If you use CPAP for sleep apnea and you’ve ever woken up feeling like you swallowed a balloon, you’re not alone. CPAP aerophagia—basically, swallowing air during CPAP therapy—can show up as bloating, burping, stomach discomfort, or even chest pressure. It’s annoying, sometimes painful, and it can make people question whether CPAP is “worth it,” even when the therapy is otherwise helping a lot.
The good news is that aerophagia is usually fixable. Most of the time it comes down to a few adjustable factors: pressure settings, mask fit, sleeping position, humidity, and how your body responds to airflow. In this guide, we’ll walk through what aerophagia feels like, why it happens, and practical ways to reduce it—without turning your nights into a science experiment.
Because this is being published on seniorserviceprovider.com, I’ll also keep an eye on what tends to matter more as we age: comfort, dry mouth, reflux, dental changes, medications, and making setups simpler rather than more complicated.
What CPAP aerophagia actually is (and why it feels so weird)
Aerophagia means “air eating.” With CPAP, it doesn’t mean you’re literally gulping air on purpose—it’s more that pressurized airflow can slip past the upper airway and get pushed down toward the esophagus. Once air enters the digestive tract, it has to go somewhere. That’s why people describe it as burping, gassiness, abdominal swelling, or a tight, distended feeling.
It can be confusing because CPAP is aimed at your airway, not your stomach. But the throat is a shared hallway. The trachea (airway) and esophagus (food tube) sit next to each other, and the muscles and valves that separate them don’t always behave perfectly during sleep—especially when pressure, sleep stage, and body position change through the night.
Some people only notice aerophagia occasionally. Others feel it most nights, especially if they’ve recently changed pressure settings, switched masks, started sleeping on their back, or developed reflux symptoms. It can also come and go with stress, nasal congestion, or alcohol intake.
Common symptoms: how to tell aerophagia from “just a bad night”
Aerophagia can look different from person to person, but a few signs come up again and again. The most classic is waking up with a bloated belly and lots of burping. Some people feel pressure under the ribs or a crampy, gassy discomfort that wasn’t there at bedtime.
Another clue is timing: aerophagia often feels worse in the morning or after you’ve been lying down for several hours. You might feel better after walking around a bit, passing gas, or sitting upright. If you notice that the discomfort eases once you stop CPAP and move around, that’s another hint.
It’s also common to see “secondary symptoms” that aren’t obviously stomach-related. For example, some people wake up more often because the pressure in the belly makes it harder to stay asleep. Others feel mild nausea, a sour taste, or a sensation of reflux—especially if they already deal with GERD.
Bloating, belching, and abdominal discomfort
Bloating is the symptom most people talk about first. It can range from a mild “puffy” feeling to a pronounced distention that makes pants feel tight in the morning. Belching may show up as repeated small burps or a few big ones right after waking.
Discomfort varies too. Some people describe it as pressure; others as cramps. If you’re older, have a history of digestive issues, or take medications that affect digestion (like certain pain medicines), the discomfort can feel more intense even with the same amount of swallowed air.
One practical tip: if you’re tracking your CPAP data, note whether nights with higher pressures or more leaks correlate with worse bloating. Patterns can help you and your clinician adjust settings more confidently.
Chest pressure, shortness of breath feelings, and anxiety spikes
Sometimes aerophagia can feel like chest tightness, especially if the stomach is distended and pushing upward. That sensation can be unsettling and may trigger anxiety, particularly if you wake up suddenly. The important thing is to take the symptom seriously while also recognizing that it can be mechanical pressure rather than a heart or lung issue.
If you ever have new chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or symptoms that don’t match your usual pattern, it’s worth getting medical attention right away. Aerophagia is common, but you never want to assume every chest sensation is “just CPAP.”
For many people, the anxiety part becomes a loop: discomfort wakes you up, you tense up, you swallow more air, and the cycle continues. Breaking that loop often involves small changes—like reducing leaks, using a gentler pressure ramp, or addressing reflux—so your body doesn’t feel like it’s fighting the machine.
Reflux-like symptoms and morning throat irritation
Aerophagia and reflux can overlap. Swallowed air can increase stomach pressure, which can encourage reflux in people who are prone to it. On the flip side, reflux can irritate the throat and make you more sensitive to airflow, which can lead to more swallowing.
