Respironics Mask with magnetic clips warning

I have noticed in some postings folks who, like me, have sleep apnea and usea  CPAP machine for therapy.  

I came across this article about the magnetic clips on headware that help secure the unit to the face .  These magnetic clips, according to the FDA, pose a danger to those of use who have (or in my case, will have) a cardiac cardiac device.

The mask I use has such magnetic clips and I have changed them back to an older "button" style.

This is the link to the article if anyone is interested.

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/certain-philips-respironics-masks-bipap-cpap-machines-recalled-due-safety-issue-magnets-may-affect

3 Comments

We're all dead

by AgentX86 - 2022-09-08 11:47:03

Depending on the source of the information, any magnetic field above .5 to 10 gauss will turn our pacemakers into pumpkins (an 100 gauss will turn your body to goo).  Of course the fear mongering doesn't tell us if it's an AC or DC field they're babbling about (it matters).

<https://www.magnet4sale.com/magnets-for-sale-blog/magnet-strength-chart-gauss-rating-cms-magnetics/>

RE: We're all dead

by Beni - 2022-09-08 16:05:43

Gosh, AgentX86, it was not my intention to upset or offend you when I posted the link about the magnets and the CPAC headgear.

I had simply thought, after I had read the article, I would post a link connected to this reputable website (the FDA) about a piece of medical therapy equipment that many of us on this site use.  One that might affect the proper operation of cardiac devices.  Simply for informational purposes, not to generate misinformation or fear.  What the reader decides to do, or not do,  with that information is strictly up to them.

As for me, I have been using a CPAP machine for well over 20 years and it is my personal nature to err on the side of caution.  And since I know little or nothing about magnets, I simply thought it was easier to change my gear.  It was an easy thing to do since I have enough clips, gadgets and gizmos from all those years of using a CPAP to equip a small army of fellow users.  For me, a no brainer.

Again, my apologies if I have offended you with this posting.  It was, most assuredly, not my intention.

Offended?

by AgentX86 - 2022-09-08 16:57:41

No, I'm not offended at all.  All of the "sky is falling" news blurbs just amuse me no end.  I linked to that article because it shows just how many things in our lives are magnetic.  Even without a pacemaker we'd all be dead because there is so many magnetic (and EM, and radioactive, and...) soures is our lives that would exceed the "safe limits". It would drive anyone crazy if they believed every one of these stories. 99.9% of this garbage is lawyer-generated CYA (or political propoganda).

If anyone is interested, here is a chart explaning the dangers of radioactivity.

<https://xkcd.com/radiation/>

If you're into techie humor, XKCD is great place to stop by. Random example:

<https://xkcd.com/2549/>

 

You know you're wired when...

The meaning of personal computer is taken a step further.

Member Quotes

I had a pacemaker when I was 11. I never once thought I wasn't a 'normal kid' nor was I ever treated differently because of it. I could do everything all my friends were doing; I just happened to have a battery attached to my heart to help it work.