Recommended VR headsets for Patient VR

RECOMMENDED VR HEADSET AND GEAR FOR “PATIENT VR” USE

We often get asked which device is ideal to use for patients to use the PatientVR platform. So, here’s some information and our recommendation. Recommend you to do your own research and treat this only as a guide.

Last updated: May 2024

 

Headset and related gear:

• We recommend the MetaQuest 3 (512GB) with Elite Strap > LINK
• Carry Case for protection > LINK

 

Note that there is an Elite Strap with battery too for those who want to use it for longer hours, perhaps within a setting where you are providing the VR experience for patients on the go – such as an aged care or home care service provider. But, do note that the Elite Strap with Battery does get a bit heavy on the patients head.

• Elite Strap with Battery  LINK

 

Why MetaQuest 3?

The MetaQuest 3 from Meta is the latest, updated VR headset and has some really good improvements from it’s predecessor the MetaQuest 2. Our engineering team recommends MetaQuest 3 due to the below features:

• MetaQuest 3 is much lighter than MetaQuest 2.
• MetaQuest 3 is about 30% better quality of experience than MetaQuest 2.
• Our favourite is the camera system for safety on the MetaQuest 3.
• Overall, MetaQuest 3 is smaller in size too and the elite strap comes with a battery option.
• The carry case also is no doubt much lighter and compact.
• Switches to camera mode with auto detection of boundary – a really nice safety feature.
• Easy to clean and keep sanitised.

Why choose the MetaQuest with Elite Strap option?

The MetaQuest 3 comes with a cloth based strap which is not ideal for patients as it is not very easy to put onto a patient, hard to disinfect and has a velcro to fit and loosen the headset which is not ideal. The Elite strap can be cleaned with any cleaning agent you currently use to sanitise your TV remote or other equipment at the healthcare setting.

A feature we like and recommend using the Elite Strap for is that the knob can easily be turned to fit and loosen to an adjustment that works for the patient once it is placed on the head.

 

Does our PatientVR experience work on MetaQuest 2? 

Yes, it does. While PatientVR application works on both MetaQuest 2 and MetaQuest 3, we much recommend using the MetaQuest 3 for reasons stated above.

So, here’s all the links:

HARDWARE (CURRENT COST) AS AT MAY 2024
Meta Quest 3, 512GB with Elite Strap	VR HEADSET WITH STRAP	$1,133.98	Link on Amazon to purchase [HERE]
Meta Quest 3 Carrying Case	CARRY CASE	$119	Amazon AU link to MetaQuest 3 – Carry Case for protection

 

Here are some more technical differences:

MetaQuest 3: Display resolution (per eye) : 2064 x 2208 | 1218 PPI | 25 PPD
MetaQuest 2 : 1832 x 1920 | 773 PPI | 20 PPD

MetaQuest 3: Refresh rate: 90 Hz/120 Hz
MetaQuest 2: 72 Hz, 80 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz

A few other features on the MetaQuest 3:

• FOV (degrees) : 90 horizontal and vertical
• Optics: Fresnel lens, 3-position IAD adjust
• Colour gamut : 100% of sRGB
• Controller tracking : Hybrid using computer vision and machine learning tracking
• Haptics  : TruTouch variable haptics
• Pass-through fidelity Colour (4 MP, 18 PPD) whereas in the MetaQuest 2 the passthrough is Greyscale.

 

How to keep the headsets sanitised? 

It is recommended that you regularly sanitise the headset by using antibacterial as most of the regular antibacerials would work on the plastic parts within the headset. Just ensure you do not use the antibacterial on the camera or the lens for which you will need a lens spray cleaner.

We have also found a few products that can help such as using disposable face mask for VR such as this one [Link] that comes in packs of 200. Please look for similar or other products that can help with the regular sanitisation.

Safety is the first priority, so ensure that nothing is close to the patient while they are in ‘VR’ mode and using the headsets. The good thing about the headsets such as MetaQuest 3 is that you can pre-define the extent or the boundary in which the VR mode will work. If the movement is detected beyond this imaginary zone or boundary the VR headset switches to camera mode so the patient is able to see what is in around them from the camera on the headset. This is definitely a safety feature we love about the MetaQuest 3 as “Virtual Reality” can be quite immersive and safety is important.

 

 

Prices are as stated on Amazon AU. Recommend to do your own research for the most recent products and pricing as these can change from time to time. We only provide you this information as a guide. 

 

Need more info?

If you need help or more information about our Patient Virtual Reality program please get in touch here.