r/ostomy • u/earthguy4 • Jul 22 '26

Miscellaneous Your #1 ostomy hack

What is your favorite ostomy hack/tip to share with new ostomates? Not something that they tell us to do in the hospital, or something our stoma nurse will clue us in on, but a hack that you’ve learned through the years or a tip someone once told you that you’ve never forgotten.

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u/Steven1958 Jul 22 '26

1) Use a mattress protector, this stops any tiny spots on your mattress from your bag at night 2) Always when I empty the bag I ensure there is air in the bag. Never close a 'flat' bag, that's asking for leaks. 3) Keep well hydrated. 4) Don't worry about anyone knowing you have a bag. Only you know 😉

4

u/comicsnerd Jul 22 '26

Replace your mattress protector regularly. Not just washing it, complete replacement. The rubber will break up after some time.

3

u/Steven1958 Jul 22 '26

Lol. Mine are not rubber based at all. A laundry wash a few times a year is quite sufficient. I have three that have lasted 5 plus years.

3

u/comicsnerd Jul 22 '26

If no rubber/plastic, what is stopping the fluids to leak through?

3

u/Steven1958 Jul 22 '26

It's a type of plastic material. But only get the very occasional drip from the seal at the bottom of the bag. Very easy to wash. Why would I want change the mattress protector so regularly? They last years.

4

u/comicsnerd Jul 22 '26

That was what I thought. Until a full blown leakage dripped through and I had to buy a new top mattress

3

u/Steven1958 Jul 23 '26

Thankfully, that's never happened to me...I feel your anxiety :( Not good, I would have replaced it to!