Philips CPAP Recall May Entitle Users to Sizeable Settlements
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Sleep apnea sufferers throughout the world rely on CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) or BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) machines to provide a good night’s rest and prevent further apnea-related health problems. Therefore, the recent recall of millions of Philips Respironics assisted breathing devices due to concerns about the risks of cancer and other serious conditions caused widespread concern. Numerous lawsuits have already been filed on behalf of people who are ill as a result of using these machines, with countless more to come. If a Philips CPAP or other device is affecting your health, our experienced Philips CPAP recall legal team can help you win the compensation you deserve.
Do You Have a Case?How Do Assisted Breathing Devices Help Treat Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes breathing to stop and resume repeatedly due to blockage of the upper airway. Individuals who suffer from the disorder commonly snore loudly and may wake up gasping for air throughout the sleep cycle. Other symptoms include waking up tired on a regular basis or having difficulty concentrating during the day. While sleep deprivation is known to cause serious consequences, untreated sleep apnea may also lead to other life-threatening conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and liver ailments. Mechanical ventilation devices are among the most effective ways to treat sleep apnea and certain other breathing disorders. These machines keep the airway open by delivering oxygen through a mask that connects to the machine by a tube. Below are the three main types of devices used for sleep apnea:
- CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines
- APAP (automatic positive airflow pressure) machines
- BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) machines, also known as BiPAP or BiLevel PAP
Continuous ventilators While the above devices are used primarily for sleep apnea, continuous ventilators are used for patients who are unable to breathe on their own due to severe respiratory illnesses such as Covid-19.
Why Were the Philips CPAP Machines Recalled?
The recall was based on concerns about potential health and safety risks associated with the sound abatement foam used in several Philips product lines. Philips’ June 14, 2021 recall notice states the polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) foam used to make the devices quieter may degrade into particles that could be ingested or inhaled by the user. In addition, the foam may release, or “off-gas,” certain toxic chemicals. Ingesting or inhaling either the particles or the off-gassed chemicals can cause cancer and other potentially life-threatening conditions. The FDA identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious kind, stating that “use of these devices may cause serious injuries or death.”
How Do I Know If My Philips Machine Was Recalled?
The majority of the recalled devices are in the first-generation DreamStation product line. However, the recall also included several other CPAP and BiPAP machines and ventilators. For a current list of recalled products, visit the FDA website.
Click here to learn more about how a Philips CPAP machine recall lawyer can help you receive substantial compensation.
What Health Problems May Result from Using a Recalled Philips CPAP Machine?
Philips CPAP devices made with PE-PUR foam may cause a wide variety of health problems ranging from moderate conditions such as headaches and skin irritation to life-threatening diseases such as cancer. Additionally, symptoms that appear minor may be signs of a more serious disorder. Therefore, it is important to contact your doctor immediately if you experience any health changes after using a Philips CPAP machine or assisted breathing device. Here are a few examples of conditions that may result from ingesting or inhaling PE-PUR foam particles or toxic off-gassed chemicals:
- Numerous types of cancer that include lung, brain, oral, kidney, liver and others
- Persistent cough
- Inflammation of the airways or other parts of the body
- Respiratory distress
- Liver or kidney damage
- Nausea/vomiting
- Chest pressure
- Asthma
Contact your physician immediately if you experience any symptoms that could be related to a Philips assisted breathing device.
What Should I Do If My Philips Machine Was Recalled?
First, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Do not stop using a life-sustaining ventilator before consulting your physician. Stop using non-life-sustaining machines such as CPAPs and BiPAPs and discuss alternative treatments with your doctor. Contact one of our Philips CPAP recall lawyers immediately to learn how we can help you win the compensation you are entitled to.
Our Philips CPAP Recall Lawyers Are Ready to Start Your Case Today
If you or a loved one is ill because of a Phillips CPAP machine, we can help. We have the skills, experience and resources to stand up to a large company like Philips and fight for the rights of the people who were harmed. And we won’t stop fighting until every victim is justly compensated. Defective products law is complicated, but finding the right Philips CPAP recall lawyer is simple. Don’t let the legal clock run out. Start your case today by filling out the brief form below or calling 1-800-CALL-SAM for a free, no-obligation remote consultation from the safety and comfort of your home.
Do You Have a Case?
