Updated information on masks with magnets for mask users
Last updated: November 20, 2023
Patient safety is ResMed’s top priority, and we will always follow our guiding principles that prioritise patient needs and safety to ensure the best care is given to the millions of people we serve worldwide.
We understand how important the right mask is to ongoing therapy for people with sleep apnoea, COPD, and other chronic diseases. Over the past year, we have been engaged in discussions with Health Regulators to ensure that we are up to date with the latest recommendations around the use of magnets when in close proximity to certain implants and medical devices.
To provide patients and healthcare professionals with updated guidance on the safe use of ResMed masks with magnets, we have updated the contraindications and warnings sections in our user guides. Our actions are in response to new information obtained through the latest regulatory recommendations, post-market surveillance, and industry practices related to the potential magnetic interference of our masks with magnets when in close proximity to certain implants or medical devices.
For more information, please refer to the FAQs below, and if you have questions about your specific situation, please consult your mask provider or physician/doctor.
ResMed masks with magnets have magnetic clips to facilitate a simple and easy way for patients to attach and detach the headgear to the mask frame.
Does this apply to me?
If you do not use a mask with magnets, the updated contraindications and warnings do not apply to you.
The updated contraindications for ResMed masks with magnets only apply if you, or anyone in close physical contact with you while using the mask (e.g., bed partner), has a certain implant or medical device that is identified below.
If you use a ResMed mask with magnets, you should also be aware of the updated warning noted below.
Updated contraindications*
Masks with magnetic components are contraindicated for use by patients where they, or anyone in close physical contact while using the mask, have the following:
- Active medical implants that interact with magnets (i.e., pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), neurostimulators, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts, insulin/infusion pumps)
- Metallic implants/objects containing ferromagnetic material (i.e., aneurysm clips/flow disruption devices, embolic coils, stents, valves, electrodes, implants to restore hearing or balance with implanted magnets, ocular implants, metallic splinters in the eye)
Updated warning**
Keep the mask magnets at a safe distance of at least 6 inches (150mm) away from implants or medical devices that may be adversely affected by magnetic interference. This warning applies to you or anyone in close physical contact with your mask. The magnets are in the frame and lower headgear clips, with a magnetic field strength of up to 400mT. When worn, they connect to secure the mask but may inadvertently detach while asleep.
Implants/medical devices, including those listed within contraindications, may be adversely affected if they change function under external magnetic fields or contain ferromagnetic materials that attract/repel to magnetic fields (some metallic implants, e.g., contact lenses with metal, dental implants, metallic cranial plates, screws, burr hole covers, and bone substitute devices). Consult your physician and manufacturer of your implant/other medical device for information on the potential adverse effects of magnetic fields.
Note, not all models or variants of medical devices listed in the contraindications are affected by external magnetic fields. If you are not sure whether an implant or medical device falls under the contraindications, or you require additional information on the potential adverse effects of magnetic fields for your particular implant or medical device, please contact your physician/doctor.
FAQs for mask users
ResMed’s masks with magnets are safe when used in accordance with the updated instructions for use, including the contraindications and warnings.
Magnets are used in some ResMed masks to provide a simple and easy way for the user to attach and detach the headgear to the mask frame. This can be notably beneficial to users with disabilities, including those facing dexterity or vision impairment.
Ferromagnetic refers to a material property that is influenced by magnetic fields (e.g., attracts/repels under magnetic fields). Materials that are ferromagnetic are generally made of iron, cobalt, nickel, or some alloys made of these elements.
Not all medical implants listed in the contraindications are made from ferromagnetic materials. If you are not sure whether an implant or medical device falls under the contraindications, or you require additional information on the potential adverse effects of magnetic fields for your particular implant or medical device, please contact your physician/doctor.
Replace your mask containing magnets with an alternative mask without magnets in a timely manner. Contact your mask provider for alternative mask options.
Note, ResMed is making its masks without magnets available to your mask provider for replacement purposes for contraindicated patients. If an alternative mask is not available, consult your physician/doctor for appropriate next steps regarding your therapy.
If you are not sure whether an implant or medical device falls under the contraindications, or you require additional information on the potential adverse effects of magnetic fields for your particular implant or medical device, please contact your mask provider or physician/doctor.
Contact your mask provider for alternative non-magnet mask options. Note, ResMed is making its masks without magnets available to your mask provider for replacement purposes for contraindicated patients.
Contact us
If you have any questions or concerns or would like more information, please contact your physician/doctor or mask provider.
To contact ResMed, please visit this page
Please refer to the user guides for relevant information related to any contraindications, warnings and precautions to be considered before and during use of the products.
*Contraindications: conditions under which the mask is not to be used.
**Warnings: identify a possible hazard and provide information on how to safely use the mask.
Content last updated: 03/2024