I can answer question one and four using my personal two month experience. 
1. I do not use any rings. I have the Contoured as well and they are pretty comfortable. I just make sure I put oil around the breasts (avoiding nipples), so the suction can be awesome.
4. I felt like they kind of enlarged my nipples at times, but then I see them normal. maybe the swelling makes them look bigger. Anyways, you can always prevent this. I tried taping them, but that is just too much hassle. Having to tape them every day and if you have oil or lotion they might not tape well. SO, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Mumma Bear's TRICK!!!! I have been using it lately and it has helped tremendously with swelling and preventing anything to be done to the nipples.
I hear a lot that you should heat before pumping for better swelling, but I have not tried that. I will try to do that tomorrow and I will let you know how it goes. Since I have barely two months into my Contoured, I have not moved on to another cup. I agree with Maz, it greatly varies .
1. I do not use any rings. I have the Contoured as well and they are pretty comfortable. I just make sure I put oil around the breasts (avoiding nipples), so the suction can be awesome.
4. I felt like they kind of enlarged my nipples at times, but then I see them normal. maybe the swelling makes them look bigger. Anyways, you can always prevent this. I tried taping them, but that is just too much hassle. Having to tape them every day and if you have oil or lotion they might not tape well. SO, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Mumma Bear's TRICK!!!! I have been using it lately and it has helped tremendously with swelling and preventing anything to be done to the nipples.
I hear a lot that you should heat before pumping for better swelling, but I have not tried that. I will try to do that tomorrow and I will let you know how it goes. Since I have barely two months into my Contoured, I have not moved on to another cup. I agree with Maz, it greatly varies .