[here2learn]

A little update: I've found that the suction generated by this new, replacement pump feels much more gentle than the original pump. The original pump generated so much pressure that it felt like the domes were crushing me. But with this new one, I barely feel the domes at all! I wonder if one of them was faulty, and if so, which one... Hopefully it was the original pump, and that's why it burned out so quickly.

Because the domes are much more comfortable, I've now worn them for a week! I do have a little bit of swelling after each session, so I'm hoping that means this pump is generating adequate pressure even though it feels so comfortable. I did try using the filters that ShelaVenna linked to protect this new pump from moisture, but the pump doesn't seem to like them. It just sputters. Maybe I'm using them wrong!

Besides still trying to find a comfortable sleeping position, my main issue is how frequently the pump turns on. Every time I shift positions even slightly, it kicks on. It also does a strange thing where it generates suction, then releases the air on its own, then generates suction again. As a result, I've been needing to change the batteries every day or every other day! I just invested in some rechargeable batteries for the sake of my wallet. 

All in all, things have really turned around for me! I plan on keeping the system and trying to complete a whole cycle.