DON'T use maskswith magnetic fastener with ICD/Pacemaker

[saltydawg2]

I am about to get a Implantable Cardioconverter Defibrillator (ICD) in about a week. That sucker will shock me if it doesn't like my heart rate, preventing a fatal heart attack! It also does not like magnetic fields within 6" of the device. That specifically includes magnetic fasteners on a cpcp mask. I use a Resmed Air Soft F20, that I really like,  but it has the magnetic catches. Where do I go from here? Surely this is NOT something unknown to manufacturers of our equipment.

[Crimson Nape]

First, Good Luck!, in your upcoming surgery.

Now, about the mask; You may wish to try the F&P Vitera or Simplus FFM. The Vitera is the newest of the 2 designs. Neither use magnets.

[Gideon]

My wife has a pacemaker therefore I will never get a magnetic closure mask.

What most people don't know is that magnets are used to periodicallytest these units.

[SideSleeper]

Thanks for posting the warning. I knew about it because my cardio doc was talking pacemaker awhile back when I was using a Wisp mask with magnets. It could be converted back to the snap fastener however. No I use the F20--hopefully will stay away from a pacemaker for awhile. You might check with your DME or Resmed to see if they have a solution.

[saltydawg2]

The way insurance is played out, I need to wait for the new prescription before trying out any masks.  I had gotten two new Airfit F20 masks at my first of two nights of studies.  I cut the magnets out of one of them and pop riveted it back together. That means the strap has to be released to get it off, but  now I'm looking at 6 days before surgery, and 3 weeks till the second study. I didn't like the piece going to my forehead with the Quattro the first sleep study  I had in 2014 at all. I'm hearing from  providers the F30 is a much better mask than the Dreamwear FFM. I don't know yet, cause I can't try them out yet, without expense to me. The magnets will have to be removed if no other solution is offered.

[clownbell]

What about removing the magnetic catches and then sewing on a piece of velcro instead -- with the smooth side against your face. That would eliminate all metal.

[saltydawg2]

The Velcro is a great idea! The Doc who installed my ICD today suggested I not use one with the magnetic catches until he tests the one I have for strength in a couple of weeks. I'm still 3 weeks out before my next sleep study. I will take my "Frankenstein" model with me then,  depending on what he says.

[saltydawg2]

I spoke with my EP's nurse and she gave me the Abbott phone number who manufactured my device. I gave him the serial number and he said "Do not use the masks with magnets, only those with Velcro."  He says that they get a lot of questions on that subject. So, there it is, officially from the maker of my ICD.

[Ratchick]

I don't know about in the US but in the UK, it's stated clearly not to use magnetic fasteners with a pacemaker so no, it's definitely known about.