Posted on Friday, March 15th, 2024 at 1:15 pm
If you or a loved one uses a Philips CPAP machine for sleep apnea, you need to know about the recent recalls and safety issues. In June 2021, Philips recalled millions of CPAP and BiPAP devices due to potential health risks from degraded foam. Users could ingest or inhale this foam, leading to serious complications like cancer. The FDA received over 105,000 complaints, including reports of 385 deaths.
Philips recently agreed to pay $479 million to settle a class action lawsuit from users who purchased or rented the affected devices. The recalled machines include many popular models like the DreamStation, SystemOne, Dorma, and REMStar, as well as Trilogy ventilators.
The FDA also warned about Philips’ newer DreamStation 2 CPAP machines overheating, with over 270 complaints. As a result, Philips announced it will stop selling new sleep apnea devices in the U.S. until it meets the requirements of an FDA consent decree. The company set aside 363 million euros to fix these ongoing issues.
If you rely on a Philips machine, this news is very concerning. Sleep apnea already disrupts your rest and puts your health at risk. Now, you need to worry if your treatment is making things worse. Philips says it will keep servicing machines people already have while it works on fixing the problems. But in the meantime, you’re stuck in an impossible situation.
First, talk to your doctor about whether to keep using your Philips machine. The risks from untreated sleep apnea outweigh the potential harm from the degraded foam. But don’t try to remove the foam yourself, as this could make it less effective. Your doctor may suggest other options, like changing your mask or using a travel CPAP until you can get a safe replacement.
Next, register your recalled device with Philips to get in line for a repair or replacement. Go to the Philips website and click on the recall notice for a link. You’ll need to provide the serial number from your machine. Philips says they have replaced over 3.5 million devices so far, but there is a major backlog.
You can also file a report with the FDA if you’ve had any problems or adverse events from using a recalled Philips machine. Go to their website and click “Medical Device Reporting” to submit your information.
Finally, find out if you qualify for compensation from the class action settlement. The law firms handling the case have set up a website with information. You’ll need to submit a claim form and documentation. If approved, you could receive a payment of $100-$500 depending on the machine.
Finally, consider switching to a CPAP machine from a different manufacturer or even an alternative treatment option. The sleep professionals at Silent Night Therapy can evaluate you and determine whether an oral appliance might be a more affordable and effective option. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and take the first step to better, healthier sleep.