It usually depends on how much tension you apply, really. I found myself able to go for an hour. As for the plug sitch: vaseline is a great idea before putting on the device. But it still doesn't solve the problem completely. Perhaps silly putty or a small rubber stopper like that found on the aperture of inflatables. Also, do we really need to prep the glands with tape before applying the dome? It just seems like overkill.