12-04-2010, 05:21
Hi Beautiful Journey, I would guess I averaged about 11 hours per night during the first 39+ week cycle. I was averaging a bit over 12 hours per night, but then had some people come to stay for 2 months. During that time, I was only getting between 9 and 10 hours per night most nights. This time around I am probably averaging between 10 and 11 hours per night.
Hopeful31, I use two of those really strong paper clip thingys to seal off the tubes. The kind that have a black plastic part that is supposed to grab on to a big bunch of paper, and metal wire clip parts that you use to press open the plastic clip. Not sure if that description is adequate, but worth a try. Some people bend over the tube and wrap an elastic band around it really tight.
I don't have much problem maintaining suction with the airlock. I think probably 3 or 4 times I have woken up at some point to find no pressure, that is usually because the tube has become disconnected from one of the domes. At this point I have been wearing the domes for over a year (but not consecutive days), so I think the airlock is working pretty well for me. You can use higher pressure with an airlock than the smartbox gives you, which results in more swelling. But if you use a lot of pressure, the silicone rims of the domes will break down faster.
Overall I have been really happy with brava domes and airlock. I have the BB domes too, with the red bulb pump thing. I have tried them out a few times, but they are so uncomfortable compared to the brava domes.
Hope this helps!
Hopeful31, I use two of those really strong paper clip thingys to seal off the tubes. The kind that have a black plastic part that is supposed to grab on to a big bunch of paper, and metal wire clip parts that you use to press open the plastic clip. Not sure if that description is adequate, but worth a try. Some people bend over the tube and wrap an elastic band around it really tight.
I don't have much problem maintaining suction with the airlock. I think probably 3 or 4 times I have woken up at some point to find no pressure, that is usually because the tube has become disconnected from one of the domes. At this point I have been wearing the domes for over a year (but not consecutive days), so I think the airlock is working pretty well for me. You can use higher pressure with an airlock than the smartbox gives you, which results in more swelling. But if you use a lot of pressure, the silicone rims of the domes will break down faster.
Overall I have been really happy with brava domes and airlock. I have the BB domes too, with the red bulb pump thing. I have tried them out a few times, but they are so uncomfortable compared to the brava domes.
Hope this helps!