If you wake up with a sour taste, burning, or a scratchy throat, consider whether GERD is part of the picture. This is especially common in older adults and in anyone who eats later in the evening, drinks alcohol, or lies flat soon after dinner.
It’s also worth noting that dry mouth and mouth breathing can make reflux symptoms feel worse. When the mouth and throat are dry, any irritation stands out more. Humidity settings and mask choice can matter a lot here.
Why aerophagia happens: the usual suspects
Aerophagia isn’t a sign that you’re “doing CPAP wrong.” It’s usually a sign that the pressure, mask setup, or sleep posture isn’t matching your body’s needs at that moment. Even if your CPAP is controlling apnea events, comfort issues can still show up.
Think of CPAP as a gentle air splint. If the splint is stronger than it needs to be, or if it’s being delivered in a way that encourages leaks and swallowing, the body may respond by pushing air into the esophagus—especially during lighter sleep stages or when you partially wake up.
Here are the most common drivers, and why they matter.
Pressure settings that are higher than you need (or rise too quickly)
Higher pressure can be lifesaving for apnea, but it can also increase the chance that air finds its way into the esophagus. This is especially true if you’re using an auto-adjusting machine (APAP) that ramps up pressure in response to events, snoring, or flow limitation.
Some people do fine at a steady pressure but struggle when the machine jumps around. Others have trouble with the initial blast of air at bedtime. That’s where features like ramp, EPR (expiratory pressure relief), or bilevel therapy can help—because they change how pressure feels when you’re falling asleep and exhaling.
It’s tempting to self-adjust settings, but it’s best to talk with your sleep clinician first. Small changes can make a big difference, and you want to protect therapy effectiveness while improving comfort.
Mask leaks and the “fight the airflow” effect
Leaks don’t just waste air—they can change how your throat behaves. When air leaks toward the eyes or out the sides of the mask, many people subconsciously tense their mouth or swallow to “manage” the sensation. That can increase swallowed air.
Leaks can also cause the machine to respond by increasing pressure (depending on model and settings). That extra pressure may worsen aerophagia, creating a frustrating cycle: leak → pressure increase → more swallowing → more discomfort → more wake-ups.
Mask fit is not just about stopping leaks; it’s about getting a stable, comfortable seal that doesn’t require you to clamp your jaw or adjust the mask all night.
Sleeping position: back sleeping and chin-tucking
Back sleeping can make airway collapse more likely, which can lead to higher pressures and more mouth opening. It can also encourage the tongue and soft tissues to fall backward, changing the geometry of the throat in a way that promotes swallowing air.
Another sneaky issue is chin-tucking—when your chin drops toward your chest, especially with thicker pillows. This posture can narrow the airway and alter pressure dynamics. Some people notice aerophagia is worse when they use a tall pillow or sleep in a recliner with their chin angled down.
Small posture changes—like a lower pillow, a soft cervical collar, or side sleeping—can reduce the pressure you need and make swallowing air less likely.
Nasal congestion and mouth breathing
If your nose is blocked, you’ll naturally open your mouth to breathe. Mouth breathing can increase dryness and encourage air to enter the digestive tract, particularly if the tongue isn’t sealing against the roof of the mouth.
Congestion can be seasonal allergies, a deviated septum, dry indoor air, or even irritation from CPAP airflow that’s not humidified enough. Seniors often have more nasal dryness, and certain medications can contribute too.
Addressing nasal airflow—through humidity adjustments, saline rinses, allergy management, or a different mask style—can reduce mouth leaks and the swallowing reflex.
First steps that often help within a few nights
If aerophagia is making you dread bedtime, start with the simplest changes first. You’re aiming for a setup that feels calm and stable—less air “fighting,” fewer leaks, and smoother breathing. Many people see improvement without changing their machine type or doing anything complicated.
Also, try not to change five things at once. If you tweak one variable, give it a few nights (unless it’s clearly worse). That way you’ll know what actually helped.
Use ramp and exhalation relief to make airflow feel gentler
Ramp starts you at a lower pressure and gradually increases it as you fall asleep. If you feel like you’re being “inflated” right away, ramp can reduce that sensation and lower the chance you’ll swallow air while you’re still awake and aware of the pressure.
