Hi Soonenough,
Yes I do like the BB cups and find that I don't need any padding at all with them, the NB XL are way too big for Me so in that respect the BB's are a little smaller, but they are a fair bit more contoured than I expected and fit My particular chest shape well, where the NB large contoured don't fit too well, I must point out that it is not a fault with the NB cups and most have no problems with them, it's My body shape and the serious pain I was getting made Me think of trying an alternative, in answer to your question more swelling yes I feel I do but then I can wear them longer not getting the pain that I was, I too always wash My boobs after I take the cups off using water as hot as I can stand, and massage at the same time, dry and apply the PM cream and massage again while My boobs are still pretty warm, this seems to work well for Me and I don't use the Arnica gel now there is no need.
I think that this process is a slow one with a lot of trial and error to find just what suits you, then once you find that all should be plain sailing, (I hope), but well worth the effort when you can see the starts of results, but we have to be prepared for the long haul.