18-01-2011, 12:27
lots of questions!
December 20 2007 at 1:33 PM Tori (no login)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
hi, does anyone know where I would be able to buy a smartbox to use with the brava system. I'm hoping the one I have now will last for 26 weeks, as I dont like the manual airlock. I dont think I'd be able to just get the smartbox from brava as I didnt buy my system from there. I dont know on average how long these things last but I'd like to know where I could get another if needed. Also at the moment am using narrow, large domes, if I grew out of them and wanted x-large is there anywhere I could buy them from besides ebay. I've never seen any on ebay in that size before so I dont think its likely Id find any on there! And one last question! In the manual it says you ought to be able to get all breast tissue in the domes. I'm able to get all tissue in, but in between your breasts your not supposed to let them overlap just touch, I get them as close as possible but it still cuts across my chest very slightly at the cleavage area. I dont know if this is the same for everone but the silicones so thick its impossible to get any more in! Maybe its just that my boobs are close together or something!
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livinonaprayer
(no login) Re: lots of questions! December 20 2007, 3:07 PM
You can try to call Brava's 800 number and ask about purchasing a smartbox (maybe refurbished). I would suggest that you take very good care of it and it may last. I religiously use filters and run the dry cleaning cycle every day for 1 - 2 hours and I've never had it fail and I have not had to do a wet cleaning cycle (the "in case of emergency cleaning"). I also have dry skin and do not sweat in the domes so that may help. I used mine 11 weeks for the 1st cycle. Stored it (without batteries) for 5 1/2 months and am now on my 4th week of my second cycle. I think it should last the whole time if you take care of it. About the domes, if you also religiously care for them daily, they may also last. I use the wide-large and I don't think I'll outgrow them as I don't use manual suction (I think it makes them swell more) and I'd be happy trying to maintain the "C" that I get with swelling. My concern is too much swelling that you can't fill in with true growth may lead to stretchmarks. I am sure it can be monitored though if you look closely at your skin before putting the domes on again each evening to see if you're noticing anything. I also don't want the nipples that I've been reading about, so I'm going to stick with the sportbox. I suggest using the Brava antiseptic dome cleanser. I use that daily and my domes have remained like new and are still very tacky (they do have some pilling though on the tacky surface). Also, don't press the domes on too hard or they will break down faster. I think it may not hurt to call Brava and try to order what you need. I've not had to order anything yet after purchasing my original system other than the dome cleanser. I buy the skin prep wipes from American Diabetic Supply since they are only $13.50 for a box of 50. I've heard you cannot buy from Brava if you didn't buy the original system, but I don't know if it's in fact true - it doesn't hurt to try. Have you considered buying the sport system direct from Brava for $895? It's a lot of money, but it gives you piece of mind for warranty and support. Also, Brava does sell the sport system on eBay with warranty and I've heard that the reserve is around $600 so if you bid up to at least $600, you should get a sport system and just use baby shampoo for the skin cleanser and Eucerin Calming Creme for the lotion. Be sure you wash ALL residue of the lotion off before applying domes. I tried to put my domes on last night without showering first and had trouble getting a seal. I showered and washed all lotion off and then was able to get the seal quickly. It does make a difference. Also, I know what you mean about the silicone in the center being so wide. There is no way I can think of around it. I've not used the manual suction, but you can assemble one (I think there are posts describing how to make it) and keep it as a backup in case you need to buy a new sportbox. I've not bought anything on eBay for Brava, but have heard you can find separate smartboxes there. The only difference between the sportbox and smartbox is the smartbox records wear time and uses a rechargeable battery. The sportbox uses disposable batteries and does not record time. Also, with the sportbox, you receive one coaching session and with the smartbox, you receive unlimited. You can, however, still speak to customer service and a coach whenever you have questions with both systems. I have the sportbox and did not use the coaching session because the orientation checklist they emailed me covered a lot more detail than the manual and everytime I called with questions, I've been able to speak to a customer support or a coach because it is not an official "coaching session". You do have to call often and keep trying sometimes even if you left a message because you don't always get a call back as often as you like. Once you get the coaches' direct extension, keep calling when you have questions. Sometimes they answer instead of you getting voicemail, but they do call back eventually. I am going to finish my second cycle around the end of March (trying to complete 16 - 20 weeks) and then I'll probably buy a brand new set of domes and sell the whole thing on eBay. I am not doing a third cycle. I'll take what I get with 2 cycles and then work on getting these legs in shape. Good luck!
