In 2021, Philips issued a recall of over three million CPAP, BiPAP and ventilator machines due to potential health risks. This recall is now considered a Class I recall, denoting that this product may cause serious injury or death.
A full list of effected products is included below labeled image 1.
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Millions of individuals rely on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) or other ventilator devices to treat conditions such as sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Since sleep apnea can be deadly, individuals depend on breathing assistance from CPAPs. Philips is one of the largest manufactures worldwide, meaning that millions have put their trust in Philips to help in the treatment of their disorder. Philips has failed to uphold their responsibility to provide safe products to their consumers.
The potential health risks of these machines stems from the polyurethane (PE-PUR) foam that is used in the devices to reduce vibration and sound. The polyurethane foam can break down into small particulate matter which may then be inhaled or swallowed.
The deteriorated foam may appear as small black dots but can also be too small for the user to see, making it impossible to know if you are inhaling the foam or not just by examining the appearance of the machine.
Users will feel the affects of the faulty device, since the breakdown of the polyurethane foam can result in serious injury or even permanent impairment.
Potential risks after PE-PUR exposure include:
Certain chemicals released from the broken-down foam known as Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC) may be present. VOCs are organic compounds that can react with other gases to create harmful air pollutants and may cause various cancers.
The performance of these products is crucial to many individuals’ health, and if the machine is not operating correctly or safely there is serious risk for major health problems or even death.
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that if left untreated, can result in a number of health problems including heart failure, heart attacks, cardiomyopathy (the enlargement of muscle tissue surrounding the heart), or stroke. That is why it is vital for these machines to operate in a safe and effective manner, but unfortunately many users of Philips CPAP machines have found that the device meant to assist them has made their condition worse or even caused new ailments.
CPAP machines are the main form of treatment for sleep apnea, and the negligence of Philips is putting many people’s lives at risk.
Individuals are already suffering enough from their struggles regarding sleep apnea, and Philips is now responsible for more unnecessary health issues that users will suffer from due to their faulty products.
Remember that despite valid concerns, it is important that you do not discontinue the use of any medical device without first speaking with your doctor.
Consumers trust companies to have their best interest in mind, and Philips has failed to provide their customers with reasonably safe products. Those who suffer from sleep apnea and similar health conditions rely on the use of breathing machines to improve their quality of life, but instead they are facing even more health problems than before.
The attorneys at Deakle-Johnson Law Firm are prepared to provide legal support to those who believe they have experienced health issues due to their use of Philips CPAP, BiPAP or ventilation machines.
You can count on us to bring you the justice and compensation you deserve.
For more information, contact us at 601-508-0631to receive a free case review!
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