ResMed Notified Consumers About Potential Danger of Masks With Magnets

Manufacturer ResMed makes CPAP masks that contain magnets. These masks have varying coverage of a patient’s face. Recently, the company gave consumers updated instructions for using the masks and held a voluntary global field action to update its guide for these masks. The notification warned consumers of a potential magnetic interference when magnets in the ResMed masks are close to certain implants and medical devices in a patient’s body. The ResMed masks that contain magnets are considered safe when used in line with the updated instructions for use and the field safety notice. If you were harmed by a ResMed mask with a magnet, or another medical mask containing a magnet, you should consult the experienced Chicago-based product liability attorneys of Moll Law Group. Billions have been recovered in cases with which we’ve been involved.

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Masks with magnets that were listed in the notice from the manufacturer include AirFit N10, AirFit F20, AirTouch F20, AirFit N20, AirTouch N20, AirFit F30, AirFit F30i. You can locate your mask’s model number on its frame or cushion. Affected masks include full face masks, non-vented masks, and nasal masks used to provide positive airway pressure therapy; they have magnets that make it easier for users to adjust the masks’ fit. The notice to consumers was issued because the masks not only potentially interrupt the function of some medical implants, but because they can also move the implant, whether a stent or a cranial plate or another device, within the patients’ bodies, causing serious injuries and necessitating additional, likely expensive medical care.

The affected ResMed masks were sold around the country and the world from 2014 to November 2023. The company has submitted to authorities five reports they received in which there was either medical intervention or hospitalization necessary that may have been related to magnetic interference of a mask with an implanted device. So far, users have not reported deaths or serious, permanent injuries.

Patients are contraindicated for using the Resmed masks with magnets if they have metallic implants that contain ferromagnetic material or active medical implants that interact with magnets. Metallic implants include, for example, stents, valves, embolic, implants to restore hearing, and ocular implants. Active medical implants include pacemakers, neurostimulators, cerebrospinal fluid shunts, insulin pumps, and implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Patients that use the affected masks are supposed to stay at least 6 inches away from medical devices or implants that can be disrupted by magnetic interference.

To deal with the safety issue, ResMed is letting consumers know and giving guidance; this includes providing doctors and medical practices with a patient letter that lets patients know about the warnings and contraindications related to the device and impacted implants. If you don’t have a contraindicated device, you don’t need to act with regard to the mask. However, if you were already injured, you may need to seek recourse. It’s important to seek legal counsel.

When a product such as a medical mask is defective in terms of its marketing, manufacturing, or design such that it causes injuries, it may be appropriate to bring a product liability lawsuit for damages. Damages that may be recovered when our attorneys can establish liability include compensatory damages arising out of the injuries such as medical expenses, lost wages, loss of consortium, replacement services, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. For example, if an implant moved significantly inside your body due to the magnets in a mask, you may need a surgery and you may need to take time off work; you may experience pain and suffering as a result. The expenses associated with these losses are compensable.

If you were injured due to a Resmed mask with a magnet, call the seasoned Chicago-based medical device attorneys of Moll Law Group for a consultation to talk about your legal options. We represent injured plaintiffs around the country. Please complete our online form or call us at 312.462.1700.