WASHINGTON -  Some of America’s biggest retailers have announced the recall of 4 million foam virtual reality interfaces after more than 5,700 people claimed the devices irritated their skin.

Facebook Technologies is recalling removable foam facial interfaces for Oculus Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headsets.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the interfaces can cause facial skin irritation and reactions including rashes, swelling, burning, itching, hives, and bumps.

The foam facial interfaces were included with a purchase of Oculus Quest 2 Headsets and sold separately as a “Quest 2 Standard Facial Interface” or in a “Quest 2 Fit Pack.” 

Only headsets with the SKUs in the table below or the serial numbers identified below are included in the recall. The SKU and serial number are located on a label on the retail packaging of the headset.

the serial number can also be found on the user’s account, on the Oculus app or on the headset. For instructions on locating the headset serial number consumers should go to https://support.oculus.com/articles/getting-started/getting-started-with-quest-2/serial-numbers-quest-2/.

Affected headset serial numbers

 

 

Headset serial numbers that start with “1WMHH” and end with a number below “1264”

The company has received 5,716 reports of incidents of skin irritation. Forty-five customers said they needed medical attention.

The recalled items were sold at BestBuy, GameStop, Target, Walmart, and other retailers, and online at Oculus.com, Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, Gamestop.com, Target.com, and Walmart.com between October 2020 and July 2021.

 The foam facial interfaces which were included with headsets sold for between $300 and $400, depending on the model; about $20 for a facial interface sold individually; and about $40 as part of a Fit Pack.

Consumers who experience a skin irritation or reaction should immediately stop using the recalled foam facial interface, and all consumers should contact Facebook Technologies to receive a free silicone cover. Facebook Technologies is contacting all Quest 2 users directly.