The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued several CPAP mask recall alerts 
outlining the potential risk of injury and death certain magnetic CPAP masks may pose for people with medical implants and devices. 

The alerts followed mask recalls from three mask manufacturers in 2022 and 2024. These recalls stated CPAP masks with magnets may pose a danger to mask wearers, and people who are near a person using them, if these individuals have an implanted metallic medical device or object.
 
 Examples of these implanted devices include:

• Metallic stents or cerebral spinal fluid shunts. 
• Pacemakers. 
• Implantable cardioverter defibrillators. 
• Hearing implants or plates in the brainstem, eyes, ears, upper limbs, torso, neck or head. 
• Implanted pumps and ports, for example, insulin pumps or dental implants. 
• Some ocular implants, such as glaucoma or retinal implants. 
• Contact lenses containing metal. 
• Aneurysm clips and devices or embolic coils. 
• Metallic splinters or shrapnel. 

Research has also highlighted the potential risks masks with magnets may pose. 

In 2019, the implantable cardioversion defibrillation journal, Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology (PACE), reported on two cases in which CPAP mask magnets caused inappropriate pacemaker responses.¹

This report concluded CPAP masks with magnetic clips should be avoided by patients with cardiac-implanted electronic devices.
 
Four years later, the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, published findings of a study into the interaction CPAP masks with magnets had on implanted cardiac devices. This report discouraged patients with these implants from using magnetic masks until further studies better documented the risks and benefits.²

So, how do you make the right CPAP mask selection?

If you, your partner or a close family member have a medical device or implant, discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider when buying a CPAP mask or replacing your present model.  Other factors to keep in mind when choosing a mask for successful CPAP therapy results include face size, mask seal, and breathing and sleeping styles.³  

Face size 

Your mask needs to match the size and shape of your face so it fits comfortably and seals well.⁴

Mask seal  

If your mask doesn’t seal correctly, you could have air leaks, discomfort and irritation. Therefore, it is important to find a mask that will comfortably seal well for your therapy to be successful.⁴

Breathing and sleeping styles

It is important to find a mask that matches your breathing preferences. For example, full-face masks are generally a suitable choice for people who breathe through their mouth while nasal and nasal pillows can be the right mask for those who breathe through their nose.⁵ Sleeping styles should also be considered when purchasing a CPAP mask, e.g., people who sleep on their stomach may find nasal and nasal pillows masks more comfortable.⁶

F&P Healthcare magnet-free masks 

Need an effective and comfortable CPAP mask that doesn’t contain magnets? F&P Healthcare can help. Our innovative CPAP masks don’t contain magnets. Instead of magnets, we use cutting-edge materials and intuitive fastenings to deliver a comfortable and secure fit.  

Disclaimer:  This article is for informational purposes only and not intended to substitute professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with questions you may have about the suitability of CPAP equipment.