Issues with the Magnet of Philips Respironics Mask and…

A small number of Philips Respironics’ Nasal and Full-Face CPAP Masks have been the subject of an Urgent Medical Device Correction issued by the company. Magnets are attached to the headpiece straps of each and every one of these CPAP masks. 

The purpose of these magnets is to facilitate the process of attaching and detaching your headwear in an easier manner. However, they may result in complications for some people who use cpap masks. Let’s delve into the specifics of what this could mean for you in the paragraphs that follow.

See also: Are Memory Foam CPAP Masks Better Choice Than Silicone’s?

Which Implants and Devices Might Be Affected by These Magnets on the CPAP Mask?

The use of the mask is not recommended for patients who, along with members of their households, caregivers, and bed partners who may be in close proximity to patients using the masks, have implanted devices that may be affected by magnets. These devices include, but are not limited to the following:

• Neurostimulators
• Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD)
• Pacemakers
• Ocular implants (e.g., glaucoma implants, retinal implants)
• Ports and pumps that are implantable (e.g., insulin pumps)
• Some types of contact lenses that contain metal
• Implants, electrodes, or valves made of magnetic metallic material that are inserted in the upper limbs, torso, or higher (i.e., neck and head)
• CSF (cerebral spinal fluid) shunts (e.g., VP (ventriculo peritoneal) shunt)
• Magnetic denture attachments
• Aneurysm clips
• Implants made of magnetic metal that are not designated for MR and have not been tested for their safety in a magnetic field.
• Intracranial aneurysm intravascular flow disruption devices
• Implants that are designed to restore hearing or balance and contain a magnet (such as cochlear implants or implanted bone conduction devices)
• Skull plates, screws, burr hole coverings, and bone substitute devices made of metallic materials
• Objects made of metal embedded in the cornea
• Embolic coils
• Implants in the auditory brainstem, as well as bone conduction hearing aids)
• Metallic stents (e.g., aneurysm, coronary, tracheobronchial, biliary)
• Stimulators for the Hypoglossal Nerve
• Magnetic resonance (MR) hazardous labels applied to some devices
• Metallic gastrointestinal clips.

Which Philips Respironics Masks Are Affected by This Problem?

There are four different versions of CPAP masks that are impacted by this issue. There is the Amara View Full Face mask, the DreamWear Full Face mask, the DreamWisp Nasal mask, and finally there is the Wisp Nasal mask. 

Magnets on the headgear straps are a feature shared by each of these types, and they provide a potential problem for users of the CPAP masks.

There is no resolution for most of these models, therefore you will need to make adjustments to the mask models. To begin, there are methods that are both speedy and straightforward. In the following, we will go over each unique mask that was affected as well as relevant models that are comparable in case you need to make a modification.

What You Should do if You’re Affected by these magnets.

Each of these four masks that were affected by the Urgent Medical Device Correction has either a comparable alternative that we can offer or possibly even a simple alternate clip that could be used to address the problem, depending on the severity of the issue. Let’s take a look at each of the masks on their own so that we can determine which one would work best for you.

DreamWear Full Face Mask

The DreamWear full face is a CPAP mask that features little contact across the entire face. Magnetic clips are incorporated into the cushion of the mask and are one of its characteristics. There is no resolution available for this mask that will permit you to continue using the DreamWear Full. Sorry about that. This indicates that you are going to have to look for another option. 

Unfortunately, the only mask on the market that could be considered a direct competitor to this one is the F30i from ResMed, although it too incorporates magnets. 

Therefore, the Evora Full Face by Fisher & Paykel is most likely going to be the ideal option for you to go with. Although it has a comparable fit and a relatively low profile, it does feature an attachment for the front tube.

Amara View Full-face CPAP Mask

There is a really good and straightforward solution to continue using this mask. The only thing that is required is to acquire the more traditional-looking manual clips for the Amara View. 

With the use of these clips, you’ll be able to manually clip the headpiece into place, regardless of whether or not the magnets are attached. If you are interested in switching to a completely different model, the Evora Full Face would be your best option once more.

DreamWisp Nasal Mask

The issue with the DreamWisp is a difficult one to fix. This is due to the fact that it is the only nasal CPAP mask that has a connection that goes over the patient’s head. As a result of this, you will be required to make a sacrifice as part of the transition. 

It is possible to convert to a regular nasal CPAP mask that does not have magnets, such as the Eson 2 or the Mirage Fx. With of this, you’ll be able to maintain the traditional “over-the-nose” nasal fit. 

If you want to keep the tube connection at the top of your head, you should switch to a nasal cradle design such as the Evora Nasal, DreamWear Nasal, or the N30i. These are some examples.

Wisp Nasal Mask

Another one that is difficult to find a suitable replacement for is the Wisp Nasal Mask. This is due to the fact that both the headgear and the frame are somewhat distinctive. While wearing the Wisp, your field of vision is not obstructed in any way because the frame does not extend in front of the nose. 

Magnets can be found in masks such as the N20 and the N10, both of which are extremely comparable to the Wisp. For this reason, if you want to get the customary nasal fit, you will need to switch to a nasal mask that is of a more conventional design and has a frame that is more typical, such as the Eson 2 or the Mirage FX. 

