Instruction: Answer the given question using the supporting document.

Input:
Question: Is there an up or down side/edge to the gasket?
Document: To let the air out, you push the little rubber gasket on the lid off to one side. I have found that if I hold the gasket to the side while I am trying to take the top off, it comes off easier. I highly recommend this product.
I read other reviewer writing about the "opener" button not working and having trouble opening the lid. I'm having the same trouble but I found a solution: you can simply peel off the top gasket from side a bit and it will let the air into the canister.The vacuum and the sealing is incredibly tight and strong. I'm giving it 4/5 because of the lid problem but otherwise fantastic.
I was disappointed. I have used their plugs for my wine bottles for years. This container doesn't stay sealed all day. And FYI, this container top edge isn't square, the top has to set just so because the container has an irregular shades.
One tip is that when you open the container keep the valve on the top depressed to the side the whole time you are removing the lid. If you don't do that it seems a little harder to open because not quite all of the vacuum has been released. Bottom line, buy this; you won't be sorry.
I ordered it used from Amazon Warehouse Deals and the edge of the lid had a crack in it on arrival. I'm not sure what the previous person did to break it, or if they received it in that condition, but I can't see the canister itself breaking. As other reviews have mentioned, there's no visual or auditory feedback on when maximum vacuum has been achieved.
If the lip is clean, just place the lid back on and pump a few times for fresh tasting coffee from the first scoop to the last. Don't press the lid on ...just place it. In the center of the lid is a nub... just push it gently to the side and you can hear the pressure equalize...and the lid lifts off. High quality all the way through.
I bought this because it can hold just more than 1 lb of coffee beans... Since I do consume an average of 2.2 lbs per 3-4 weeks the Vacu Vin does keep the beans fresh. The pump is on the big side but few pumps will get the job done. Will definitely purchase one more for future use.
I wanted a way for my coffee to stay fresh, and this definitely works. The concept is very similar to a wine bottle sealer with the only difference being it doesn't click when it reaches a certain pressure. I just push the tab to the side to open the lid, get the coffee beans I need and then put the lid back on and pump. Bottom line I would recommend.
Opening is also easy. Just remember to bend the nipple to the side to release the vacuum (like you were emptying a beach ball).I like the transparent base. It is easy to see how how full it is.The container does have some rubber (elastic?) parts that may wear over time but no problems so far (I have only had mine for 2 months).I would consider getting more of these for other dry staples (e.g.
If you don't feel increasing resistance to the pumping action, you're not forming a vacuum. In this case, either you don't have a good seal between the pump and the valve or your gasket has paricles on it (see above). I generally use the product daily, but I've had the vacuum hold just fine when I've been away for several days.
Answer: The gasket is removable, and once done you can easily tell that there is an up and down edge. After a year or so of use, the gasket sometimes does not seal properly. Taking it out and cleaning it may help, but I have found that oiling the gasket with a light layer of vegetable oil helps the seal.