VA was recently made aware of a recall on some Philips Respironics CPAP/BiPAP masks with magnetic closures due to a patient safety concern for patients with implanted medical devices. The magnets in the recalled masks may affect certain metallic medical devices or metallic objects in the body, presenting a potential risk. Masks with magnets made by other companies are not included in the recall. VA has paused distribution of identified masks to any patients until updated warnings can be included with shipments.
The magnetic closures for these masks can cause implanted medical devices to malfunction if they are within 6 inches of implanted metallic medical devices. These implanted medical devices can include pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, neurostimulators, magnetic metallic implants/electrodes/valves (placed in upper limbs, torso, or higher), cerebral spinal fluid shunts (e.g., ventriculo peritoneal shunt), embolic coils, magnetic denture attachments, certain magnetic metallic implants and others. A list of devices that may be impacted is on the FDA website.
This issue impacts patients nationwide with an implanted device who wear these masks, including Veterans and their partners and other loved ones who are within close proximity. VA is working to contact patients who have been issued an affected Philips Respironics mask and will provide plastic replacement clips or masks without magnets to impacted Veterans. We encourage Veterans who are concerned about using their masks with magnetic closures to contact their VA care team. While awaiting a replacement, the magnets can be removed and the Velcro strap will fit through the empty magnet space to secure the mask.
VA Communication activities include:
Notifying clinical and public affairs staff members nationwide to facilitate communicate directly to potentially impacted Veterans and through social media.
Sending email to Veterans who have received a mask of any brand, with or without magnets, from the VA since 2018.
When we resume shipping masks we will include a warning label with each recalled mask shipment.
Developing handout and electronic posters for use in VA clinics.
Publishing blog for VAntage Point; https://news.va.gov/108910/philips-pap-masks-recalled/