[acanby]

I'll chime in here with my experience.

I am not someone who generally suffers from claustrophobia, but as a tall person (6ft 5in) who is by no means fat, I can honestly say it was one of the worst things I've had to do. My shoulders are broad enough that it felt as if I was uncomfortably wedged within the machine, and that I was far enough inside the machine that should something go wrong it would be impossible for me to get out unassisted.

Perhaps it wasn't so much claustrophobia in my case, more my total dependence on someone else to get out. I am definitely not looking to go through that experience again any time soon.

I think there are definitely things that can be done to improve the experience.

Also worth noting: I do realise that these machines come in different sizes, but they are also expensive to purchase (replace), so I am not holding my breath for regular updates at every hospital when they can add another inch to the diameter of the chamber.