Angels- It gets better. I took a Bob Marley CD and pretended I was on the beach. It did work. Since it has only been 4 months, if I hear Bob Marley now I have to turn it off! The first day lasted longer I believe (i think they are making sure they are hitting the right areas) and as other posters said they measure usually once a week. I had variations of tightness of the mask (the radiation therapists said sometimes your face area gets swollen) but I think at the beginning--a lot is nerves and the newness of the mask. You will get use to it--I was panicked at first BUT after a few weeks I would get drowsy in it. Good luck!