There is also the option of using a nasal pillow mask or a nasal cradle mask to accomplish the same goal of maintaining an open line of sight.

Are Memory Foam CPAP Masks Better Choice Than Silicone’s?

Seals made of Foam for CPAP Masks

Silicone has been the go-to material for CPAP masks for pretty much their entire history. Now, there is yet another choice available. Memory Foam CPAP masks have emerged in recent years as an intriguing alternative to the many silicone alternatives. 

Memory foam and silicone both have their advantages and disadvantages, and neither one is perfect. Now that we’ve established that, let’s delve a little deeper and figure out which of the available cpap mask could be best for you.

What are the Different Options for a Foam CPAP Mask?

Within the field of memory foam, ResMed has been the company that has pioneered new trends. They offer a full-face version in addition to a nasal option for their products. ResMed’s AirTouch F20 is the name of the full-face mask that’s available. The AirTouch N20 serves as the nosepiece.

The AirTouch F20 and N20 are identical to their AirFit counterparts in terms of size, frames, and accessories; however, the memory foam seals found on the AirTouch variants set them apart. 

Both of these masks have been around for a long time now, and all three sizes (small, medium, and large) are available for purchase for each of them.

What is the Function of the Memory Foam Mask?

There is not much of a functional difference between the variants of the CPAP mask that are made of memory foam and those made of silicone. They fit over your head like regular headgear and create a seal against your face. 

On the other hand, the foam, not the silicone, is the only thing that makes contact with your face. You adjust the tightness of the mask using the headpiece according to your needs in order to prevent leaks and to have a better fit. 

A very dependable seal is produced by the foam, which also eliminates the abrasion that silicone can on occasion bring about.

What are the benefits of using a CPAP mask made of memory foam?

• Extremely Comfortable – The memory foam just cannot be topped when it comes to the amount of comfort it provides. When put to the test by those who use CPAP, it almost invariably receives a rating of “more pleasant” than the mask they are currently using.
• Beneficial for individuals who are allergic to silicone — If the usage of silicone results in skin problems or rashes, then switching to a foam seal can make a significant improvement. There is no doubt that giving it a shot would be beneficial.
• The foam will give a more diffused and soft seal against the face, which will really assist with those pesky lines that appear on your face when you wake up in the morning. This results in a significant lessening of the lines that are left behind when you get up in the morning.
• Reduces abrasion Silicone is slightly sticky, so it has the potential to rub against your skin and cause it to become damaged. It is not the foam that is causing this problem.
• Seals extremely well; the foam moulds itself in an impressively lifelike manner to the shape of your face and body. You can now create a seal without having to overtighten the mask in order to do so.
• Low upkeep: The foam is designed to endure for one month with very little to no maintenance at all being performed on it. The only thing that is really required is a quick swipe with a Mask Wipe at most.

What are the disadvantages of using a CPAP mask made of memory foam?

• A comparison of the foam seal and the silicone seal reveals that the foam seal does not have a lifespan that is even close to that of the silicone seal. A lot of customers will always have a backup seal on hand, just in case the original one ever breaks.
• When the foam seals become damaged, they are rendered completely useless and can no longer perform their function. In most cases, the foam will rip away from the silicone base of the seal, allowing the air to escape through the tear in the foam.
• You can’t wash them—the foam seal can’t be washed under any circumstances. If you let it get wet with soap and water, the seal will almost instantly start to disintegrate. Mask wipes are your only alternative for cleaning, as there are none other available.
• There is a possibility of foam detaching from the frame of the seal. The foam is usually linked to the silicone foundation of the mask seal. This is the point when the seal usually comes apart at the end of its useful life. Because of this, the seal is rendered worthless at that moment.
• Expense: They are not inexpensive, and they need to be replaced with new ones more frequently. Therefore, you will not be able to get away as cheaply as you would with silicone.
• You are not permitted to use ozone since it will almost quickly break down the memory foam. When cleaning your CPAP device with a SoClean or Sleep8 product, you will first need to remove the mask’s seal before you can place the other components within the cleaning compartment.

Choosing the Right Size Memory Foam CPAP Mask for Your Face:

It is quite simple to determine whether you should use the AirTouch N20 or the AirTouch F20 Memory Foam CPAP masks. There are links to the size gauges farther down on this page. Then all you need to do is follow the steps down below to find the best match for you.

Adjusting the Size of Your Memory Foam Mask

• Make a printout of your size gauge by following the links provided above.
• When cutting out the size gauge, make sure it is accurate to the scale.
• You can determine the optimal size for your features by using the gauge that’s included into the mirror.
• Here is where you should place the order for your AirTouch N20, and here is where you should place the order for your AirTouch F20.

The following is a guide for cleaning a Memory Foam CPAP mask:

When it comes to cleaning a memory foam mask, you need to use extreme caution. Before you wash the rest of your materials, you have to make sure that the seal has been removed from the mask frame first.

A CPAP mask wipe is the one and only way that can be used to clean your memory foam mask. Even when using a mask wipe, you still need to be careful not to scrub too roughly or pull away the foam in the mask. The foam cushion can go up to one month without needing to be washed because it was designed to be self-cleaning.

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