The TGA has confirmed it is reviewing Philips CPAP masks with magnetic clips or straps following reports of serious injury in the US from interference with devices, including pacemakers and defibrillators. 

The company recalled certain masks for CPAP and bi-level positive airway pressure machines with magnetic closures after 14 serious injuries were reported, including pacemaker failure, arrhythmia, changed heart rate and convulsions. 

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week classified the recall as ‘class 1’, warning that the magnets could potentially cause injury or death in people with metallic medical devices or other metal objects in their bodies or even in people nearby, such as a bed partner.

At-risk devices listed by the FDA included pacemakers, insulin pumps, Cochlear implants, defibrillators, neurostimulators, certain contact lenses with metal retinal implants, CSF shunts, metallic valves, cranial plates and screws.