Do you or a loved one use a Philips CPAP or BiPAP machine for sleep apnea?

On June 14, 2021, Philips issued a recall of some of its sleep and respiratory care devices due to serious health concerns related to the sound abatement foam used in these machines. Philips said the foam can degrade and release dangerous chemicals, that if inhaled can cause inflammation, irritation, headaches or even cancer.

If you or someone you love has developed a chronic respiratory illness, such as asthma, or were diagnosed with cancer after your use of a Philips CPAP or BiPAP machine, you may be eligible to receive substantial compensation without ever going to court. Fill out our free case review today to find out if you could be eligible.

Philips CPAP and BiPAP Recall

On June 14, 2021, Philips issued a recall of specific Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), BiLevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiLevel PAP) devices and mechanical ventilators because of potential health risk related to the particles and gases emitted from the foam use to mitigate noise. These devices treat sleep apnea, a relatively common condition that occurs when the upper airway becomes obstructed during sleep.  

The foam inside of the CPAP and BiPAP machines decompose over time and leave tiny particles inside of the devices. In addition to particles, the degradation of polyurethane foam leads to the emission of dangerous, carcinogenic gases that lead to cancer.  According to their website, Philips states that high humidity and temperature as well as unapproved cleaning methods can exacerbate the degradation.

Philips admits that it has received several complaints concerning the presence of black debris and particles however, it has not received any reports regarding the effects of chemical emissions and no fatalities have been reported from the use of these devices.  Nevertheless, there are side effects that you could experience from foam degradation, such as:

· Adverse effects to organs, such as liver failure and kidney failure

· Toxic carcinogenic effects leading to cancers, such as lung cancer

· Skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation

· Chest Pressure

· Cough

· Headache

· Sinus infection

· Inflammatory response

· Asthma

· Dizziness

· Nausea

· Vomiting

It is currently difficult to say exactly how common these health risks are from the use of the Phillips devices. But it is recommended that you talk with your doctor about the Philips CPAP recall, especially if you are experiencing any health issues that you believe could be related to the recalled device.

Which devices are included in the CPAP Recall?

The following CPAP and BiLevel PAP Devices are affected by the recall:

Continuous Ventilators:

E30 (Emergency Use Authorization)

· DreamStation ASV

· DreamStation (ST, AVAPS)

· SystemOne (ASV4)

· C Series (ASV, S/T, AVAPS)

· OmniLab Advanced Plus (In-Lab Titration Device)

Non-continuous Ventilators:

· SystemOne (Q Series)

· DreamStation (CPAP, Auto CPAP, BiPAP)

· DreamStation GO (CPAP, APAP)

· Dorma 400,500 (CPAP)

· REMStar SE Auto (CPAP)

Mechanical Ventilators:

· Trilogy100  

· Trilogy 200

· Garbin Plus, Aeris, LifeVent

· A-Series BiPAP Hybrid (A30)  

· A-Series BiPAP V30 (Auto)

· A-Series BiPAP A40

· A-Series BiPAP A30

The VA issued these devices to Veterans

Veterans given devices such as the DreamStation or SystemOne may be able to seek compensation through a CPAP lawsuit. The VA distributed approximately 300,000 of these devices for Veterans’ home use. Veterans may also have been exposed to these recalled devices in a VA hospital or clinic. Note that your status as a veteran does not hinder you from pursuing legal actions against Philips and it would not affect your benefits.

We're here to help

If you or someone you love has developed a chronic respiratory illness, such as asthma, or were diagnosed with cancer after your use of a Philips CPAP or BiPAP machine, you may be eligible to receive substantial compensation without ever going to court. Fill out our free case review today to find out if you could be eligible.  If you don't receive a recovery through a lawsuit or settlement, you don’t owe us anything.

‍