Experiences with Aniball or Epi-No?

Aniball and Epi-No are devices are like an inflatable balloon that you place in your vagina to help stretch it for labour. You insert, inflate using a pump, then practice breathing it out. I heard a lot of great things about this helping with shortening labour, reducing tears, and overall giving confidence by helping you to know what to expect. I decided to try it so bit the bullet and bought an (expensive!) Aniball. It has definitely helped me prepare for labour in that it has made me realise that labour will be painful as f*ck 😂. Even at the beginner setting it made me scream in pain at the moment of expulsion. Is this is normal? Should I keep trying, or stop? I’ve read that it’s not supposed to be painful but it really is for me. I’m feeling way more fearful of birth now rather than less. What are others’ experiences with this, good or bad?