In June of 2021, Philips Respironics’ quality management department found that their CPAP machines, designed to treat sleep apnea, were liable to cause potentially life threatening injuries, including lung cancer, to their users. This is because the foam used in the device is vulnerable to break down into particles and discharge potentially carcinogenic chemicals into the device’s air pathway that can be inhaled or swallowed by the user.
To directly quote the FDA recall notice, “The potential risks of particulate exposure include irritation to the skin, eye, and respiratory tract; inflammatory response; headache; asthma; and toxic or carcinogenic effects to organs, such as the kidneys and liver. The potential risks of exposure to chemicals released into the device’s air pathway from the PE-PUR foam include headache; dizziness; irritation in the eyes, nose, respiratory tract, and skin; hypersensitivity; nausea/vomiting; and toxic and carcinogenic effects.”
As a result, Philips Respironics has recalled its entire line of V60 Plus Ventilators and all V60 Ventilators upgraded to High Flow Therapy, which were distributed from May 2009 to June 2021; additionally, Philips Respironics issued a recall of around 4 million CPAP and BIPAP devices, which are mainly the first generation DreamStation products.
We are proud to be partnering with some of the leading firms involved with multi-district litigation in achieving justice for those who have been seriously impacted due to these defective devices. Please contact us if you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to the aforementioned Philips Respironics devices.