Exhalation relief (EPR, Flex, or similar depending on brand) reduces pressure slightly when you breathe out. Many people swallow less air when exhaling feels easier, because they’re not bracing against the machine.
These features are usually safe to try, but if your apnea is severe or you’re using specific clinical settings, check with your provider so therapy effectiveness stays strong.
Try side sleeping and simplify your pillow setup
Side sleeping often reduces the pressure needed to keep the airway open, which can reduce aerophagia. If you’re a dedicated back sleeper, even a partial shift—like a body pillow to keep you angled—can help.
Pillow height matters more than people think. A pillow that pushes the head forward can create chin-tucking, which can worsen both obstruction and swallowing air. Consider a slightly lower pillow, or one that supports the neck without forcing the chin down.
If shoulder pain makes side sleeping hard (common in older adults), experiment with a pillow between the knees, a supportive mattress topper, or a small pillow hugging the chest to reduce shoulder strain.
Check mask fit when you’re lying down, not standing up
Masks behave differently once you’re in your sleep position. Gravity changes how your cheeks and jaw sit, and straps that felt fine while standing can become too tight or too loose in bed. A mask that’s overtightened can actually leak more as the cushion can’t inflate and seal properly.
Do a fit check while lying down with the machine running at your typical pressure. If you use ramp, temporarily turn it off for the fit check so you’re testing the seal at real working pressure.
If you’re chasing leaks all night, it may be time to try a different cushion size or mask style. Comfort matters, and a stable seal can reduce the swallowing reflex.
Mask choices that can reduce swallowed air (without making you feel trapped)
Mask choice is personal, but it’s also one of the biggest levers for comfort. The goal is a mask that supports natural breathing—ideally through the nose—while minimizing leaks and pressure spikes. If you feel like you’re constantly managing your mask, your body is more likely to swallow air.
In general, nasal masks and nasal pillows can work well for aerophagia if you can breathe through your nose comfortably. Full-face masks can be helpful if you truly need mouth breathing, but they can sometimes increase the sensation of “too much air” for certain users.
Nasal pillows vs nasal masks vs full-face masks
Nasal pillows are minimal and can feel less claustrophobic. They deliver air directly into the nostrils, which some people find reduces the urge to swallow. However, they can irritate the nose if humidity is too low or if sizing is off.
Nasal masks cover the nose and can be a nice middle ground. They often feel more stable than pillows and can handle a bit more movement without losing the seal. For many, that stability means fewer wake-ups and less air swallowing.
Full-face masks cover the nose and mouth, which helps if you can’t keep your mouth closed. But if your mouth opens widely at night, you may still get leaks, and the larger internal volume can feel like more airflow to manage. The “best” mask is the one that gives you calm, steady breathing with minimal leaks.
When a chin strap or soft collar helps (and when it doesn’t)
If you’re mainly swallowing air because your mouth falls open, a gentle chin strap can help keep the jaw from dropping. The key word is gentle—if it’s too tight, you may clench, feel sore, or wake up more often.
A soft cervical collar can help with both mouth opening and chin-tucking. It supports the jaw and keeps the neck in a more neutral position. Many people are surprised by how much a small posture change reduces pressure needs and aerophagia.
These supports aren’t for everyone, especially if you have neck problems or feel confined. But they can be a low-cost experiment if your data shows mouth leaks and your mornings feel bloated.
Choosing a mask that seals well without over-tightening
A common mistake is tightening straps to stop leaks. Most modern cushions are designed to inflate slightly and “float” on the face. When straps are too tight, the cushion can buckle, creating micro-leaks that lead to pressure changes—and more swallowing.
If you’re exploring options, browsing reputable suppliers can help you compare styles and sizing. Many people do well with ResMed CPAP masks because there are multiple fit styles (nasal, pillows, full-face) and cushions designed to seal with less pressure on the skin.
Whatever brand you choose, aim for: a stable seal in your usual sleep position, minimal strap tension, and a cushion that feels soft rather than “sticky” or pinchy. If you wake with red marks that last for hours, that’s a sign the setup needs tweaking.
Pressure tweaks: what to discuss with your sleep provider
If you’ve tried the basics—position, mask fit, humidity—and aerophagia is still a regular problem, it’s time to look at therapy settings. This doesn’t mean your treatment is failing; it means your comfort needs a little more personalization.
