Article: Although you may be limited in how the specialist places you in the machine, be sure to position yourself in a way that is comfortable. Take any prescribed medications before your procedure, unless told otherwise by your physician, in order to avoid any discomfort. Depending on your triggers, a darker or lighter room may make you feel more at ease. The correct ambience will put you at ease and make the time appear to go by quicker. Talk with the specialist/technologist and your physician about means to improve the environment in which the MRI imaging is taking place. Maintaining a comfortable temperature will limit your anxiety. Most hospitals or imaging centers should have blankets available if the room is too cold. A soft blanket will also add an extra layer of comfort. Depending on the procedure, an MRI scan can take anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes, so you will want to have on clothes that you can lay around in for a while. Do not wear tight or restrictive clothes, which may intensify your feelings of discomfort and possibly feelings of claustrophobia. Instead, wear clothes that are loose-fitting and allow for lots of air movement. If you are unsure what to wear, talk to the MRI specialist or your physician about appropriate clothing for your procedure.  Avoid wearing clothes with any metal. You maybe asked to change into a hospital gown, which can increase anxiety, if your clothing is incompatible with the machine. Because you have to be positioned a certain way during the MRI scan, there are a variety of different pillows created specifically for MRI procedures that will help you stay comfortable while you are in the imaging machine. Typically, the hospital or imaging center should have pillows available for you to use. However, if these pillows are unavailable, or you find them uncomfortable, talk with your physician or the imaging specialist about buying your own MRI pillow to bring to the procedure.
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Ensure your physical comfort. Change the brightness of the lights in the room. Alter the room’s temperature. Wear comfortable clothes. Use an MRI pillow.