Help Gag reflex when 'practicing' for partial?

[nzdarkshark]

Just tested to see if I could get the right spot for partial again, with a dressing gown/bath robe belt and a washcloth for padding.
Once I tried to let my body relax and get the cloth in the right position, my gag reflex kept kicking in. Does that mean I need better padding, or is this normal?

 

[k75]

Haven't heard of that being an issue before so I don't know, but I do know that if you make a fist and squeeze your left thumb in it, it'll help combat the gag reflex.