Water is more conductive, so the wet paper towel just makes sure it's got good contact. I hardly ever use the wet paper towels on mine. Actually, some people are a little bit worried about the copper against their skin, so that's another reason. :) I use Alkaline batteries, and they seem to last me pretty good. A rechargable might save you some trouble, but if you are good at losing them like I am, it's pointless. A battery will last me anywhere from a month to three months.