The CPAP Recall: What You Need to Know
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Sleep apnea is a problem that affects millions globally, often interfering with sleep quality and ease of respiration. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and sleep apnea machines were developed to help relieve people from this respiratory concern. Sadly, these machines have also become a source of significant danger for individuals. Recently, a major manufacturer of CPAP and sleep apnea machines recalled its products. This recall was based on how the defective machine was harmful to users. Unfortunately, several users had started experiencing some adverse effects before the recall was made. This article discusses what the CPAP recall is all about, the side effects of using the defective devices, and the financial compensation available for those affected. But before delving into these areas, let us first take a closer look at what a CPAP device does.
What does a CPAP device do?
CPAP is a form of therapy that helps a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea to breathe easily while sleeping. This therapy works by providing the patient with a continual air stream into the lungs, consequently preventing the muscles present in the throat from collapsing shut. The CPAP should not be mistaken with the machine that provides oxygen. All it simply does is provide air pressure that ensures that the airways remain open while the patient is asleep. The CPAP is designed in the form of a mask covering the nose and mouth, with headbands that fit tightly around the head. Basically, the CPAP works by creating a tight seal that prevents air from leaving. This machine has been effective in the prevention and reversal of sleep apnea, but concerns are on how the machine releases deadly toxins to the users.
Phillips CPAP Machines
In the US, there has been widespread use of CPAP machines as a result of how common the sleep apnea condition is among patients. This has given rise to many CPAP manufacturing companies. Among these companies, Phillips CPAP machines are quite common. Generally, Phillips is a medical device manufacturing company, however, the organization focuses more on the creation of CPAP machines and other similar devices. Philips CPAP machines were sold under the Dream Station brand name.
Problems with Philips CPAP Machines
The problem with the Philips CPAP machine results from trying to make the machine less noisy so as not to disturb patients while sleeping. However, in the process of trying to do this, Philips used a unique type of polyurethane foam(PE-PUR) for sound reduction.
The PE-PUR foam, over time, degrades into tiny chemical particles and gases which are inhaled and ingested by the patient during sleep. Inhaling or ingesting these substances poses some serious health risks for users. Some of these chemicals and gasses include:
- Toluene diamine: This is an ingredient used in the production of polyurethane, explosive sensitizers, and hair dyes. This deadly chemical can result in cancer, infertility, injuries to the organs, and birth defects.
- Toluene diisocyanate: This chemical is a major ingredient of polyurethane. Exposure to this chemical can lead to eyes injury, respiratory problems, skin injury, cancer, and, at worst, death.
- Diethylene glycol: When ingested, this chemical can irritate the skin and mucous membranes.
- Dimethyl diazene: This is a gas used in the production of chemicals. There is an emission of this gas as the polyurethane foam disintegrates.
- Phenol: This is a gas that helps in the production of other chemicals
Furthermore, using unapproved cleaning methods such as ultraviolet light can make the degradation of the polyurethane foam worse. Also, the disintegration of the foam depends on the number of patients making use of the machine.
The climate condition and the temperature of the place where the machine is kept can also quicken the degradation process.
This problem was later discovered by Philips, and this led the company to issue a nationwide recall of almost all its CPAP and other sleep apnea machines. The recall also contained information about the harmful impact of using the machine.
This problem was later discovered by Philips, and this led the company to issue a nationwide recall of almost all its CPAP and other sleep apnea machines. The recall also contained information about the harmful impact of using the machine.
The Recalled Philips Sleep Apnea Devices
Philips recalled some of their sleep apnea devices on the 14th of June, 2021. These were the sleep apnea devices that had degrading polyurethane foam. Philips recalled about 4 million of its devices.
Some of the CPAP devices are:
Some of the CPAP devices are:
- DreamStation ASV
- Dream Station ST
- System One ASV4
- AVAPS
- C Series ASV
- OmniLab Advanced Plus
- System One (Q Series)
- DreamStation Auto CPAP
- DreamStation CPAP
- Dorma 400
- DreamStation BiPAP
- DreamStation Go
- Dorma 500 CPAP
- REMStar SE Auto CPAP
- Trilogy 100 and 200
- LifeVent
- Aeris
- Garbin Plus
- A series BiPAP
It is worthy of note that Philips possesses the regulatory clearance to place the sound abatement urethane foam in the first generation DreamStation devices that it recalled.
Health Risks of Using Philips Defective CPAP
As of now, not so much has been discovered regarding the side effect of the defective sleep apnea machine because of how recent the recall was. The well-known negative impacts of the defective machines are those that Philips revealed in the recall announcement.
However, there is a tendency for those who have used these defective devices to experience some health consequences much more serious than what was announced. The recalled devices have the potential to result in lung problems, pulmonary fibrosis, and cancer.
Other side effects of using the defective machines include:
- Headaches
- Irritation to the upper airways
- Lungs inflammation
- Cancer and other Carcinogenic effects
- Irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tracts
- Liver and Kidney problems
- Coughs
- Nauseating feeling and vomiting
The Defective CPAP Machines Recall Lawsuit
If an individual has suffered adverse side effects of using the defective sleep apnea device, then that person has the right to file a lawsuit against Philips. This lawsuit will invariably fall under product liability.
And the good news is that In this case, the bulk of the liability will undoubtedly fall on Philips. However, to have a strong case, the individual affected by the recalled device must meet the following criteria:
- They should have been using the sleep apnea device consistently for about 6 months at least
- After using the sleep apnea machine for at least 6 months, they experienced some serious medical conditions such as damage to the liver or kidney problems, cancer.
If you meet the following criteria, you should speak with an attorney to explore your legal options. You might have a strong case through which you could get financial compensation for the discomfort you have experienced.
What a Victim of the Recalled Sleep Apnea Device Can Expect as Compensation
At this early stage, where CPAP lawsuits are just beginning to surface, it will be difficult to determine the average payout for compensation. However, there is a high possibility for individuals who got cancer as a result of using the defective device to be eligible for settlements between the range of $100,000 to $500,000.
Typically, when a victim of the recalled device employs the service of an attorney, the attorney will fight to recover compensation for some damages such as:
Typically, when a victim of the recalled device employs the service of an attorney, the attorney will fight to recover compensation for some damages such as:
- Lost Wages: This is paid to compensate the victim for times they were unable to go to work as a result of being sick.
- Medical Expenses: This is the compensation for the amount the victim spent getting medical attention.
- Loss of Future Earning: A victim of the recalled devices might be able to claim this compensation if they will not be able to work in the future as a result of the side effect.
- Pain and Suffering: This is for the discomfort the victim suffered by using the defective device.
When Will Philips Start Settling the CPAP Lawsuits?
Since CPAP lawsuits are just beginning to show up, it might take a while before witnessing any major action from Philips. The number of lawsuits filed by the victims of the recalled device will determine how quickly Philips would begin settling the CPAP lawsuits.
Contact a CPAP Lawyer
If you experienced some side effects of using a recalled CPAP device, you should reach out to a lawyer. This will ensure that you are in a position to access the financial compensation that will, in turn, cushion the effect of the unpleasant experience.