diff --git a/bxa/sherpa/background/models.py b/bxa/sherpa/background/models.py
index 198ad8a..5f32589 100644
--- a/bxa/sherpa/background/models.py
+++ b/bxa/sherpa/background/models.py
@@ -126,8 +126,8 @@ def set_filter(self):
 		notice(0.4, 9.8)
 	def set_model(self, stage):
 		i = self.storage.i
-		withsoft = stage > 0
-		withlines = stage > 1
+		withsoft = stage not in ('continuum')
+		withlines = stage not in ('continuum', 'softfeatures')
 		logbm.info('stage "%s" for %s ...' % (stage, i))
 		continuum = self.boxes[0]
 		contlevel = self.contlevel
diff --git a/examples/sherpa/chandra/fit.py b/examples/sherpa/chandra/fit.py
index c0aface..a792e95 100644
--- a/examples/sherpa/chandra/fit.py
+++ b/examples/sherpa/chandra/fit.py
@@ -61,11 +61,11 @@
 sphere.abund_.freeze()
 sphere.fe_abund_.freeze()
 sphere.redshift = redshift
-sphere.nH.min = 1e20 / 1e22
-sphere.nH.max = 1e26 / 1e22
-sphere.nH.val = 1e22 / 1e22
-galabso.nH.freeze()
-galabso.nH.val = galnh_value / 1e22
+sphere.nh.min = 1e20 / 1e22
+sphere.nh.max = 1e26 / 1e22
+sphere.nh.val = 1e22 / 1e22
+galabso.nh.freeze()
+galabso.nh.val = galnh_value / 1e22
 
 print('freezing background params')
 for p in get_bkg_model(id).pars: