I agree with Little Engine. Slow is fast, fast is slow in this case.
I was tempted to use so many extensions to add to the rod at first. When I decreased the length to just the bar and smaller extension, I got the best stretch without pain and minimal slippage.
It’s also okay to increase the compression on the straps (a little interruption in circulation is inevitable) and decrease the tension of the springs. This seems counterintuitive but the theory/idea behind traction is the length of time in traction and consistency (most important), amount of tension to stretch the tissue. Then rest a day or two out of the week.
I also don’t like the head protector(tan band-aid looking thing) It increased slippage 10 folds. Instead, I have a lot of household materials (saves money), I have guaze, cotten pads, kinesiology tape or rescue tape, velcro straps, and those cotten knitted netting that go over the arm. This way I don’t go down the expensive path of “fixing” a problem that doesn’t exist.
I also like many members recorded their times in a log/note book. I use a notebook. They only measure less than monthly or even yearly! Good luck my friend, you can do this!