Aeriophilia is a very specialized sub-category of medical fetishism in which sexual arousal is induced by the idea of general anesthesia, and the various equipment and paraphernalia related to its use. Of particular interest to most (though not all) people with this fetish are the masks through which gaseous anesthetic agents are administered. Old-style anesthesia masks of black rubber - nicknamed Black Beauty - are particularly revered. People with this fetish may have a desire to administer anesthesia to someone, to be anesthetized themselves, to watch someone else being anesthetized, or any combination of these. Most common in this philia is the use of nitrous oxide [dinitrogen monoxide / N2O] which is known to cause a numb, tingling feeling in low doses, and drowsiness or sleep in higher doses when mixed with oxygen.

Due to the dangerous nature of anesthetics, inexperienced or casual play involving them is extremely risky - even the hands of trained professionals they are potentially very dangerous. Hypoxia, asphyxiation, suffocation, and death may occur if gases are not administered properly.