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Louise
(no login) Re: lots of questions! December 20 2007, 5:51 PM
I gave up on the smartbox after about 5 weeks, just started week 24 so have been airlocking as hard as I can stand for 19 weeks. I now get D cup swelling in about 2 hours, DD-E after standard session and have been up to F (scary!). No stretchmarks seen. I'm now C-full C after 14 hours with domes off.
I think Brava in Canada and Australia are a bit more lax on selling the parts individually.
If you buy new domes make sure you insist on brand new with plastic wrap intact on the silicone cushions - ebay charge about 70% more than they cost from Brava because thy know they can get away with it - I couldn't find any cheap ones anywhere.
Try posting on here for 'New / spare smartbox wanted' and see if you get anything...I bought my BB off someone through the forum for about 60% of the original price and it's in perfect condition.
I would suggest at least making your own airlock cheaply from aquarium supplies (there are loads of posts on how) because it is so cheap to do and then you know you've got an emergency backup.
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Bel
(Login bel_rose) Re: lots of questions! December 21 2007, 10:50 AM
hi,
I was in the same position but started off with the manual suction rather than the smart box and then ended up having to buy the whole thing off brava anyway because I couldnt find the next dome size anywhere else. Im sticking with the manual suction so if you need a new smart box at any point I have a spare one. I was using the large narrow and then got the large wide from brava and hadnt realised but the wide large is actually a lot deeper too - i was completely filling the narrow but got the wide from Brava about a week ago and Id say its at least an inch deeper and wider all round and im no where near filling it. Ive seen a few this size advertised so if you cant find the extra large it might be worth trying that - my underbust measurement is just under 29" and the wide fits fine. The other thing I guess you could try is to see if anyone who had bought through Brava and doesnt need more domes could get you some and pass them on to you? Good luck! x
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Louise
(no login) Re: lots of questions! December 21 2007, 11:58 AM
Just like to add, I've ignored most of the dome care advice Brava give and totally oversuctioned with them, I don't use any Brava products and I apply evening primrose oil to the breasts before putting the domes on (I used to use normal moisturiser which is fine too). The result is that I've lost the sticky on the domes which is actually a good thing as I think it's the sticky that causes irritation - it started pilling so I just rubbed it all off! I've had the narrow large domes for 24 weeks and the silicone looks a bit squashed but they are fully functional, I've had the narrow XL for 18 weeks and the silicone is slightly squashed by the armpit but otherwise as new.
I usually wear the large for a couple of hours in the evening because they're more discreet to walk around the house then put the XL on before bed but it is getting to the point where I touch the end of the large straight away if I suck hard and they're totally squashed full in 2 hours (which is great considering I couldn't touch the end even with 18 hours in the first 6 weeks).
I've always put my skin first and as a result have had one rash (wore for about 20-24 hours daily for 5 consecutive days - did just about touch the end of the XL and had a scary F cupwhen I took them off!). The rash cleared in 4 days from applying zinc cream before putting the domes on. I've had no blisters and never broken the skin. When I get homw from work there are no visible marks on my skin. I have given up washing the domes every single day (I do wash them regularly), but I've always used baby shampoo to clean them and not just washing up liquid.
I think the main point for dome care is to never leave them on sucked so tight that the silicone cushion is inverted - this causes the cushion to start to rip away from the plastic.
Good luck girls x
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Sarah
(no login) Are you still selling your Sportbox? December 27 2007, 5:20 AM
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Tori
(no login) Re: lots of questions! December 28 2007, 8:25 PM
thanks for everyones advice. I've not been sure about whether to wash the domes or not as people seem to have different opinions as to whether this shortens or prolongs there lifespan! I'll perhaps get some baby shampoo and try it with that. At the moment these domes fit ok, with smartbox suction. Would probably grow out of themm quick if I was using manual suction! I dont know if they'll last the full course. Started as a 32c and they are narrow large, as I assumed that was the right size for me! Its been hard getting the hours in over christmas tho, I dont really want to be out spending time with family while wearing the domes, so am only getting in the minimum hours at the moment which is annoying!
Louise
(no login) Re: lots of questions! December 28 2007, 8:57 PM
I'd say you want XL, I was barely a 32B to start and grew out of the narrow large in 6 weeks (well I could touch the end, and at that point you're supposed to move up), I'm a C now and the large is full in 20 mins with manual suction (not just touching but squashed full), I hardly ever touch the end of the XL though - there's really quite a big difference.
jessie
(no login) Re: lots of questions! December 28 2007, 8:57 PM
Many women seem to prefer the manual airlock, but I use the smartbox and it works well and I'm happy with it.
