Allergic reaction to AirPods Max

[LeonPro]

Honestly, either sell them or pass them on to a family member. I know this might not be a viable option for all. As I've given the two APM to my two kids, with the Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio release I recently "borrowed" them back for a few minutes. I did feel a very slight tingling/itching only after 2 days of use. But unlike before, it didn't develop into a full blown rash.

How long has it been for me since I wore them again, 5 months ago it seems. So I guess the allergen eventually fades but who is willing to wait that long and even longer until it's zero.

 

[MDawson247]

I SOLVED IT - AT LEAST FOR ME (Hope this helps solve for others)

I surrendered to just letting the family enjoy them. But because I have two of these models, I did one last try.

TLDR: I soaked then washed the ear cushions in our usual mild laundry detergent!

Step 1: I used mild laundry detergent and oxygen brightener. Made a soap solution in a small pail.

Step 2: Soaked the ear cushions for at least 30 minutes

Step 3: Agitated the ear cushions by dunking, squeezing the soapy solution in and out of the ear cushions that were absorbing the liquid a couple of times for a few minutes.

Step 4: Washed the ear cushions until the soap solution was gone. This is essential to ensure there is no more soap left by constantly soaking then squeezing the ear cushions in clean water. Any left-over soap residue may lead to skin irritation as well.

Best to compress both ear cushions together. Release. Then repeat multiple times.

Step 5: Final rinse of the ear cushion under running water.

Step 6: Squeeze all water from the ear cushion by compressing both cushions together OR against your palms.

Step 7: Prepare thick absorbent towels (microfibre cloth) and lay by the window sill or any place that allows moisture to easily evaporate.

Step 8: Place both ear cushions with the cushion face up to allow for bigger surface tension for water to evaporate from the cushions. (If you do face down, the water collected on the moist towel/cloth will just be re-absorbed by the ear cushions and take longer to dry).

Step 9: Allow AT LEAST 24 hours for the ear cushions to completely dry. This will depend on your environment. Do not attempt to use until these are dry to ensure no excessive moisture is being absorbed by the AirPods Max itself and encourage the growth of mould.

Step 10: While waiting for the ear cushions to completely dry, throughly clean the AirPods Max AND the Smart Case with mild cleaning solution (or electronic wipes did the trick for me) to ensure any contaminant passed on from the ear cushions to the device and case are also removed.

Step 11: Re-attach dried ear cushions and enjoy!

TESTING to ensure the allergen source came from the ear cushions and not the AirPods Max materials themselves:

I tested this by placing one of the newly washed and completely dried ear cushion on my ear for an hour while I was watching TV in bed. After half a day, no reaction.

Then I assembled both ear cushions on the AirPods Max and put it on Transparency mode. No music. Watched TV for an hour. No reaction after another half day.

Final test was to listen to music on the APM for at least 2 hours before I slept for the night. Last few times when I had the allergic reaction I would wake up in the middle of the night with a severe itch and redness on both ears.

Zero reaction.

Now I did the same for the other AirPods Max.

Final note:

Ear cushions didn't change in performance or appearance. No deformation of the memory foam. I'm now completely enjoying these headphones with no reaction.

Hope this works for you people experiencing similar issues from the chemical Apple's vendor has used to manufacture the ear cushions. Bad vendor for the leftover of chemical residue that could easily be washed away.

Just recv'd my new APM yesterday. I noticed that I was having a skin reaction around the areas of the ear cushion. I contacted APPLE CS and spoke with someone on their 'Safety' Team who said my only option was to return the unit or get a replacement of the same thing. They simply don't have a option to the current ear cushion material. I elected to try keep the unit 1) try washing the current cushions and/or 2) try a third-party cushion. I started the 'rinse/wash' of the current cushions today - was suprised how cloudy the rinse water from cushion looked. It looked like a combination of dye and water. They are drying now. Will see what they do tomorrow.

 

[LeonPro]

Just recv'd my new APM yesterday. I noticed that I was having a skin reaction around the areas of the ear cushion. I contacted APPLE CS and spoke with someone on their 'Safety' Team who said my only option was to return the unit or get a replacement of the same thing. They simply don't have a option to the current ear cushion material. I elected to try keep the unit 1) try washing the current cushions and/or 2) try a third-party cushion. I started the 'rinse/wash' of the current cushions today - was suprised how cloudy the rinse water from cushion looked. It looked like a combination of dye and water. They are drying now. Will see what they do tomorrow.

