I have had an ostomy just over 6 months and just underwent step 2 for a jpouch so I'll have an ostomy for another 6 weeks. The bags I've mainly used had filters, be it the Convatec natura one or coloplast Sensura & Mio line. Never have I once had a bag leak via filter or otherwise.
The filters themselves usually go bad from regular use (stool gets in them while I sleep) or from when I empty (I usually squirt water into the bag to clear it up. I'd say the Mio filter was the best overall then the Convatec filter and the Sensura one would be last. However I do use the coloplast Sensura MIDI bag as my everyday bag.
I usually take the wafer and an eakin and cut the wafer and attach the eakin to the wafer then spray Hollister medical adhesive on the wafer. I then let that sit whilst I remove the old setup and thoroughly clean the area. I then use barrier wipes and stoma powder for my barrier, allow that to try and then put my wafer on.
With that setup my wafer usually stays on for 4-5 days. I replace the bag every other day or so. I usually replace it at night before bed because that's usually when I need the filter most, as that's when I'm most gassy it seems. Gas build up during the day isn't usually an issue as I can just go and "burp" the bag if absolutely necessary or just empty it all together. The wafer itself I change when I feel the water I use to rinse the bag out with, touches my skin near my stoma. I know it's the water because it feels colder (if that makes sense) and in my mind, if water can do it then so can stool. Or if I feel any excess itching.
The reason I like the coloplast bags better is because of the rubber end piece. The end pice (lip) makes it so much easier to empty and clean vs the clip bags or roll up Velcro ones. However, the Convatec bags seem a bit more discreet as their filter is on the front as opposed to along the top of the Convatec.
I hope this helps if you have anymore questions just let me know. I have previously written reviews on wafers and bags. Mostly coloplast and coloplast.
Post Edited (Rabbit81586) : 7/26/2014 3:09:29 AM (GMT-6)