The responses here echo my experience. It was tight at first but loosened up over time as I lost weight. They also made some cuts that made it more comfortable while still keeping me immobile.

I also was given Ativan even though I never really felt that anxious in the mask. The only caution I'd contribute is that there can be withdrawal issues with Ativan if you take it for a few months and then abruptly stop. I'm dealing with that right now and it's taking a gradual reduction in dosage to get me off without the side effects I felt when I went cold turkey right after treatment.

My mask got tighter as I gained weight during the 7 weeks of treatment. Lets just say I have "fluffed up" since my surgeries!! I just sucked it up and got through it. I was not usually snapped into place for more than 15-20 minutes at a time. i was able to put my mind elsewhere and get through it. It definitely helped to have music going to take my mind off of where I was. At the end of treatment I would have impressions of the netting of the mask. That always made me chuckle and certainly caused a few stares as I would leave treatment.

You will get through this. Hugs

Donna