diff --git a/lib/sync.js b/lib/sync.js
index 4d1cd71e9..ff4e8ba9d 100644
--- a/lib/sync.js
+++ b/lib/sync.js
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ var Filter = require("./filter");
 // beyond that and wedge forever, so we need to track how long we are willing
 // to keep open the connection. This constant is *ADDED* to the timeout= value
 // to determine the max time we're willing to wait.
-var BUFFER_PERIOD_MS = 20 * 1000;
+var BUFFER_PERIOD_MS = 80 * 1000;
 
 function getFilterName(userId, suffix) {
     // scope this on the user ID because people may login on many accounts