Facebook Recalls Oculus VR Headset Pads After Skin Rash Complaints

Facebook has reportedly issued a recall for the foam padding in Oculus Quest 2 virtual reality headsets that press against the user’s face, warning that the inserts can cause skin irritation.

BBC News reports that Facebook has issued a recall for the foam padding on its Oculus Quest 2 VR headset, warning that the insert can cause skin irritation to the face. Facebook claims only a “very small percentage” of users suffered from irritation, but will offer silicone cover replacements to use instead of the standard foam pads to all owners of the Quest 2 headsets.

Facebook also announced a “pausing” of Quest 2 sales, so that the foam inserts could be swapped out for silicone parts for all future shipments. Sales are expected to resume in late August. The company claims new headsets will also have twice the internal storage for the same price as the original headset.

Kelly Crothers described the irritation suffered by her son to Consumer Reports: “The irritation is extreme swelling and redness, this is pretty ridiculous.” Prior to the recall, Facebook offered replacements to users impacted by the problem. Now the company will recall all of the foam inserts it has sold with headsets.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has received 5,716 reports of irritation including “rashes, swelling, burning, itching, hives and bumps.” The company has sold an estimated four million headsets in the United States.

The head of Facebook’s VR and AR teams, Andrew Bosworth, said: “While the rate of reports is small and the majority of reported cases are minor, we’re committed to ensuring our products are safe and comfortable for everyone who uses them.”

Users can order the replacement “facial interface” on the Oculus website.