Philips CPAP lawsuit

Philips is recalling millions of its CPAP machines, ventilators, and other breathing devices – many used for sleep apnea – due to potential risks of chemical exposure posed by noise-reducing foam in the devices made from polyester-based polyurethane.

The company has not received any reports of death connected to the sound abatement foam or any reports of impact from chemical emissions, but it has received reports of possible patient impact due to foam degradation, it says in the recall notice.

“The potential risks of particulate exposure include headache, irritation, inflammation, respiratory issues, and possible toxic and carcinogenic effects. The potential risks of chemical exposure due to off-gassing include headache, irritation, hypersensitivity, nausea/vomiting, and possible toxic and carcinogenic effects.”

Philips recently made public their plans to warn consumers about potential dangers to this foam used in Philips products for their CPAP machines. According to an internal investigation conducted last year, there were possible risks related to this foam degradation of particles. This could result in dangerous particulate matter entering either your airways or your mouth if you happen swallow it while using one of these products- which may off-gass certain chemicals!

Frans van Houten, CEO of Royal Philips said the company deeply regrets any concern and inconvenience caused to patients using the affected devices.

“In consultation with the relevant regulatory agencies and in close collaboration with our customers and partners, we are working hard towards a resolution, which includes the deployment of the updated instructions for use and a comprehensive repair and replacement program for the affected devices. Patient safety is at the heart of everything we do at Philips.”