Virtual-reality company Oculus pulls out on its foam padding Quest 2 headset, warning users that it can cause skin irritation.
Facebook-owned Oculus said only “a very small portion” of users experience this problem.
Quest 2 Sales Temporarily Halted
But it does offer a free cover – made of silicone – to all Quest 2 owners.
Facebook has also announced that it is “suspending” the sale of Quest 2 and from August 24 all Quest 2 headsets will come with a new cover which won’t cause skin rashes.
The updated headset will also have double internal storage, for the same price.
‘Voluntary Recall’
The skin irritation problem was widely experienced among VR fans online and Facebook had previously used a replacement program for a few affected people.
But this new “voluntary recall”, following discussions with US and Canadian security regulators is happening largely around the world. Facebook is informing many of its Oculus customers about it via email.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission said it had received 5,716 reports of irritation “including rashes, swelling, burns, itching, and pimples”.
But only 45 cases required medical attention.
What Did Parent Company Facebook Say?
And those numbers came from an estimated four million headsets sold in the US.
Facebook’s VR and AR teams head Andrew Bosworth said: “While the rate of reports is small and the majority of reported cases are minor, we’re committed to ensuring our products are safe and comfortable for everyone who uses them.”
Users can order the replacement “facial interface” on the Oculus website.
But many have bought silicone cover from online retailers.
