On July 27, Facebook-owned VR Company Oculus withdrew the foam cover for their Quest 2 virtual reality headsets after users complained of skin burns. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), “Foam facial interfaces can irritate the facial skin and cause reactions including rashes, swelling, burns, itching, hives, and obstruction.”
The CPSC has received reports of an estimated 5,716 incidents, of which five require medical treatment. They say about 4 million 172,600 units have been withdrawn in Canada. These issues seem to have been known for months, with a statement from Oculus on April 15 stating that “after extensive investigation of this issue, we have not found any contaminants or unexpected substances in our production process.” We have identified some trace substances that are usually present in the manufacturing process that can contribute to skin discomfort.
“We have confirmed with expert dermatologists and toxicologists that these levels are considered extremely low.” Sales have stopped for the Quest 2 headset, which went on sale in October 2020. From August 24, all new headsets will bring a new silicone cover, and Oculus said, “We are now offering a free silicone cover on Quest 2. Owner of the headset and Quest 2 feet pack.
If you’ve recently used your Oculus Quest 2 Virtual Reality headset, you may want to take a quick break to clean your face. Facebook, which owns the VR company, announced on Tuesday that “nearly 4 million” headsets are being recalled after thousands of subscribers – 45 of whom needed medical treatment – reported various types of irritation, including burns, rashes and burning sensations on their faces, was immersed in reality.
Facebook is pursuing a nuclear approach and has halted sales of all new Oculus Quest 2 in North America, Ars Technica reported, which will include updated face covers until re-launch in late August. This is unfortunate news for all VR enthusiasts, especially since the issue has been documented for months but has only now been managed. As Ars noted, the Oculus Quest 2 uses a lower quality face liner than its predecessor, possibly as part of cost reduction and making room for fairly advanced technology for the headset.
