Philips has a recent recall of some of their CPAP machines. This recall was brought about because of degraded foam and VOCs. You can read about the problem in this article. You can also read about how you can get a replacement if your machine has been recalled.
Recalled Philips CPAP machines
In light of recent news about the recall of Philips CPAP machines, it may be time to take another look at the manufacturer’s safety record. The company has hired a new public relations firm and has issued a new report on updated safety testing. The new report shows that CPAP users were not exposed to unsafe levels of VOCs.
The problem isn’t limited to the Philips CPAP machines. In fact, it extends to a variety of other devices. These products contain polyurethane foam that can degrade over time. This can lead to particulates and off-gassing of harmful chemicals. This could lead to lung disease. This is why Philips is recalling a large portion of their products, especially CPAP machines.
The company has also been accused of failing to warn consumers about the risks of its PE-PUR foam. In August 2017, the FDA investigated the problem and found that Philips had known about it for nearly 10 years but did nothing about it. According to Philips documents, the company began receiving reports of PE-PUR foam degradation as early as 2011. Philips received 14 reports of the problem in seven years, from April 2016 to January 2021.
As a result of the recall, Philips has begun replacing the PE-PUR foam used in their recalled devices. The company plans to replace the foam in affected machines with a new one that addresses the safety issues. However, it will take more time for the replacements to be released.
Recalled Philips CPAP machines have degraded foam
Philips Respironics is recalling CPAP and BiPAP machines that they claim contain black debris. These particles are pieces of PE-PUR foam that have degraded. The company should have issued a recall and warned consumers sooner. According to an FDA investigation, the company’s raw foam supplier confirmed that it knew about the degradation, but failed to take the proper actions. The manufacturer reportedly received numerous complaints related to degraded foam.
Philips has a repair and replace program for affected units. To apply for the program, patients must have a serial number of the affected device. Once the serial number is verified, they can contact Philips and request a new foam. In addition, Philips will provide alternate devices to patients until their CPAP units are replaced. Patients can find further information on the program on the company’s website.
Patients with affected CPAP machines should stop using ozone-based cleaning products. Patients should also adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions on proper cleaning and maintenance. The manufacturer has also advised patients to check the age of their CPAP machines to ensure that it is still working properly.
The recalled Philips CPAP machines contain foam that may degrade over time. This can cause the foam to break down into black particles. The process can be accelerated by high heat or humidity. The manufacturer suspects that use of ozone-based cleaning devices may have contributed to the degradation. The company recommends that patients avoid using ozone cleaning devices and follow cleaning instructions carefully.
Recalled Philips CPAP machines have VOCs
The CPAP machines recalled by Philips have been linked to VOCs and other toxins. The PE-PUR foam used in the CPAP machines breaks down and releases VOCs into the user’s air. These VOCs are toxic and carcinogenic. In addition, the foam is easily broken down by heat, sunlight, and moisture.
This is why there was a recall of these machines. According to the recall notice, the machines could leak VOCs into the airway, causing the machines to stop working properly. Despite being recalled, the manufacturers still managed to sell and distribute these products.
The company conducted its own testing and obtained FDA approval for the replacement foam. However, after this test, the FDA became aware of potential safety problems with the new material. One similar device outside of the United States failed to meet the same test for VOCs, highlighting a weak point in the replacement CPAP machines.
In order to initiate a lawsuit, plaintiffs must file suit before the applicable statute of limitations period expires. This deadline varies by state. For instance, in Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations may start at June 14, 2021, but it may end up as early as June 14, 2023.
Philips has voluntarily recalled CPAP machines that were put into service from 2012 until early 2021. This includes the first generation DreamStation CPAP machines. These devices are black in color and have sound abate foam inside. The sound abate foam is used in the machines to reduce noise, but it can cause symptoms in some patients.
