A CPAP machine helps with sleep apnea and snoring issues so people can get better sleep. It includes a mask that goes over the face. It looks like a fighter pilot’s mask that covers the nose and mouth.
The machine helps keep a constant flow of oxygen and ensures that a person’s airways remain open while sleeping. That way, the person can get more restful sleep and eliminate snoring.
These machines have helped many people finally find peaceful rest. However, the Philips CPAP machine has been causing significant injury to people.
The issues with the machine stem from the sound-deadening foam-like material in the mask that over time deteriorates and causes cancer and other upper respiratory issues. Users of the machine breathe in those materials all night long, which has been leading to severe health problems.
Philips CPAP Machine Recalled
In June 2021, Philips recalled many of its CPAP and BiPAP machines as well as ventilators due to this dangerous foam that causes these health risks. Most of the recalled devices are part of the Philips DreamStation line.
The recall triggered an FDA investigation. That investigation found that Philips knew about the foam issues during internal testing and chose to keep using it anyway without alerting the public to its risks. Evidence showed that as early as 2015, Philips was aware that the foam could pose safety risks.
Philips calls the foam PE-PUR. What happens is that with time, the PE-PUR foam can release toxic gasses and black particles. The user then swallows or inhales these harmful materials unknowingly, which leads to health challenges.
Problems With the New Foam From Philips
To make things right, Philips announced in September 2021 that it would repair or replace all devices that had this harmful foam. By November the FDA found that the new foam Philips was using to repair recalled devices also posed safety risks.
Philips made matters worse claiming that the foam degradation was caused by ozone cleaning machines and named SoClean Inc. as one of the culprits for this issue. SoClean launched a campaign in December 2021 making it clear their devices have nothing to do with degrading the problematic PE-PUR foam.
Common Injuries From Philips CPAP Machines
Litigation against Philips for these defective machines is still pending, which means we might not know the full extent of the injuries of many victims yet. However, some of the most common injuries named in lawsuits so far include the following.
- Cancer (including bladder, brain, breast, liver, kidney, lung, nasal, prostate, rectal, stomach, testicular, thyroid)
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Chemical poisoning
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Kidney or renal damage
- Liver damage or disease
- Lung damage or disease
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Papillary carcinoma
- Reactive airway disease (RAD)
- Respiratory failure
- Severe inflammation of the ear, nose, or throat
Symptoms of these severe ailments might start off mildly. For example, you might suffer from a cough or headache, which could be caused by a variety of things.
However, under no circumstances should you continue to use a recalled Philips CPAP machine. No matter how mild your symptoms might seem, you could be suffering from far more severe conditions due to the harmful PE-PUR foam.
Discontinue using this device immediately and seek medical care. The sooner you discover these conditions and begin treatment, the more likely you’ll be to make a full recovery.
The actions of Philips in this case are deplorable. Foam that can cause such serious health conditions should never have made it to the market where it could harm countless individuals. Now we must hold the company accountable for its wrongdoing.
Injured by a Defective Product? Our Attorneys Can Help
If you’ve suffered an injury due to one of these machines, you should seek legal counsel immediately. Stewart & Stewart offers a free consultation and case evaluation to guide victims in pursuing damages from Philips for its wrongdoing.