Which masks are concerned?
For patients of the sleep lab at UZ Leuven, this concerns the following Philips Respironics masks with magnetic closure:
- Amara View Full Face
- DreamWear Full Face
- DreamWisp
- Wisp and Wisp Nasal
(Image: Philips)
What is the problem with the magnetic masks?
The mask is secured using a relatively strong magnet, which may potentially interact with metal objects (such as metal fragments) or metal medical devices in your own body or in that of people in close proximity (closer than 15 cm). If wearing the mask, you must therefore always keep a safe distance from others.
Read the press release issued by Philips (in Dutch).
The following implanted metal medical devices are among those concerned:
- pacemakers
- defibrillators
- neurostimulators
- CSF shunts, including ventriculoperitoneal drainage (VPD)
- clips and coils
- eye implants
- implants in the ear
- ports and pumps (e.g. for insulin)
- other metal implants that must not be used in a magnetic field
What does this mean for your treatment?
If you or someone in your close environment (e.g. family members or close caregivers) has a metal implant or another metal object in the body, you are advised to stop using the mask and have it replaced as soon as possible with a type that does not contain magnets.
- You can visit the sleep lab without an appointment on weekdays during office hours. Follow the Bruine Straat, Poort 6, Niveau 5, and report directly at the desk.
- Outside office hours, you can come by appointment by calling 016 34 25 22.
What will happen to the masks?
As a result of this safety risk, Philips will adapt the user manual, the labelling and the list of contraindications of the masks concerned. This is not a product recall.
Where can you go for information as a patient?
On this website, we offer an overview of questions and answers concerning the safety alert. If new information becomes available, it will be posted here. You can count on this being a priority for us.
For specific questions, you can always contact the sleep lab at 016 34 25 22.