To be honest, the allergic reaction didn't dissipate until months after. Possibly until whatever allergen chemical had to disintegrate. But even then I still feel a slight tingle and reaction in my eardrum.

So it's a gamble if you want to see how long the chemicals will stay and tolerate it in the meantime. But based on my experience on the two APMs it won't be within the return window.

 

[MrDrug]

So far I have purchased a set of APP and got a major rash. So I gave those away and got APM. Now I have an EVEN WORSE RASH all over my ears. Ugh. I just ordered a pair of these. Hopefully they will help, or my other son will be getting my APMs.

Earrock Ear Cushions for AirPods Max Headphones Earpads Replacement Ear Pad Covers Earmuffs with Protein Leather, Memory Foam and Magnet Black

Earrock Ear Cushions for AirPods Max Headphones Earpads Replacement Ear Pad Covers Earmuffs with Protein Leather, Memory Foam and Magnet Black

smile.amazon.com

 

[shady16]

you can replace the silicon tips of the APP with memory foam ones

 

[Ghost31]

you can replace the silicon tips of the APP with memory foam ones

Unfortunately a lot of people have tried this and still have reactions. There’s something in the chemical makeup of the AirPod itself that’s causing allergic reactions

 

[iltwtv]

I had an allergic reaction to my AirPods Pro as well as the rash all over my ears from the Airpods Max.

Fortunately, I was able to solve both my problems by buying the Airpods Max ear cushions referenced above by MrDrug and buying replacement ear tips for my AirPods Pro that are advertised as having no silicone.

Memory Foam Tips for Apple AirPods Pro, V3.0, No Silicone Eartips Pain, Anti-Slip Replacement Ear Tips, Fit in The Charging Case, Reducing Noise Earbuds (Medium, 4 Pairs)

Memory Foam Tips for Apple AirPods Pro, V3.0, No Silicone Eartips Pain, Anti-Slip Replacement Ear Tips, Fit in The Charging Case, Reducing Noise Earbuds (Medium, 4 Pairs)

www.amazon.com

Different people will have different reactions. So while these two products worked for me, I can’t speak to whether they will work for others.

 

[LeonPro]

Can you tell me which ear pads are from Apple and which ear pads are from a third party? I've enhanced and over-exposed the images to make it easier to see the texture.

For those who were following the discussion in this thread, I gave the APM (one for me and my wife) to our kids. She wanted her APP more than these. While I had an allergic reaction.

Washing the pads kinda minimised it, but my skin was still reacting from it that it wasn't worth wearing it.

Fast forward to over a year. My son has been wearing his with no issues.

While I realised my daughter was actually getting a skin reaction as well. We were attributing it to her earings or swimming, but it dawned on me that it was actually the APM. So I gave her another wireless headphone instead and her skin reaction stopped altogether.

Not accepting defeat for her ability to use the APM, I finally searched the internet for replacement ear pads as surely after over a year of existence someone would be making these by now. I found a company that does make replacement ear pads and the small user reviews did indicate it stopped their allergic reaction.

So I went out and bought two sets. I tried these out and I have zero allergic reaction. ZERO. As much as I want to claim the APM for myself, I did give it to my kids and what kind of a parent would I be to take it back. lol. So I'll probably just borrow it every now and then.

What the earpads are:
- slightly thicker memory foam
- softer protein leather with print to mimic the woven appearance
- magnetic attachment (same as Apple)

What the earpads aren't:
- not a woven mesh material

How it sounds:
- less airy
- more traditional closed-back
- heightened bottom, mid-range

I was confident that with Apple's active equalization, it would sound the same. And for the most part, it does. However, the woven mesh gave a sense of a semi-open feel. It also allowed more sound to escape. With the protein leather material, it gave a tighter seal. Less sound leakage which is a bonus if in public spaces.

