Full Idea
Some higher-order theorists say we have qualitative but unconscious mental states of color or pain (qualia), but there is nothing it is like to be in such a state, which needs higher-order awareness. The meta-states are devoid of qualia.
Gist of Idea
Maybe qualia only exist at the lower level, and a higher-level is needed for what-it-is-like
Source
Robert van Gulick (Mirror Mirror - Is That All? [2006], §I.5)
Book Reference
'Self-Representational Approaches to Consciousness', ed/tr. Kriegel,U /Williford,K [MIT 2006], p.15
A Reaction
He calls this the 'stranded qualia' problem. Clearly one begins to sharpen Ockham's Razor at this point, if the higher-level state isn't contributing something. I don't rule out unconscious qualia. The strength of a real pain is distorted in a dream.