I found at first I wasn't using enough lotion, you want it so you almost would have to wipe the excess lotion with a towel to get it off. That's how much you want on your chest before you put the domes on, It helps alot! Sometimes I mix my palmer lotion with virgin olive oil it makes it slicker. It also helped me so I could get further I'm my domes without getting the red dots. I get the best swelling when I take a hot bath with them on. I put a little water on my chest mixed with oil or lotion, and I fill the domes faster, with more swelling! The first time I took a bath with them for about 40 minutes, i couldn't believe the swelling I got, so i took a Picture of it and sent it to my husband, and he texted me back , asking me who's chest it really was, because it swelled so big compared to my usual. Then he asked me how much I paid for my noogleberry, and said it was worth every penny! It was funny. Now if I could get them to stay that size!! Well good luck, i'm still learning also.