four Million Oculus Quest 2 Headset Elements Affected Over Pores and skin Irritation Studies

IMPORTANT POINTS

• Facebook has received reports of skin irritation related to the Oculus 2 foam facial interface
• The company said the “vast majority” of cases were mild
• Customers with affected devices can receive a free silicone cover for the foam interface

Facebook recalled approximately four million units of the Quest 2 Removable Foam Facial Interface after the company received reports of skin irritation from users.

“As more and more people started using Quest 2, we received reports that a very small percentage of Quest 2 customers experienced skin irritation after using Quest 2’s detachable foam facial interface,” said Facebook.

Problems with skin irritation on the face included reports of rashes, burning, swelling, itching, bumps and hives, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) noted in a recall warning. The company received 5,716 reports of skin irritation and about 45 users needed medical attention.

“The vast majority of cases are mild and the cases should resolve on their own,” the company said.

In a blog post, Facebook Reality Labs director Andrew Bosworth said the company opened a thorough investigation back in December and determined that the manufacturing process was safe. Experts, including dermatologists and toxicologists, indicated that the observed rate of skin irritation was “as expected,” added the executive.

Despite the “low” reporting rate, the company advises those who have had skin irritation not to use the product anymore. It offers owners of Quest 2 headsets and Quest 2 Fit Packs a free silicone case “worldwide”, and even those who do not experience skin irritation can get the Quest 2 silicone case for free.

“Today we’re introducing a new silicone sleeve for all customers worldwide, including as part of a joint voluntary recall of the Quest 2 foam detachable face interface with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada,” said Bosworth. “In addition, we have been communicating with global regulators and are taking the additional step of temporarily suspending Quest 2 sales worldwide while we work on adding the new silicone covers to all Quest 2 packages.”

The recall concerns the detachable foam facial interface that comes with the Oculus Quest 2 headsets or is sold separately as a “Quest 2 Standard Facial Interface” or in a “Quest 2 Fit Pack,” the CPSC noted. The headset serial numbers of the affected items begin with “1WMHH” and end with a number under “1264”.

The company clarified that Quest 1, Rift, Rift S, and Go are not included in the recall.

Customers shouldn’t throw away their current foam facial interface as they will need it to attach the silicone cover. Bosworth said that starting August 24th, all Quest 2 headsets will come with the silicone case “in every box”.

“We worked hard to address the problem, working with experts and adjusting our manufacturing process and communicating proactively with regulators,” the company said. “The safety and comfort of each customer are our top priority.”

Girl playing VR games at sunset. Photo: Vinicius “amnx” Amano / Unsplash