Why Are Philips CPAP Being Recalled?

Certain models of Philips CPAP devices are being recalled because they are causing respiratory issues and cancer in users. If you are using a Philips Respironics CPAP device, it is best to speak with your doctor immediately to determine the best alternatives for you. 

If you regularly used a recalled Philips CPAP machine or similar device, you should also speak with your doctor to find out if you have any health issues from your use.

Why There Is a Recall of Philips CPAPs

People using these breathing devices have complained for years about the noise abatement foam breaking down over time. The foam, made of polyester polyurethane, can create toxic chemicals and debris enter the airways of the patient. 

The purpose of the foam is to make the machines vibrate less and operate with less noise while the user is sleeping. Unfortunately, the health risks of the foam severely outweigh the benefit of noise abatement.

The Medical Conditions Linked to the Philips CPAP Machines

Polyester-based polyurethane debris in one’s airway and inhaling toxic chemicals for hours and months on end can cause many adverse health consequences. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these are some of the potential health risks of using the Philips devices:

• The polyurethane foam can degrade into small black pieces go into the patient’s airway through the device’s air tubes and get swallowed or inhaled.
• The foam can produce dangerous chemicals, called volatile organic compounds, that the user inhales after the chemicals pass through the device’s air tubes.
• The patient could swallow or inhale the bits of foam, resulting in an inflammatory response, asthma, headache, or cancer-causing harm to the kidneys, liver, and other organs.
• The foam debris can irritate the eyes, skin, respiratory tract, and nose.
• The patient could suffer dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or headache from the toxic chemicals the foam can emit.
• Irritation to the respiratory tract, eyes, skin, and nose can occur because of the toxic chemicals in the device.
• The toxic chemicals have led to allergic reactions and other immune system responses.

This list of potential health consequences is likely to expand as we learn more about the harm these medical devices can cause.

Which CPAPs Are Part of the Recall?

Philips Respironics recalled multiple models of their CPAPs, BiPAPs, and ventilators manufactured between 2009 and April 26, 2021. Some of these recalled models, according to the FDA, include:

• DreamStation ASV; DreamStation ST, AVAPS; DreamStation; DreamStation Go
• SystemOne ASV4; SystemOne (Q-Series)
• C-Series ASV; C-Series S/T and AVAPS
• Dorma 400; Dorma 500
• OmniLab Advanced+
• REMstar SE Auto
• Trilogy 100; Trilogy 200
• Garbin Plus; Aeris; LifeVent
• A-Series BiPAP A30; A-Series BiPAP A40

The Philips recall also includes several models used in medical facilities.

People Are Fling Lawsuits Over the Philips Respironics CPAP Devices

CPAPs and similar breathing devices are used widely by people with sleep apnea and related disorders. When users of recalled Philips CPAPs began to experience worsening health, they may have assumed it was for reasons unrelated to their faulty breathing machines.

Quite a few people have already taken legal action against Philips. With millions of these machines in circulation, it is likely that the floodgates will open soon with even more lawsuits against Philips. 

If you think that you or a loved one developed a health problem because of one of these breathing machines, a Philips CPAP lawyer could help you pursue fair compensation.

How Long did the Manufacturer Know There Was a Problem?

After receiving many complaints from people who used Philips Respironics CPAPs and related devices, the FDA opened an investigation. On November 9, 2021, the FDA released the results of its inspections and investigations conducted from August 26, 2021, through November 9, 2021.

Some of the highlights of this report include:

1. Philips knew as early as 2015 about complaints from people about volatile organic compound emissions (toxic chemicals) and polyester-based polyurethane foam degradation in certain models.
2. Philips did not investigate whether there were problems with foam degradation in their other models that used polyester-based polyurethane foam.
3. Although they admit that they received 1,254 complaints about foam degradation from 2014 to April 2021, Philips did not adequately establish procedures to correct and prevent problems with foam degradation in their devices.
4. Philips knew there were design defects but did not correct the problems because they used a flawed design validation methodology. In other words, Philips concluded that people with normal, healthy lung tissue would not suffer harm because of the design defects. The devices were not designed for people with healthy lung tissue. Philips designed the machines for people with lung and breathing problems.
5. When Philips eventually acted in response to the foam degradation issue, the company did not adequately verify or validate that their maintenance and service response actions would fix the problems with the machines.
6. Contrary to FDA requirements, Philips did not report those maintenance and service actions to the FDA.

The FDA report documented Philips Respironics’ actions and failures to act on this crucial information.

A Philips CPAP Lawsuit Attorney Can Help You

Philips is a huge corporation with plenty of money to spend on lawyers defending it against claims from people harmed by their medical devices. You do not want to take on a billion-dollar corporation by yourself.

Lawsuits involving dangerous medical devices are expensive to litigate because they involve expert witnesses and other costs. When you hire a Florida Philips CPAP lawsuit lawyer, your attorney manages these things during the litigation.

Our Firm Is Affordable

We handle lawsuits involving defective medical devices on a contingency-fee-basis. With this type of fee arrangement, you do not pay any upfront legal fees to us. We will work for the entire case without payment for any legal fees until the end. 

When you win compensation, we get paid an agreed-upon percentage of the insurance settlement or jury award. 

Also, we cover the costs of obtaining medical records and hiring experts. We also cover court filing fees, deposition costs, and other necessary expenses. We get reimbursed those costs out of the proceeds at the end of the matter.

Let’s Get Started

At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, we treat our clients like family. We advocate on your behalf and treat you with compassion, and our clients work directly with our partners. Check out our client testimonials to get an idea of what it’s like to team up with us. You can call us today at (855) 529-0269 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Philips CPAP FAQ:

Can Philips CPAP Affect Your Lungs?

Discovering that a medical device meant to improve your health is potentially causing harm can be shocking and overwhelming. For users of Philips CPAP machines, recent revelations about possible lung damage have created a storm of concern and uncertainty. It’s crucial to have a Florida personal injury lawyer in your corner in these situations. Chalik...

Can Philips CPAP Cause Weight Gain?

Per the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (JCSM), Philips CPAP machines can cause weight gain. That’s because the machine alters users’ basal metabolic rate (BMR), leading to a slower metabolism and increased weight gain. And that’s not all. In June 2021, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) noted that Philips recalled many of its...

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Philips CPAP Lawsuits?

Experiencing an incident with a faulty medical device like Philips CPAP can be life-altering. The aftermath often leaves victims and their families in a state of turmoil and confusion. In such scenarios, it becomes crucial to seek legal assistance, especially from a Florida personal injury lawyer with experience in this domain. Our law firm stands...

What Are the Chances of Getting Cancer from CPAP?

CPAP machines generally don’t cause cancer to people who use them. In fact, these machines usually reduce the risk of developing health problems or cancer. However, the recalled CPAP devices by Philips Respironics were found to cause cancer because of the foam’s potential release and toxicity.  If you used a Philips Respironics CPAP machine and...