I love my Curlformers. It's been making my transition to natural so much easier.
I usually mix the long and wide (bottom part and sides) with the extra wide and long (on the crown) because the curls come out too tight other wise.
I usually dry mine under the dryer for about an hour and sometimes I sleep in them, which is NOT the business.
To maintain, I usually pincurl at night and they actually come out really good. If my growth is really swollen from the humidity, I put it small ponytails first and then pincurl. I wear my hair down for 3-4 days and then wear my hair up until Sunday, which is my wash day.
I also work out 3-4 days a week and usually put hair up in a high pony or in pincurls (I don't sweat much in my head and work with mostly weights).
I agree with others, definitely use smaller sections -- that helps with dry time as well. I usually spay the roots with water and twist them twice in the direction of the curlformers so that the roots are nicely stretched.
I use either Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Leave-in or Giovanni Direct Leave-in. Seal with either castor oil or Dax grease and that's it. I haven't tried any setting lotion yet.
I've also use them on blow-dry hair and even re-set them on a old set for nice waves.
Here's a pic of using just the long and wide. I have more pics my fotki.