I have two in right now. We are on Day 3. Will be candling tomorrow to find out if they are keepers. Due on Halloween if all goes well.
It's just the normal padded type. I've never had one break in there. Did have one fall out and smash though so it's a good idea not to load yourself up with too many.
As far as hygene is concerned you can wrap them in a very thin piece of tissue if you need to. I take them out to have a shower each day. I figure even quails have to get up off thier eggs for a little bit so they will survive for a little while.
I don't move much in my sleep so i don't bother taking them out unless i'm in a great deal of discomfort. Then i usually rest them in my hand under my neck or put them in a small box and sleep with this on my chest. I have tried putting them under the cat when he's asleep. Cat's are only 34 degrees though and usually move once they figure out what you've done.
You could put them in a bator overnight. My husband doesn't like me wasting electricity and i've caught him switching off my bator on occasion to spite me. It's sabotaged quite a few hatches. Also a friend took it upon herself to fiddle with the temperature once and cooked all my eggs two days before they were due to hatch. I just find this method easier and alot safer/controlled.
Edited by birdymama - 10/16/12 at 7:04pm