Philips Respironics has issued a voluntary recall of various ventilation and sleep apnea machines due to the health and safety risks posed by the design of the machines. Specifically, Philips acknowledges that the polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) sound abatement foam lining the inside of the airway systems in these devices can degrade into particles that are inhaled by the patient and can off-gas toxic chemicals.
The recall covers a variety of both CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) and BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) machine models and is anticipated to impact as many as four million devices in the United States. CPAP machines generally are prescribed for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is a condition defined by a blockage of the upper airway while a person sleeps. By contrast, BiPAP machines generally treat central sleep apnea (CSA), which is a condition where the brain fails to properly control a person’s breathing.
Philips advises that the risks posed by degradation and off-gassing of the PE-PUR foam include: irritation of skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; hypersensitivity; nausea and vomiting; dizziness; inflammatory responses; headaches; asthma; and toxic carcinogenic affects. Philips has urged patients to immediately discontinue use of the recalled devices.
Leckman Law is investigating injuries caused by these recalled devices. If you or a loved one have injuries relating to a recalled Philips device and would like to explore your legal options, you can fill out the contact form on our website or contact us directly at admin@leckmanlaw.com.
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