For me the mask and the machine were a challenge in learning how to keep my mind off that which was really bothersome and at times fearful.

I had a few "freak out" moments with the mask (and its companion - the wax coated tongue depressor), especially on the first day when they were adjusting the machine - it took a long, long time. I had to talk myself back to calmness.

During my daily sessions, I would click my feet together and count (one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, ....) every second the machine was "on", and use my fingers to keep track of every 1 minute interval. The rad techs played music which also helped. If I was feeling bad on a given day I would tell them, and they would remind me that they were watching me during the session and would intercede if I indicated I was having a problem.

I could occassionally open my eyes a little, but there was nothing to watch but the machine moving around, and I didn't have much interest in that so I mostly kept them shut.

Best wishes,

Chris