The FDA recently alerted consumers that Phillips has issued a recall on a certain number of its CPAP and BiPAP machines, as well as certain models of ventilators due to potential health risks. These machines are commonly used to treat sleep apnea. The statement referenced the type of foam used in these devices that attempted to reduce the overall noise of the machine.
With age, the foam could start to break down and send particles into the patient's air pathway that could then be inhaled or swallowed. The foam used, a polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) is a possible carcinogen and the particles, or chemicals it may have emitted, can cause serious health problems.
Possible Health Effects from PE-PUR Exposure
Phillips has received multiple consumer complaints about black debris in the air pathway of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. In addition, there have been complaints that have identified a number of health effects, including:
- Headache
- Upper airway irritation (scratchy throat)
- Cough
- Chest pressure
- Sinus infection
More serious health problems are a potential risk from inhalation or ingestion of PE-PUR particles or chemicals, such as:
- Skin, eye, or respiratory tract irritation
- Inflammatory response
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Hypersensitivity
- Nausea/vomiting
- Asthma
- Kidney or liver disease
- Kidney or liver cancer
Recalled Phillips CPAP & BiPAP Device Models
There were a variety of affected models of CPAP and BiPAP machines. The recalled models are:
- Dreamstation (1st generation product family)
- SystemOne
- C-Series
- OmniLab Advanced Plus
- Dorma 400
- Dorma 500
- REMStar SE Auto
In addition to the CPAP and BiPAP machines, a number of ventilators produced by Phillips used the PE-PUR foam. Those models include:
- Trilogy 100
- Trilogy 200
- Garbin Plus
- Aeris
Phillips Defective CPAP & BiPAP Machines Attorney
If you or a loved one used a recalled Phillips CPAP, BiPAP or ventilator and have experienced any of the abovementioned health effects, you may be able to file a claim against the company. The legal team at Davis Law Group offers free case evaluations for victims and their families to help determine the next best move. To schedule your consultation, you can use the chat or contact form on this page, or call 206-727-4000.