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Claustrophobic About an MRI? How Open MRI Makes Imaging Easier

Published July 8th, 2026 by Great Lakes Medical Imaging

If the thought of an MRI makes you nervous, you are far from alone. Many people feel anxious or claustrophobic about the idea of lying inside a machine, because traditional MRI units can feel narrow and enclosed. That worry is real, and it matters, because some people put off or skip an MRI entirely. Delaying imaging can mean delaying answers, which is the opposite of what you want when your provider is trying to understand your health.

The good news is that comfort and clear imaging do not have to be a trade-off. At Great Lakes Medical Imaging (GLMI), serving Buffalo and Western New York including Williamsville, Cheektowaga, Orchard Park, and Cambria in Niagara County, you have more than one type of MRI to choose from. That includes an open design and wide-bore options built with patient comfort in mind. If anxiety has been the only thing standing between you and a scan you need, this article is for you.

Why an MRI Can Feel Stressful

An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed pictures of soft tissues inside your body. It does not use ionizing radiation, so there are no X-rays involved. That is one of the reasons MRI is so valuable for looking closely at muscles, joints, organs, and other structures.

So if the technology is safe and painless, why the nerves? For many people, it comes down to the feeling of being enclosed. Older, narrower machines can feel tight, especially if you are larger in size or simply do not like small spaces. The sounds an MRI makes and the need to stay still can add to that uneasy feeling. Knowing what causes the stress is the first step, because once you understand it, you can plan around it.

How an Open MRI Helps Anxious Patients

One of the most reassuring options at GLMI is the OPEN 1.2T High Field MRI. As the name suggests, this is an open-sided design rather than a long, narrow tunnel. Many patients find it far more comfortable, including those who experience claustrophobia and those who are larger in size and have felt squeezed by older equipment.

The open layout gives you more space and a more open line of sight, which can make a meaningful difference if enclosed spaces are your main concern. For a lot of people, simply knowing an open option exists is enough to move forward with imaging they have been avoiding. If that sounds like you, it is worth asking the GLMI team whether the open unit is a good fit for the type of scan your provider has ordered.

Wide-Bore MRI: More Room, High-Quality Images

Open is not the only comfort-focused choice. GLMI also offers wide-bore MRI options, which have a larger opening than older, narrower machines. The extra space inside can ease that closed-in feeling while still delivering the detailed images your provider needs.

Wide Bore 3.0T MRI: a high-strength magnet paired with a roomier opening. Learn more about the Wide Bore 3.0T MRI.
Wide Bore High Field 1.5T MRI: another wide-bore design that combines comfort with strong imaging capability. See details on the Wide Bore High Field 1.5T MRI.

Having several MRI designs under one roof means you and your provider can match the machine to your needs and your comfort level. If you are not sure which option suits you, that is a great question to raise when you schedule your appointment, so the team can guide you before you ever arrive.

How to Prepare for Your MRI

A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth visit. These general reminders apply to most MRI appointments, though your provider or the GLMI team may give you specific instructions for your scan.

Wear comfortable clothing without metal, such as zippers, snaps, or underwire.
Remove jewelry before your appointment, or leave it at home.
Tell the technologist about any concerns you have, including anxiety or claustrophobia.

That last point is important. The technologists are there to help, and letting them know how you feel allows them to support you throughout the process. You are never expected to simply tough it out in silence.

Practical Comfort Tips for the Day of Your Scan

Beyond the basics, a few simple habits can help you feel more at ease. None of these are medical instructions, just reassuring, everyday steps that many people find helpful.

Arrive a few minutes early so you are not rushing, which gives you time to settle in.
Ask the technologist questions beforehand so you know what to expect during the scan.
Ask whether a support person can be nearby, which can be a comfort for some patients.
Focus on slow, steady breathing to help your body relax.
Let staff know if you feel uncomfortable at any point during the scan.

Western New Yorkers know a thing or two about preparing for whatever the day brings, whether it is a lake-effect snow squall or a packed weekend of activity. Approach your MRI the same way: a small amount of planning ahead makes the experience much easier to handle.

Do Not Let Worry Delay the Answers You Need

When your provider orders an MRI, the goal is information. Detailed imaging helps your provider evaluate what is happening inside your body so you can move toward the right plan together. Avoiding the scan only keeps those answers out of reach, and that can delay a diagnosis at a time when clarity matters most.

If anxiety has held you back before, remember that you now have options designed with that exact worry in mind. To explore the full range of available scans, visit the Imaging Services page, or browse the FAQ for answers to common questions. When you are ready, the GLMI team is happy to talk through your concerns and help you feel prepared.

Convenient Care Across Western New York

GLMI offers imaging at several locations across the Buffalo region, so you can find care close to home:

You deserve imaging that works for your body and your comfort level. If claustrophobia or anxiety has made you hesitate, reach out and let the team help you find the right fit. Contact GLMI or call 716-836-4646 to ask questions or get started, and take that next step toward the answers you and your provider are looking for.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or appropriate diagnostic testing. Individual health circumstances vary, and decisions about imaging or treatment should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider.

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