If you're interested to alleviate your allergic reaction and enjoy the APM, I got them from here. I have no affiliation or referral gain from this post:

CentralSound USA Replacement Ear Pad Cushions for Apple AirPods Max Headphones

CentralSound USA Replacement Ear Pad Cushions for Apple AirPods Max Noise-Canceling Headphones. Soft Protein Leather Material. Upgraded 50% Thicker Memory Foam. Fit and Colors are Virtually Exact as Original Apple Ear Pads. Ours are 60% Cheaper Than the OEM Ear Pads from Apple. * Black * Red *...

centralsound.co

 

[Vinic12]

Has anyone experienced a similar allergic reaction with the Airpod 3? I tested the Airpod Pro with both original and 3rd party foam tips - allergy. I tested the Airpod Max, only with the original cups - allergy. Finally, I bought the Aipod 3 and I am having allergy again. BTW, I don't have any problem when using the Airpod 1 or 2. I am not sure if the electronics that check if the airport was removed from your ear has the component that causes allergy?

 

[LeonPro]

Having owned and used all versions of AirPods.

1. AirPods V2 - no reaction
2. AirPods Pro - ear infection (wife uses this, no infection experienced)
3. AirPods Max - skin allergy with original earpads. No allergy to third-party pads.
4. AirPods V3 - no reaction (my daily driver for Zoom meetings)

 

[Ghost31]

Curious. Anybody here tempted to try out the new AirPods Pro 2 to see if apple used a different material? Personally im happy with my sony earbuds, but i am curious if apple listened to the complaints and actually fixed it

 

[symphony]

It is not logical to keep a product that is causing this kind of reaction, and on top of that, try and rely on a third product that may or may to solve the problem. If he doesn't return them while he can, he is out $500+ dollars.

I had a much more severe reaction than OP, I had a red ring around the back of my ears that I didn't notice and skin was peeling. So embarrassing to had it seen in public, because I didn't realize how bad it was since I can't view that angle of my head lol, I had no idea.

Apple sent me a cheque, despite being way past return. Due to safety issues they vehemently persuaded me to just send back the AirPods Max and get the full refund. I originally called to get replacement ear cups, cause I suspected face products building up in the cushions which was causing a rash when my ears start to sweat. But Apple kept asking safety questions which led to that point.

 

[Mike in Helsinki]

I get the exact same reaction that you do with the AirPods Pro and Powerbeats Pro. So much so that I had to stop using them all together. I did not though have that reaction with the Airpods Max. Sorry to hear you are having it.

I also was getting inner ear reactions when wearing Powerbeats Pro earphones. But I switched the tips to Comply Truegrip which are made out of a different material and no longer get the reaction. Also, on my iPod Max I get a very similar reaction around and behind my ears onto my neck ... chaffing, pealing, mildly scabbing up. I will figure a way to treat the ear cups or buy a 3rd party product if it comes available. Nice that all you people post your experiences ... thank you.

 

[Mike in Helsinki]

Started a few hours after wearing for me.

I get the same reaction ... red irritation on the skin that comes in contact with the ear cup, becomes charred and starts excreting humanoid grossness, mildly scabs up, take a couple days to flake off.

 

[Mike in Helsinki]

To be fair about the AirPods Pros, I get ear infection with any in-ear monitors I've used throughout the years which poke my ear canal. So for me it's not the presence of the silicone but the presence of a foreign object in my ears.

Using the AirPods that sits outside the ear canal doesn't give me ear infection.

As for the AirPods Max, it's definitely the EXCESSIVE use of chemicals they used in the production of the ear cushions. Again in my case, washing the ear cushions removes these excess chemicals left-over in the textile. After 24 hours of drying, no further skin irritation is occurring.

YMMV.

Exactly the same with me. I was using Powerbeats Pro ... the tips were causing irritation and small collections of puss in my ear. I switched to JLAB Epic Air Sport ANC ear hook earphones, same problem. Then, I purchased Comply Premium Tips Trugrip Pro replacement tips for both the Powerbeats Pro and JLAB earphones. ALL MY PROBLEMS STOPPED WITH COMPLY PREMIUM TIPS! But, I was having the same problems with the AirPods Max with the ear cups causing similar issues as the other headphones did. So ... now I washed the ear cups exactly as instructed by M here and they are drying out. Will come back with the results in a day or so when they become powder dry.

