Emily
As far as leakage goes, I found that I would leak every time that I didn't make sure that it had "popped open" inside. So I spin the darn thing until I'm sure!! Usually that is almost nothing. Sometimes I find myself spinning and spinning and spinning, in which case I take it out and start again.

As far as the sound, I agree. It's a bit gross. My husband hates it. Tough luck on him. It's better than the feel of your insides getting ripped out when you take out a tampon way too soon!