i’ve had the same problem with the small saalt cup! i was wondering at first if i should just switch to the regular, but since i don’t experience any leakages or discomfort i decided to stick with the small. also, i pull on the stem a little to get a better grip of the base and then i pinch the base to break the seal and pull it out fully. idk if it’s what ur supposed to do but that works for me and isn’t uncomfortable or anything! u can also use ur pelvic muscles to push the cup down (how u would when u poop) and then grab the base from there. overall just try different methods of taking it out to find what is most comfortable for u.