December 20 2007 at 1:33 PM Tori (no login)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
hi, does anyone know where I would be able to buy a smartbox to use with the brava system. I'm hoping the one I have now will last for 26 weeks, as I dont like the manual airlock. I dont think I'd be able to just get the smartbox from brava as I didnt buy my system from there. I dont know on average how long these things last but I'd like to know where I could get another if needed. Also at the moment am using narrow, large domes, if I grew out of them and wanted x-large is there anywhere I could buy them from besides ebay. I've never seen any on ebay in that size before so I dont think its likely Id find any on there! And one last question! In the manual it says you ought to be able to get all breast tissue in the domes. I'm able to get all tissue in, but in between your breasts your not supposed to let them overlap just touch, I get them as close as possible but it still cuts across my chest very slightly at the cleavage area. I dont know if this is the same for everone but the silicones so thick its impossible to get any more in! Maybe its just that my boobs are close together or something!
Edit Message Delete Message Lock Thread Respond to this message
Author Reply
livinonaprayer
(no login) Re: lots of questions! December 20 2007, 3:07 PM
You can try to call Brava's 800 number and ask about purchasing a smartbox (maybe refurbished). I would suggest that you take very good care of it and it may last. I religiously use filters and run the dry cleaning cycle every day for 1 - 2 hours and I've never had it fail and I have not had to do a wet cleaning cycle (the "in case of emergency cleaning"). I also have dry skin and do not sweat in the domes so that may help. I used mine 11 weeks for the 1st cycle. Stored it (without batteries) for 5 1/2 months and am now on my 4th week of my second cycle. I think it should last the whole time if you take care of it. About the domes, if you also religiously care for them daily, they may also last. I use the wide-large and I don't think I'll outgrow them as I don't use manual suction (I think it makes them swell more) and I'd be happy trying to maintain the "C" that I get with swelling. My concern is too much swelling that you can't fill in with true growth may lead to stretchmarks. I am sure it can be monitored though if you look closely at your skin before putting the domes on again each evening to see if you're noticing anything. I also don't want the nipples that I've been reading about, so I'm going to stick with the sportbox. I suggest using the Brava antiseptic dome cleanser. I use that daily and my domes have remained like new and are still very tacky (they do have some pilling though on the tacky surface). Also, don't press the domes on too hard or they will break down faster. I think it may not hurt to call Brava and try to order what you need. I've not had to order anything yet after purchasing my original system other than the dome cleanser. I buy the skin prep wipes from American Diabetic Supply since they are only $13.50 for a box of 50. I've heard you cannot buy from Brava if you didn't buy the original system, but I don't know if it's in fact true - it doesn't hurt to try. Have you considered buying the sport system direct from Brava for $895? It's a lot of money, but it gives you piece of mind for warranty and support. Also, Brava does sell the sport system on eBay with warranty and I've heard that the reserve is around $600 so if you bid up to at least $600, you should get a sport system and just use baby shampoo for the skin cleanser and Eucerin Calming Creme for the lotion. Be sure you wash ALL residue of the lotion off before applying domes. I tried to put my domes on last night without showering first and had trouble getting a seal. I showered and washed all lotion off and then was able to get the seal quickly. It does make a difference. Also, I know what you mean about the silicone in the center being so wide. There is no way I can think of around it. I've not used the manual suction, but you can assemble one (I think there are posts describing how to make it) and keep it as a backup in case you need to buy a new sportbox. I've not bought anything on eBay for Brava, but have heard you can find separate smartboxes there. The only difference between the sportbox and smartbox is the smartbox records wear time and uses a rechargeable battery. The sportbox uses disposable batteries and does not record time. Also, with the sportbox, you receive one coaching session and with the smartbox, you receive unlimited. You can, however, still speak to customer service and a coach whenever you have questions with both systems. I have the sportbox and did not use the coaching session because the orientation checklist they emailed me covered a lot more detail than the manual and everytime I called with questions, I've been able to speak to a customer support or a coach because it is not an official "coaching session". You do have to call often and keep trying sometimes even if you left a message because you don't always get a call back as often as you like. Once you get the coaches' direct extension, keep calling when you have questions. Sometimes they answer instead of you getting voicemail, but they do call back eventually. I am going to finish my second cycle around the end of March (trying to complete 16 - 20 weeks) and then I'll probably buy a brand new set of domes and sell the whole thing on eBay. I am not doing a third cycle. I'll take what I get with 2 cycles and then work on getting these legs in shape. Good luck!
