustment, and finding the right routine for emptying or changing your ostomy bag is crucial for comfort and efficiency. Here are some practical tips and insights to help you optimize your routine:

1. **Positions and Techniques**
- Experiment with different positions such as standing, sitting, or kneeling to find what works best for you. Factors like your body size, toilet height, and water level can influence your choice.
- Some find standing and bending forward while irrigating reduces time significantly.
- Sitting with the pouch hanging straight down between the legs is comfortable for many, but be cautious to avoid contact with genitalia.
- Kneeling can be useful for changing the wafer, though be prepared for unexpected gas-driven eruptions.

2. **Custom Equipment and Modifications**
- Consider creating a padded board to widen the toilet seat opening for easier irrigation.
- DIY baseplates secured with elastic belts can help prevent leaks and extend the life of sleeves and bags.
- Neck pouches made from old shirts can keep your phone safe while you bend over.

3. **Supplies to Keep Handy**
- Have a water bottle for quick rinses and keep another in your car for public restrooms.
- Use gel-thickening packets after a fresh change and at night to manage stool consistency and moisture.
- Prepare a full checklist before a change: paper towels, toilet paper, new pouch, moldable seal or barrier ring, barrier skin-prep wipe, hydrocortisone cream for redness, rounded-tip scissors, marker, gel packet, and a lined trash bag.
- Many prefer to remove the pouch, shower, and then apply the new system on dry skin to let the area breathe.

4. **Barrier Rings and Moldable Wafers**
- Some press the ring onto the wafer opening before application, while others roll it partly over the flange for extra protection.
- A moldable wafer might not need an additional ring, but it's worth testing both methods.
- Be cautious not to cut the opening too tight to avoid cramping; a slight gap can be beneficial.

5. **Repurposed Gear Innovation**
- Coloplast stoma caps, with the absorbent disc replaced by gauze, can serve as a mini-reservoir for post-surgical lymph-drain tubes.

6. **Public Restroom Tips**
- Always wipe down airplane or porta-potty seats before use and carry spare wipes or paper.
- Seal used pouches or wipes in a zip-lock bag for discreet disposal.

Remember, routines are always evolving, and what works for one person might not work for another. Keep experimenting to find what suits you best.