 

[Mike in Helsinki]

It’s the silicone in all the pods, lots of people have this allergy, and dumb of Apple to not go with leather covered or offer the option, especially for the price. Can’t use my Pros due to the same reaction described in original post, and canceling my Max order as read they are also silicone.

100% right.

 

[Ghost31]

Curious. Anybody here tempted to try out the new AirPods Pro 2 to see if apple used a different material? Personally im happy with my sony earbuds, but i am curious if apple listened to the complaints and actually fixed it

Damn ya’ll. Your comments reminded me this thread existed. Here i am from the future replying to my past self. Guess what old self? Got airpods Pro 2 and never had a single problem. wearing them right now and they’re my favorite headphones ever 👍

 

[Abdichoudxyz]

I bought some original APPs in 2021, but suffered from the supplied eartips being too large (even the 'S' versions). Added to that, I found the material irritated my ears after just a few minutes. So I moved them on. I bought a 2nd gen pair last year, after reading that Apple were now supplying XS eartips with them, and these proved to be a more physically comfortable fit. However, I still felt them irritating my ears. So I had a bit of a Google, and found some SednaEarfit Xelastec eartips. These proved to be both physically comfortable and don't irritate my skin. They are, annoyingly rather expensive. But they are basically a small plastic clip bit which fits on the APP shell (like the Apple supplied eartips, but they are a one-piece item), and a removable eartip bit. Very similar to most other brands of earbuds on the market. You can then fit eartips by other brands, which should hopefully make replacing them somewhat cheaper.

I was very pleased with this solution, as I've also tried the Sony WFHFX1000TurboDolbyAutoreverse3DTrackingAntiSkatingAtmosImprovedBatteryLifeXM4 or whatever they're called, and they didn't fit very well, kept falling out of my ears, were a faff to connect, and don't sound as good as the APPs (IMO). The 3rd party eartips don't affect the sound quality IME. I do think Apple need to listen to customers about these issues, becasue they're not uncommon.

Someone earlier questioned why Apple don't use leather for the APM cushions. I'd suspect this is too keep those who object to animal products happy. Ironically, leather is actually a better option as it's completely natural (bar the dyes etc used in its treatment), hypoallergenic, and far less environmentally damaging in the long term than using refined chemicals to produce yet more artificial material that doesn't break down favourably. If I were getting some big headphones, I'd only consider those with leather earcups. Personally, if I were spending north of £500 for some headphones, I'd be looking at stuff like the B+W PX8, B+O Beoplay H95 or Focal Bathys, rather than the Apple APMs, as these all have better ratings overal for actual sound quality. And you can plug analogue sources into them. Yes, more expensive but better really. I'm happy with my APPs, as I believe they offer the best sound quality and connectivity/convenience for the price, but they're still very much in the 'budget' end of things when it comes to portable listening. IMO the APMs need to come down a lot in price to be anywhere near actual VFM, as their nearest competitors are a lot cheaper. They should be in the £250-350 range, not £500.

 

[brian.tully]

Just found this thread, as I am having the same allergic/itchy reaction when wearing the AirPods Max for more than a few minutes. It's like wearing a wool sweater/jumper over my ears. Why on earth did Apple design the cushions to have the scratchy mesh texture vs a smooth texture?

Some people in this thread have found relief through 3rd party cushion replacements that use protein leather. Can someone provide a link or brand/name to a satisfactory replacement? I've searched Google/Amazon and there are a ton of options, so if anyone has any specific recommendations I would be eternally grateful. Otherwise it's back to Apple these go, and back Bose I go.

 

[delsoul]

Not AirPods Max but on the AirPods Pro the silicone tips would make my ear canal feel hot and burning, then itchy and irritated. Then a lot of skin that would eventually peel off. Seems to be a common issue across the Apple audio line and something Apple refuses to fix or address. Truly a shame

 

[brian.tully]

FWIW I wound up purchasing "Earrock Silicone Ear Cup for AirPods Max Leather Ear Cushions Workout Earpads Headphone Accessories Sweat Proof with Noise Isolation Gel, Memory Foam, Protein Leather and Magnet Sky Blue" from Amazon, which have the protein leather surface. I've been using them for a week and am absolutely in love with them. SO much better than the textured ear cushions provided by Apple.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J536NS5?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

 

[transmaster]

My symptoms are consistent with those for allergic contact dermatitis, so I’m guessing something in the earcups, possibly the acrylates or methacrylates (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211158). If third-party earcups eventually become available, I’ll look into them, but as there’s no prospect of that anytime soon, I’ll return the AirPods Max and go back to the WH-1000Xs, hardly the worst first-world problem. But I posted here in case anyone else had the same issue.

