Many thanks for all of the kind advice from you ladies - I think I've finally gotten it! My first ride with it was Wednesday also, and it performed very well (though I wasn't heavy yet). I've finally gotten the hang of getting it in and getting it out. Still not terribly comfortable, but I can do it reliably. I can't imagine anything with harder rubber, though... I have discovered that it doesn't always like to unfold. I can't rotate, but I just feel around the edges - you'll know! I have to partially remove it and then re-seat it.

I rode today with a much heavier flow, and it performed great! It was about 1/2 full, and nary a leak. Each time emptying it gets easier, and I feel so much better without the tampons drying out everything. Truly a great product (and I can't imagine how much $ it will save over the years).

If I (the person who whines about going to the ob gyn every time) can do it, anyone can do it. It really is worth a shot!