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Philips CPAP Machine

Philips CPAP Machine Recall

A voluntary recall notification was issued by Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) on June 14, 2021 for specific Philips Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (Bi-Level PAP), and mechanical ventilator devices. This includes devices in the first-generation DreamStation product family. This recall was the result of “identified potential health risks related to the polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) sound abatement foam component of these devices.”

Those who have suffered adverse medical effects or have experienced injuries or cancer due to the device will be looking for legal assistance with their case. Broughton Partners helps connect victims injured by Philips CPAP machines to attorneys that can help them navigate the legal process if they qualify to file a claim.

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CPAP and Bi-Level PAP Machines: The Facts

A person may use a continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) machine to help them breathe more easily when sleeping if they experience obstructive sleep apnea. The machine prevents a person’s airway from collapsing while they breathe by increasing air pressure in the throat. The machine can have a mask that covers the mouth and nose, or just one of the two.

The Philips recall also includes some bilevel positive airway pressure (Bi-Level PAP machines). These machines have many of the same attachments and supplies, but can be used to treat complex sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).

CPAP Machine Link to Cancer

Philips issued the voluntary recall amid reports of health risks associated with the polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) sound abatement foam component within some of its devices. The PE-PUR foam is used to decrease the sound of the machine during use. According to Philips, the PE-PUR foam may degrade into particles which may enter the air pathway and be ingested by the user. The degraded PE-PUR foam may off-gas certain chemicals.

CPAP Machine Risks and Side Effects

Some side effects are due to the equipment being new to a patient or due to having the wrong size equipment. Common side effects of using a CPAP machine include:

  • Discomfort or Claustrophobia
  • Aerophagia: This is the medical term for swallowing air. People can experience this if the pressure entering the machine is too high.
  • Dry Mouth or Dry Nose: Continuous air into airways can cause dryness in one or both of these areas.
  • Infections: These can occur due to a lack of thorough cleaning of the equipment.

Potential Claims

The Philips CPAP and Bi-Level PAP machine recall could result in complications including injuries and cancers. People that have experienced one or more of the following injuries may qualify for financial compensation:

  • Pleural effusion, Kidney damage, Liver damage, Kidney disease, Liver disease, Respiratory failure, Heart failure, Heart attack, Chemical poisoning, Reactive Airway Disease (RAD), Acute Respiratory Distress System (ARDS), Severe ear, nose, throat inflammation

If individuals have been diagnosed with one or more of the following cancers, they may qualify for financial compensation:

  • Bladder Cancer, Brain Cancer, Breast Cancer, Hematopoietic Cancer, Kidney Cancer, Leukemia, Liver Cancer, Lung Cancer, Lymphatic Cancer, Multiple Myeloma, Nasal Cancer, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Papillary Carcinoma, Prostate Cancer, Rectal Cancer, Stomach Cancer, Testicular Cancer, Thyroid Cancer

The Philips CPAP Machine Lawsuit

It is alleged that Philips was aware of the material risks associated with CPAP and Bi-Level PAP machines long before the voluntary recall. In addition, a class action lawsuit filed alleges that Philips timed the recall to coincide with the launch of new products, resulting in customers purchasing a newer model to resolve their issues.
Claimants must meet the following criteria to be eligible to file a case:

  • PC must have used a Philips Respironics CPAP, APAP, BiPAP device, or a mechanical ventilator
  • PC must have used the qualifying device for at least 6 months
  • PC must have one or more of the following injuries after use of the device:
    • Kidney disease or damage
    • Liver disease or damage
    • Lung disease or damage
    • Respiratory failure
    • Reactive Airway Disease (RAD)
    • Acute Respiratory Distress System (ARDS)
    • Pleural Effusion
    • Chemical poisoning
    • Bladder Cancer
    • Brain Cancer
    • Breast Cancer
    • Hematopoietic Cancer
    • Kidney Cancer
    • Leukemia
    • Liver Cancer
    • Lung Cancer
    • Lymphatic Cancer
    • Multiple Myeloma
    • Nasal Cancer
    • Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
    • Papillary Carcinoma
    • Prostate Cancer
    • Rectal Cancer
    • Stomach Cancer
    • Testicular Cancer
    • Thyroid Cancer
    • Esophageal Cancer
  • PC must not be currently represented by an attorney
  • Death Statute of Limitations Applies

Victims will need a knowledgeable product liability firm to hold the negligent manufacturer accountable for their actions. Broughton Partners can help qualified Philipa CPAP or Bi-Level PAP claimants connect with your law firms.

April 2021

Philips determined from user reports and testing that there are possible risks to users related to the sound abatement foam used in certain of Philips’ sleep and respiratory care devices currently in use. This update was shared in the Philips Q1 2021 Quarterly Report.

June 2021

Philips issues recall notification* to mitigate potential health risks related to the sound abatement foam component in certain sleep and respiratory care devices.

June 2021

A Philips class action lawsuit was filed in Massachusetts on June 30 by the national plaintiffs’ law firm Berger Montague

References

“Philips issues recall notification* to mitigate potential health risks related to the sound abatement foam component in certain sleep and respiratory care devices”: https://www.usa.philips.com/a-w/about/news/archive/standard/news/press/2021/20210614-philips-issues-recall-notification-to-mitigate-potential-health-risks-related-to-the-sound-abatement-foam-component-in-certain-sleep-and-respiratory-care-devices.html. Accessed June 30, 2021

“Medical Device recall notification (U.S. only) / field safety notice (International Markets)” https://www.usa.philips.com/healthcare/e/sleep/communications/src-update. Accessed June 30, 2021

“CPAP Side Effects” https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep-apnea/cpap-treatment/cpap-side-effects/. Accessed June 30, 2021

“Video: How CPAP Controls Sleep Apnea” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/multimedia/cpap/vid-20084718. Accessed June 30, 2021

“CPAP and BiPAP: Which One is Best For You?” https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep-apnea/cpap-vs-bipap/. Accessed June 30, 2021

“Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea” https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw48752. Accessed June 30, 2021

https://www.results.philips.com/publications/q121/downloads/pdf/en/philips-first-quarter-results-2021-report.pdf?v=20210531142942&_gl=1*1lzguc0*_ga*MTA2NTg3Nzc2My4xNjI1NTc1ODI2*_ga_2NMXNNS6LE*MTYyNTU3NTgyNS4xLjEuMTYyNTU3NTgzMy42MA..&_ga=2.18102009.1791599728.1625575826-1065877763.1625575826. Accessed July 6, 2021

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/berger-montague-files-class-action-lawsuit-against-philips-on-behalf-of-consumers-who-purchased-philips-recalled-cpap-bipap-and-other-sleep-apnea-machines-and-ventilators-301323631.html Accessed July 6, 2021

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