When I had my temporary ileostomy I wore a 2 piece system with filter to control the ballooning of the bag and it did a good job until invariable the filter got poo in it. Wearing the non-filtered system right now, poo is all over the bag and when sleeping i don't think there is a way of keeping the "shi_ from hitting the filter". Any tips would be welcome.

Also I know that some wear their appliance sideways, particularly with the phoenix support belt or stealth belt. Does this provide any advantages? If so what are they? I would imagine it makes it considerably more difficult to empty the bag that way though.

Filter bags are impossible to keep the filter clean. If you find the filter isn't working after a day or two switch to a new bag (if you use a two piece). A rep from one of the manufacturers told me the filters really aren't meant to last more then two days.

For me, about six months post surgery I stopped having so much gas and so the filter became less important. My bag still has one but I ignore it. As for keeping the bag clean, really I can't be bothered. I clean the end with toilet paper and call it a day. No squirt bottles or other gear for me. However, I do tend toward more liquid output or hick but not pasty so the end of the bag is easy to wipe clean.

I use filtered bags / wear it sideways / use phoenix belt.

As Jill said.. the filter on the bags I use (coloplast) last about 2-3 days. They come with stickers to cover up the filter opening when showering. I also use shower gard apron to keep things dry. works well.

I really like the phoenix belt, it eliminates the weight of the bag and hides things better. I use Coloplast Sensura, the bags have a security "click" system. I just unclick and can move the pouch around.

If you get a phoenix belt, I would recommend getting a "custom" one made.

WinniethePooh,
I got some coloplast samples but not the ones I wanted so called them and re-requested my desired system. I did examine the closure and locking mechanism in the meantime. How easily does it rotate when unlocked from a horizontal to vertical position?

I have no problem rotating it. It doesn't rotate easy and it doesn't rotate hard. Kinda in the middle, if you know what I mean. When I change pouches I always use wet wipes to clean the wafer part before I put the new pouch on, keeps things rotating smoothly.

I'm with Jill on this one. Can't be bothered. Just clean the end out with tp and move on. Some of the bags have wider openings on the bottom and are easier to do that with. That's one reason I like Coloplast sensura or assura.

As for the clicky sensura.. its easy to unclick move and reclick. HOWEVER, it is also easy to pull it off when you unclick it and start to rotate it as it doesn't rotate that easily. So beware. It is nice because you can get it positioned so easily where you want to wear it. And it gives you that nice sturdy click sound so you know the thing is seriously attached.

I'm new to the bag, I've only had it for two weeks so I clean it all the damn time. At the hospital, they gave me a water injectable thingy that I squirt up there pretty much every time I empty it. I know I'll have to give that up when I go back to work, but it works pretty well. The worst is when you wake up, got a bag full of ****, and it's all over your stoma. I guess I'll eventually get used to it. Also would probably help to not wear a clear bag. I don't like seeing my **** at all times. Merry Christmas!

Oh yeah, I also use my son's baby wipes to clean the bottom, no alcohol though. I'll rip one baby wipe into 3 strips, usually use 2 strips per cleaning session.

I didn't have too much success with the forma flex as a stand alone barrier the first time around and gave the coloplast product a try this morning. That try last 2 seconds. I couldn't get over the plastic feel of the coloplast flange