At first it was a little uncomfortable settling down onto it, laying on the mat, but within 2 - 3 minutes we were comfortable enough to drift off a little and it seemed like 30 minutes passed very quickly. I noted that, when my husband got off the mat there was definite evidence of increased circulation to the areas that touched the mat. No, the points did not puncture the skin. Yes, the rounded "pillow” pressure points do feel good on the back of the lower head. I use it almost every day for noSee full review