Bring specifics to the conversation: when symptoms happen, whether they correlate with higher pressure, and whether your machine reports leaks. If you use software or an app that shows pressure graphs, that can be helpful too.
APAP range adjustments and avoiding unnecessary pressure spikes
Auto-adjusting machines are great, but sometimes the pressure range is set too wide. If your minimum pressure is too low, the machine may chase events by surging upward, which can feel abrupt and increase swallowing. A slightly higher minimum can create steadier breathing and fewer spikes.
On the other hand, if the maximum pressure is set higher than you ever realistically need, the machine might occasionally climb into a range that triggers aerophagia, even if it’s only for short periods.
Your provider can use your data to narrow the range so you get what you need without extra “headroom” that causes discomfort.
Considering bilevel (BiPAP) when exhaling feels like work
If you feel like you’re pushing against the machine to exhale, or if aerophagia remains stubborn, bilevel therapy can be a game changer for some people. Bilevel provides higher pressure on inhale (to keep the airway open) and lower pressure on exhale (to improve comfort).
That difference can reduce the tendency to swallow air because your throat and esophagus aren’t dealing with the same constant pressure throughout the breathing cycle.
This isn’t something you switch to casually—it’s a clinical decision—but it’s worth discussing if you’ve tried other adjustments and still wake up bloated or uncomfortable.
When “more pressure” isn’t the answer
It’s easy to assume that if you’re still tired, you need more pressure. But fatigue can come from many places: mask leaks, awakenings, limb movements, medications, pain, or simply not sleeping long enough.
If aerophagia is causing awakenings, raising pressure may actually make things worse. The goal is effective therapy that you can tolerate night after night. Comfort is not a luxury—it’s part of adherence.
That’s why it helps to treat aerophagia as a systems problem. Sometimes the best improvement comes from a small pressure reduction paired with better mask fit and improved nasal breathing.
Humidity, temperature, and nasal comfort: the underappreciated trio
Dryness and congestion can push you into mouth breathing, which can worsen both leaks and air swallowing. Humidity settings are one of the most overlooked ways to make CPAP feel natural.
There’s no perfect humidity number for everyone. Your ideal setting depends on climate, season, indoor heating, and your own nasal tissues. Seniors often have more dryness, and if you’re on medications that dry mucous membranes, you may need more humidity than you think.
Finding a humidity level that reduces mouth breathing
If your nose feels dry, itchy, or burns slightly, try increasing humidity gradually. If you wake with water in the mask or a gurgling tube (“rainout”), you may need to reduce humidity or add a heated hose.
When humidity is right, nasal breathing feels easier, and you’re less likely to open your mouth. That can reduce the amount of air that ends up in the stomach.
Give each adjustment a few nights. Nasal tissues can take time to calm down, especially if you’ve been mouth breathing for months or years.
Heated tubing and managing rainout without sacrificing comfort
Heated tubing helps keep moisture from condensing in the hose. This can be especially helpful in winter or in air-conditioned rooms. If rainout wakes you up, you may tighten your jaw or swallow repeatedly, which can contribute to aerophagia.
Another simple trick is hose management: keep the hose under the blanket or use a hose lift so condensation drains away from the mask. Sometimes the fix is purely mechanical.
If you’re sensitive to warm air, you can still use humidity—just adjust temperature and humidity separately if your machine allows it. Comfort is the goal, not “maximum humidity.”
Nasal rinses, allergy control, and keeping airflow smooth
Saline rinses or sprays before bed can reduce congestion and improve nasal comfort. If allergies are a factor, consistent management (medications, air filters, bedding changes) can make CPAP feel dramatically easier.
Try to avoid using harsh decongestant sprays long-term unless directed by a clinician, because rebound congestion can make things worse. Gentle, consistent routines tend to work better.
When nasal airflow is smooth, your body is less likely to “panic swallow” against pressure. It’s one of those small improvements that can have a big ripple effect.
GERD and aerophagia: when the stomach is already irritated
If you have reflux, aerophagia can feel worse, and reflux can become more noticeable once you start CPAP—partly because you’re paying attention to sensations you used to sleep through. The relationship goes both ways: swallowed air increases stomach pressure, and reflux irritation can increase swallowing and awakenings.
Many older adults deal with GERD, hiatal hernia, or medications that relax the lower esophageal sphincter. If that’s you, it’s worth approaching aerophagia with reflux in mind, not as a separate issue.
