Philips Respironics recalled certain CPAP, BiPap, and ventilator machines in June 2021 because of the potential health risks associated with the devices. The problem originates with the breakdown of the PE-PUR sound abatement foam that is used to reduce vibration and keep the machines quiet.
The recall of these devices is something that CPAP machine users want to take seriously. The FDA classified the Philips CPAP recall as a Class I recall. This is the most serious type of FDA recall and is used when the product may cause injury or death.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the use of a recalled Philips CPAP or BiPap machine, contact Judd Shaw Injury Law today. Our personal injury lawyers are currently handling CPAP lawsuits, and we may be able to help you recover compensation for your injuries. Call us at 1-866-909-6894 or fill out the contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation case review.
What Are CPAP and BiPap Devices?
A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is used in the treatment of sleep apnea, a disorder where breathing is continuously interrupted during sleep. This device keeps your airway open by delivering a continuous stream of pressurized air through tubing in a mask that you wear while you sleep.
A BiPap (bilevel positive airway pressure) machine uses pressure to push air into your lungs. These machines are “bi-level” because they deliver a higher pressure when you breathe in and a lower pressure when you breathe out. BiPap machines are often recommended for people who have obstructive sleep apnea.
Recalled Philips Respironics Devices
The recall does not affect all Philips’ breathing devices. The majority of the recalled devices come from Philips’ DreamStation line. The recall applies to the following list of devices manufactured between 2009 and April 21, 2021. According to Philips, over half of the manufactured devices are located in the US.
Recalled Philips CPAP, BiPap, and mechanical ventilator devices include:
- A-Series BiPAP A30
- A-Series BiPAP A40 (ventilator)
- A-Series BiPAP Hybrid A30
- A-Series BiPAP V30 Auto (ventilator)
- C-Series ASV (ventilator)
- C-Series S/T and AVAPS
- DreamStation
- DreamStation ASV
- DreamStation Go
- DreamStation ST, AVAPS
- Dorma 400
- Dorma 500
- E30
- Garbin Plus, Aeris, LifeVent (ventilator)
- OmniLab Advanced+
- REMstar SE Auto
- SystemOne ASV4
- SystemOne (Q-Series)
- Trilogy 100 (ventilator)
- Trilogy 200 (ventilator)
How Do You Know If Your Sleep Apnea Machine Has Been Recalled?
If you use a sleep apnea machine, make sure to check if your device has been included in the recall. One of the easiest ways to find out is to check the Philips device registration and recall contact information page.
Take the following steps to verify whether your CPAP device is included in the Philips recall:
- Locate the serial number of your CPAP machine. There should be a label on the bottom of the device with a series of letters and numbers that follow SN or S/N.
- Visit the Philips Respironics recall website.
- Fill out the registration form, providing Philips with your contact information so they can contact you regarding the recall.
- Look for a message informing you whether or not your device is eligible for a recall. If your CPAP machine was included in the recall, you will be issued a registration confirmation number. You will also receive information about how to proceed with the recall process from Philips Respironics.
What to Do If Your Sleep Apnea Device Has Been Recalled
Once you find your CPAP machine is on the recall list, you will likely be wondering if you should immediately stop using your machine. The FDA recommends speaking to your healthcare provider before discontinuing the use of your sleep apnea device.
Statistics show that approximately 1 in 15 adults have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. For those with severe sleep apnea, the benefits of using the recalled CPAP unit may outweigh the potential health risks.
Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend:
- Stopping the use of your recalled device
- Using a different CPAP unit that is not part of the recall
- Continuing to use your recalled machine
- Trying other treatments for sleep apnea, such as positional therapy, oral appliances, or surgery
- Making lifestyle changes such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol, or stopping smoking
Health Risks Associated With Recalled CPAP Machines
The recalled Philips CPAP and BiPap units contain polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) foam. This may reduce the sound and vibration in the devices but has been found to break down and get in the machine’s air pathway, releasing toxic particles and substances.
Inhaling or swallowing the degraded foam particles can cause a variety of health problems, including:
- Cough
- Headache
- Asthma
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Hypersensitivity
- Lung inflammation
- Cancer
Recovering Compensation in a CPAP Lawsuit
If you or someone you love has suffered serious health issues after using a Philips Respironics medical device, you may qualify to receive compensation.
You may qualify to receive the following damages:
- Medical expenses: You may be compensated for any past medical bills incurred as a result of the recalled CPAP machine and for any needed future medical treatments.
- Lost wages: You could receive compensation for lost income if your CPAP machine injuries forced you to miss time away from work.
- Pain and suffering: These types of damages could be awarded to compensate for the physical, mental, and emotional pain you have suffered as a result of your injuries.
- Punitive damages: It appears that Philips Respironics has been knowingly selling defective CPAP devices. For this reason, it is possible that the court will award the plaintiffs punitive damages if the lawsuit is successful.
How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Lawyer to Represent Your Recalled CPAP Device Case?
Many people who have suffered injuries from recalled CPAP machines hesitate to contact a lawyer because they are concerned about the cost. At Judd Shaw Injury Law, we take all defective product cases on contingency. In other words, our getting paid is “contingent” upon our winning your case and securing compensation for you.
What does this mean for you? You will not be required to pay us any upfront fees or expenses. If we do not win your case, you do not owe us anything. If your case is successful, our law firm will be paid a predetermined percentage of your winnings.
The contingency fee arrangement is beneficial to you as the client for various reasons. It means that you will not have to take a financial risk by hiring a CPAP machine injury lawyer to represent you. Also, your lawyer will be more motivated to secure maximum compensation for you.
Contact a Sleep Apnea Machine Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been harmed by using a defective sleep apnea machine, the lawyers at Judd Shaw Injury Law are here to help. Our law firm is familiar with the CPAP recall and is already helping many injured clients file lawsuits against Philips Respironics.
Do not hesitate to contact our law firm today. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may be to prove liability and recover the compensation you deserve. Once we take on your case, we can investigate the cause of your injuries, determine what your claim is worth, and help you file a lawsuit.
Call us at 1-866-909-6894 or fill out the contact form to schedule a free case evaluation at a time and location convenient to you.