I agree that sometimes it takes several hours for them to stabalize. You could also wait several hours and feel the pad from underneath without removing it. Here is a how to on removal: http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=66262

I stuck one on the wrong end one time and was able to remove it with just a spatula and works perfect. Make sure you take Argentina's advice and do not let the bad get bent at all if try one of the removal ways. I have 7 zoo med pads and they have all work well "knock on wood"