Simple evening habits that reduce pressure in the stomach
Try to finish larger meals 3–4 hours before bed when possible. Late dinners, heavy fats, chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, and large volumes of liquid can all worsen reflux and increase the chance you’ll feel bloated with CPAP.
If you need a bedtime snack, keep it small and easy to digest. Some people do better with protein-forward snacks rather than sugary foods that can ferment and create gas.
Also consider how quickly you eat. Eating fast can increase swallowed air even before CPAP enters the picture. Slowing down at dinner can reduce nighttime bloating more than you’d expect.
Head-of-bed elevation and left-side sleeping
Elevating the head of the bed by 4–6 inches can reduce reflux for many people. A wedge pillow can help, but some wedges push the chin down and worsen airway issues—so pay attention to neck position. Ideally, the torso is elevated while the neck stays neutral.
Left-side sleeping is often recommended for reflux because of stomach anatomy. If you can tolerate it, it may reduce both reflux symptoms and the pressure needs for sleep apnea, which can be a double win for aerophagia.
If you use a recliner, watch for chin-tucking. A small neck pillow or adjusting the recline angle can keep your airway more open and reduce swallowed air.
When to talk to your clinician about reflux treatment
If you have frequent heartburn, regurgitation, chronic cough, hoarseness, or you’re relying on antacids most nights, talk with your healthcare provider. Treating reflux can reduce throat irritation and help CPAP feel smoother.
It’s also important to review medications. Some medications can worsen reflux or slow digestion, increasing bloating. A clinician can help you weigh risks and benefits and consider alternatives if appropriate.
Addressing GERD doesn’t mean CPAP is the problem—it just means you’re supporting your whole sleep system so therapy is easier to tolerate.
Equipment maintenance: small replacements that make a big comfort difference
When aerophagia shows up, people often focus only on pressure. But worn equipment can quietly create leaks, discomfort, and instability that lead to more swallowing. Cushions soften, headgear stretches, and valves lose their snap over time.
Maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s mostly about noticing when the setup feels different—more leaks, more strap tightening, or more noise—and replacing the part that’s no longer doing its job.
Cushions and headgear: the slow creep toward leaks
Mask cushions can look “fine” but still be worn. Oils from skin, cleaning routines, and time all change how the silicone seals. If you’ve had to tighten straps more than usual, that’s often a sign the cushion is past its prime.
Headgear stretches gradually. When headgear loses elasticity, the mask shifts more during sleep, leading to micro-leaks and pressure fluctuations. Those fluctuations can trigger swallowing and wake-ups.
If you’re troubleshooting aerophagia, it’s worth asking: did this start around the time your cushion got older or you noticed more leaks? Sometimes replacing a simple part solves what feels like a complex problem.
Filters, hoses, and the “breathing through a straw” feeling
Dirty filters can make airflow feel less smooth and can irritate the nose. That irritation can lead to congestion and mouth breathing, which can worsen aerophagia. Check and replace filters on schedule, especially if you have pets or live in a dusty environment.
Hoses can develop tiny cracks or loose connections that create leaks. Even small leaks can lead to pressure compensation by the machine, which can increase the chance of swallowed air.
If your setup feels noisier than usual or you notice air blowing where it shouldn’t, a quick equipment check can save you weeks of discomfort.
Where to source reliable replacements (without guesswork)
When you need replacement parts, it helps to use a supplier that clearly lists compatible components and genuine items. If you’re looking to buy ResMed parts, make sure you match the exact mask model and cushion size you currently use so you don’t accidentally introduce new leaks while trying to solve aerophagia.
It can also be helpful to keep one spare cushion or seal on hand. That way, if aerophagia suddenly gets worse and you suspect leaks, you can swap parts quickly and see if the problem improves.
And if you’re still building your CPAP setup or comparing options, a broad retailer like CPAP Outlet can make it easier to cross-check mask styles, accessories, and replacement schedules in one place.
Night-by-night troubleshooting: a practical way to pinpoint your trigger
Aerophagia can feel random, but it often follows patterns. The trick is to look for the “why” behind the worst nights. Instead of guessing, use a simple troubleshooting routine that respects your time and energy.
