I find just the opposite the thicker my stool the more it pancakes. I use a coloplast convex closed end disposal pouch. I change it 3 to 4 times a day and wash the area with warm water this seems to keep my skin from rashes and feels much cleaner. I take colace twice a day as suggested by surgeon and this keeps my stool soft enough to not pancake and leak. When my stool pancakes it causes leakage I do use a lubricant It takes me 5 minutes to change my pouch when I tried open ended pouches my barrier never lasted past two days and usually just one so this method works best for me I also take warm baths and soak my stoma which helps