Edit Message Delete Message
Louise
(no login) Re: lots of questions! December 20 2007, 5:51 PM
I gave up on the smartbox after about 5 weeks, just started week 24 so have been airlocking as hard as I can stand for 19 weeks. I now get D cup swelling in about 2 hours, DD-E after standard session and have been up to F (scary!). No stretchmarks seen. I'm now C-full C after 14 hours with domes off.
I think Brava in Canada and Australia are a bit more lax on selling the parts individually.
If you buy new domes make sure you insist on brand new with plastic wrap intact on the silicone cushions - ebay charge about 70% more than they cost from Brava because thy know they can get away with it - I couldn't find any cheap ones anywhere.
Try posting on here for 'New / spare smartbox wanted' and see if you get anything...I bought my BB off someone through the forum for about 60% of the original price and it's in perfect condition.
I would suggest at least making your own airlock cheaply from aquarium supplies (there are loads of posts on how) because it is so cheap to do and then you know you've got an emergency backup.
Edit Message Delete Message
Bel
(Login bel_rose) Re: lots of questions! December 21 2007, 10:50 AM
hi,
I was in the same position but started off with the manual suction rather than the smart box and then ended up having to buy the whole thing off brava anyway because I couldnt find the next dome size anywhere else. Im sticking with the manual suction so if you need a new smart box at any point I have a spare one. I was using the large narrow and then got the large wide from brava and hadnt realised but the wide large is actually a lot deeper too - i was completely filling the narrow but got the wide from Brava about a week ago and Id say its at least an inch deeper and wider all round and im no where near filling it. Ive seen a few this size advertised so if you cant find the extra large it might be worth trying that - my underbust measurement is just under 29" and the wide fits fine. The other thing I guess you could try is to see if anyone who had bought through Brava and doesnt need more domes could get you some and pass them on to you? Good luck! x
Edit Message Delete Message
Louise
(no login) Re: lots of questions! December 21 2007, 11:58 AM
Just like to add, I've ignored most of the dome care advice Brava give and totally oversuctioned with them, I don't use any Brava products and I apply evening primrose oil to the breasts before putting the domes on (I used to use normal moisturiser which is fine too). The result is that I've lost the sticky on the domes which is actually a good thing as I think it's the sticky that causes irritation - it started pilling so I just rubbed it all off! I've had the narrow large domes for 24 weeks and the silicone looks a bit squashed but they are fully functional, I've had the narrow XL for 18 weeks and the silicone is slightly squashed by the armpit but otherwise as new.
I usually wear the large for a couple of hours in the evening because they're more discreet to walk around the house then put the XL on before bed but it is getting to the point where I touch the end of the large straight away if I suck hard and they're totally squashed full in 2 hours (which is great considering I couldn't touch the end even with 18 hours in the first 6 weeks).
I've always put my skin first and as a result have had one rash (wore for about 20-24 hours daily for 5 consecutive days - did just about touch the end of the XL and had a scary F cupwhen I took them off!). The rash cleared in 4 days from applying zinc cream before putting the domes on. I've had no blisters and never broken the skin. When I get homw from work there are no visible marks on my skin. I have given up washing the domes every single day (I do wash them regularly), but I've always used baby shampoo to clean them and not just washing up liquid.
I think the main point for dome care is to never leave them on sucked so tight that the silicone cushion is inverted - this causes the cushion to start to rip away from the plastic.
Good luck girls x
Edit Message Delete Message
Sarah
(no login) Are you still selling your Sportbox? December 27 2007, 5:20 AM
Edit Message Delete Message
Tori
(no login) Re: lots of questions! December 28 2007, 8:25 PM
thanks for everyones advice. I've not been sure about whether to wash the domes or not as people seem to have different opinions as to whether this shortens or prolongs there lifespan! I'll perhaps get some baby shampoo and try it with that. At the moment these domes fit ok, with smartbox suction. Would probably grow out of themm quick if I was using manual suction! I dont know if they'll last the full course. Started as a 32c and they are narrow large, as I assumed that was the right size for me! Its been hard getting the hours in over christmas tho, I dont really want to be out spending time with family while wearing the domes, so am only getting in the minimum hours at the moment which is annoying!
Louise
(no login) Re: lots of questions! December 28 2007, 8:57 PM
I'd say you want XL, I was barely a 32B to start and grew out of the narrow large in 6 weeks (well I could touch the end, and at that point you're supposed to move up), I'm a C now and the large is full in 20 mins with manual suction (not just touching but squashed full), I hardly ever touch the end of the XL though - there's really quite a big difference.
jessie
(no login) Re: lots of questions! December 28 2007, 8:57 PM
Many women seem to prefer the manual airlock, but I use the smartbox and it works well and I'm happy with it.