Edit: photo attached for your shock/horror/amusement. I wore the headphones last night for just under 2 hours to listen to two Max Richter albums.

You have a allergy to Silicon, very common in the medical world that is why you always see several types of surgical gloves in a clinical setting. There is nothing you can do about it except avoid the source of the problem. I would call Apple and tell them of your trouble. By law that have to give you a data sheet on what the ear pads are made of.

 

[Mike in Helsinki]

I too have an allergy not only to AirPod Max headphones, but also to Beats Powerbeats Pro earphones and also JLab earphones. All 3. So, I switched out the earbuds on the Powerbeats Pro and JLabs with Comply True Grip buds (zero allergic reaction) and for the AirPod Max I bought these (but from Amazon Germany):

kwmobile 2 x Ear Pads Compatible with Apple AirPods Max Pads, Faux Leather Headphones for Over Ear Headphones​

They work perfectly, zero allergic reaction.

So all three sets of earphones that I was allergic to are now 100% OK. Good luck and thanks to everybody for commenting on this problem. It has haunted me a long, long time and all of you are helpful. Thanks.

 

[bubbsbrandy]

Hello in 2024, here's hoping your past allergic reactions have cleared and healed. I found this thread because I am looking to replace my APP 2, which I only just bought. I've had 2 sets of APP 1, and didn't realize my allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) was caused by them. I've been having mild itching and flaking in my ear canal and inside the outer ear for over a year (though I've had airpods pro quite a bit longer - I want to say almost 4 years). Developing the allergic reaction, I really thought it was just psoriasis, but my dermatologist said ACD instead and had me use a 1% hydrocortisone for 2 weeks which helped, but when I stopped using it so that my earphones wouldn't fall out, the reaction returned. Long story short, I realized it was the 'pods. I've known since 2018 I have an allergy to adhesives, and found out from liquid bandages after surgery. (Cyanoacrylate, note "acrylate"). I now have reactions to most bandages aside from hydrocolloid, some silicones, and most products that use a lot of adhesive in production, i.e. cardboard.

Fast forward to now, I am considering trying the Max, but with all the back and forth on this thread and potentially needing to switch earcups right away, I'm much less inclined.

I also have done much more in depth research regarding the allergens that could be causing the ACD. So far the most common I've seen come up is nickel, acrylates/methacrylates (my suspected allergy to APP), and byproducts of production (also acrylates, etc). I've come across various studies and articles about hearing aids, one about Samsung Galaxy Buds, and another about Airpods Pro and Max (a snipped image of patch testing components from such will be below.)

I really appreciate the in depth testing @LeonPro. As you were experiencing infections from the sealing off of your ear canal vs. ACD from the pros, I'm hoping I don't have the same allergy to the ear cups, though I feel like I might. I guess for the convenience of the apple universe, it would be okay to find out later and replace the cups than to be disappointed I can't use other over-ear headphones without replacements, etc.

In the patch test photo, it seems the person was allergic to the innermost part of the cushion from the APM, not the mesh or outer part of the cushion, which COULD explain why you (@LeonPro) only had a reaction when music was playing/air forced from inside, but not from replacement cups that completely cover the memory foam.

Anyway, I thought including this and the link to the article (though it's paywalled) would be helpful for anyone experiencing different allergies. I don't recommend purchasing the article as it's really just a letter to the editor of the journal, but it did have other images and a table. I'm trying to get access again (apparently they give you one-time-access if you got there via google?). LINK to article.

Hope this helps someone. Good luck out there friends.

 

[LeonPro]

Wow. Thanks for this additional information @bubbsbrandy. Hope this thread with all our experiences help others.