Oculus Recall Issued After Quest 2 VR Headset Foam Causes Skin Reactions, Rashes, Burns

Millions of Oculus Quest 2 VR headsets are included in a massive recall issued this week, after a removable foam layer has been linked to thousands of reports involving burns, rashes and other skin reactions.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the Facebook Oculus Quest 2 VR recall on July 27, indicating the headset foam that pads users’ faces contains trace elements which can cause skin irritation issues.

To date, the manufacturer, Facebook Technologies, LLC, has received at least 5,716 reports of skin irritation, including 45 reports of users needing medical attention.

The foam interlace included with the Oculus VR headset is meant to prevent a user’s face from directly touching the device, acting as a cushion, while also blocking out exterior light to ensure a better visual experience.

Headset foam insert was sold as part of Oculus Quest 2 Virtual Reality devices, as well as sold separately as a “Quest 2 Standard Facial Interface”. The foam is also included in the Quest 2 Fit Pack.

The recall affects the Oculus Quest 2, 64 GB, US/TW, Type-A, with SKU 301-00350-01; the Oculus Quest 2 256 GB, US/TW/ Type-A with SKU 301-00351-01; the Oculus Quest 2, Accy, Standard Facial Interface, Global, with SKU 301-00409-01; the Oculus Quest 2, Accy, Fit Pack, Global, with SKU 301-00374-01; and the Oculus Quest 2, Enterprise, 256 GB, US/CA/TW. Type-A, with SKU 301-00402-01. Only headsets and kits with those SKUs are affected by the recall. The SKU and serial number can be found on a label on the packaging of the headset as well as in the user’s account on the Oculus app or on the headset. The affected serial numbers start with “1WMHH” and end with numbers below 1264.

The devices were sold at BestBuy, GameStop, Target, Walmart, and other retailers while also being sold online on Oculus.com, Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, Gamestop.com, Target.com, and Walmart.com from October 2020 to July 2021 for around $300 to $400. The individual facial interface sold for about $20, and the Fit Pack sold for about $40.

The recalled VR headsets were made in China and imported by Facebook Technologies LLC, of Menlo Park, California. A combined total of about 4 million devices sold in the U.S. are impacted, with about 172,600 sold in Canada.

Facebook told consumers in April 2021 that its investigation failed to find any contaminants or unexpected substances in the foam. However it did note that foam was found to contain trace substances, normally present in the manufacturing process, which could cause skin discomfort. But the company claims those were at levels below industry standards.

The company has suspended sales of the recalled VR headsets until a change in manufacturing has been made to create new foam interlaces for users. Those affected by skin irritation should stop using the foam interlace and all users should contact Facebook Technologies to receive a free silicone cover for the Quest 2 headset and Quest 2 Fit Pack Owners.

Consumers with affected headsets can call Facebook Technologies at 877-960-0889 or visit the recall website at https://www.oculus.com/quest-2/removable-facial-interface-alert and click on the Support button for more information.