TGA issues new warning over sleep apnea masks with magnets

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has issued a warning over some AirFit sleep apnoea masks made by medical company ResMed over fears the magnets inside them could interfere with implants.

If the magnets come too close to certain implanted devices - such as pacemakers, coils, stents and valves - the implants might not work properly, the TGA said.

"The risk is that the magnetic field may cause active implantable devices to malfunction or result in movement of other implantable devices which has the potential to lead to serious injury or death," the TGA said.

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There are 12 types of AirFit masks included in the warning. Patients with affected masks will be contacted by their mask provider notifying them of the new warning.

However, patients are being urged to check themselves whether they are using one of the affected masks.

Those using the masks and who have certain implants, or who sleep next to someone who does, are advised to contact their doctor or mask provider.

A full list of the affected masks and implanted devices they can affect can be found here.