  We propose a novel method for suppression of quasiparticle poisoning in Al
Coulomb blockade devices. The method is based on creation of a proper energy
gap profile along the device. In contrast to the previously used techniques,
the energy gap is controlled by the film thickness. Our transport measurements
confirm that the quasiparticle poisoning is suppressed and clear 2$e$
periodicity is observed only when the island is made much thinner than the
leads. This result is consistent with the existing model and provides a simple
method to suppress quasiparticle poisoning.
