I tried several times in the span of a few days. After waiting for so long and not passing out (the longest around 40 seconds), the exploding head thing would freak me out and I'd stop out of fear of serious damage without death. None of it was necessarily painful, just uncomfortable, especially when I had to swallow. I could still breathe, but it was difficult. I used a door knob and mostly electric type cords. After more reading, I'm thinking that using the kneeling method with knees on the floor was also problematic, as I've read many times NOW not to do it that way. I plan on trying again soon. Not sure when.