If you’re helping a parent or spouse with CPAP, this approach is especially useful because it reduces overwhelm. You’re not trying to perfect everything—you’re trying to identify the one or two changes that make the biggest difference.
Keep a simple comfort log (two minutes, tops)
In the morning, jot down three things: (1) bloating level from 0–10, (2) whether you woke up due to mask/air issues, and (3) anything unusual (late meal, alcohol, congestion, new pillow). That’s it.
After a week, you may see patterns: aerophagia worse on back-sleeping nights, worse after late dinners, or worse when leaks were high. This helps you make targeted changes rather than random ones.
If you have access to CPAP data, add one more note: approximate maximum pressure or leak status. You don’t need to become a data expert—just enough to see trends.
Adjust one variable at a time
If you change mask type, pressure settings, humidity, and sleep position all at once, you won’t know what helped. Pick one change and give it 3–5 nights. If it’s clearly better, keep it. If it’s clearly worse, revert and try a different approach.
For example, you might start with posture (side sleeping + lower pillow), then move to humidity, then discuss pressure changes with your provider. This stepwise approach is calmer and usually faster in the long run.
Also remember: some discomfort in the first week of CPAP can be temporary as your body adapts. But persistent, painful bloating is not something you should just “push through.”
Know when it’s time for professional help
If aerophagia is severe, causes vomiting, leads you to stop CPAP, or triggers intense chest discomfort, talk to your sleep clinician promptly. Sometimes the fix is a setting adjustment; sometimes it’s evaluating for GERD, hiatal hernia, or other factors.
It’s also worth reaching out if you’re seeing a lot of central apneas, very high pressures, or frequent awakenings in your data. Those patterns can change how pressure should be managed.
Getting help isn’t “failing CPAP.” It’s how you tailor therapy so it actually works for your life.
Special considerations for older adults and caregivers
As we age, sleep gets lighter, the mouth and nose can get drier, and health conditions like reflux or dental changes become more common. That doesn’t mean CPAP is harder—it just means comfort details matter more.
If you’re a caregiver, your role is often to simplify: reduce leaks, reduce confusion, and make the routine easy enough that it happens consistently.
Dry mouth, dentures, and facial structure changes
Dry mouth can push people toward mouth breathing and swallowing. If dentures are removed at night, facial structure changes can also affect mask fit and jaw position, which can increase leaks and the tendency to swallow air.
In these cases, a mask refit may be needed, and humidity settings may need to go up. Sometimes a different cushion style seals better on softer facial tissues.
If you wake with a very dry mouth, it’s also worth checking for mouth leaks in your CPAP data, or noticing whether the mouth feels open when you wake up.
Arthritis, dexterity issues, and simplifying the setup
Fiddly clips and tight straps can be frustrating if you have arthritis or reduced hand strength. If the mask is hard to put on, it may be worn too loosely, leading to leaks and pressure changes that worsen aerophagia.
Look for masks with easy-release clips, magnetic clasps (if medically appropriate), and headgear that stays adjusted once it’s set. A consistent fit reduces nighttime adjustments and helps the body relax into therapy.
Also consider hose management tools so the hose doesn’t tug on the mask when you turn. Less tugging usually means fewer leaks and less swallowing.
Medication timing and nighttime digestion
Some medications can worsen reflux, cause dry mouth, or slow digestion, which can amplify aerophagia symptoms. If you notice bloating is worse after starting a new medication, bring it up with your clinician or pharmacist.
Even the timing of supplements can matter. Iron, calcium, and certain pain medications can irritate the stomach for some people. Taking them earlier in the day (if allowed) may reduce nighttime discomfort.
Small timing changes can make CPAP nights much more comfortable—especially when reflux and aerophagia overlap.
Putting it all together: a realistic plan for calmer CPAP nights
If you’re dealing with CPAP aerophagia, try to think in layers. Start with the easy comfort wins (position, pillow, ramp, humidity). Then address leaks and mask stability. Then, if needed, talk to your provider about pressure strategy or bilevel therapy.
Most people don’t need a dramatic overhaul. They need one or two targeted tweaks that reduce pressure swings and make breathing feel natural. When that happens, the swallowing reflex often settles down on its own.
Your goal isn’t just “good numbers” on a report—it’s sleeping through the night without waking up bloated, uncomfortable, or worried. With the right adjustments, CPAP can feel like background noise again, which is exactly what you want.