Philips, the Dutch medical equipment company, is recalling millions of ventilators and sleep apnea machines because of a foam part that could degrade and turn toxic, potentially causing cancer. The product recall applies to Philip’s Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (Bi-Level PAP) and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices and mechanical ventilators. These devices treat sleep apnea, a relatively common condition that occurs when the upper airway becomes obstructed during sleep. According to the Cleveland Clinic, sleep apnea afflicts approximately 25% of men and 10% of women. It can affect people of all ages but is especially common among people who are overweight or over age 50.
The polyurethane foam used to absorb noise can degrade and emit small particles that irritate airways. Degradation of the foam in these devices may be exacerbated by high heat and humidity. Improper cleaning methods could also affect the foam’s breakdown. While Philips has not received any reports of fatalities due to foam degradation or injuries due to chemical off-gassing, there are side effects that you could experience from foam degradation, such as:
Possible side effects of chemical off-gassing include:
If you are suffering from these side effects, see a doctor as soon as you can. If these side effects were caused by a Philips product, you could be entitled to financial compensation. If you or someone you love has been injured as the result of a defective product, contact an experienced defective product attorney at OnderLaw by calling for your free consultation. We will explain all your rights and legal options.
Philips has received complaints from about 0.03% of devices sold in 2020. Owners of the Philips C-PAP and Bi-Level PAP machines, which make up approximately 80% of the devices recalled, have been asked to stop using the devices and to consult with their doctor for an alternative.
Philips has not received any reports regarding the effects of chemical emissions and no fatalities have been reported from the use of these devices. However, because Philips has received reports of possible patient impact due to foam degradation, the company has decided to voluntarily issue a recall notification. They are letting patients and customers know of the potential health risks. Frans van Houten, CEO of Philips, said 3-4 million are included in the recall.
The Philips medical devices subject to the recall are:
Dangerous or defective ventilators and sleep apnea machines can give rise to a product liability claim. Medical devices can improve the health and well-being of millions of people in the United States, but when those devices do more harm than good, it’s time to consult an experienced attorney. To find out if you are entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses resulting from your use of the device, call OnderLaw today.
It’s currently difficult to say exactly how common the health risks are from the use of these defective Philips devices. If you have used one of these devices, don’t panic. It’s recommended that you talk about the Philips CPAP recall with a physician. Talking to your doctor is especially important if you have seen degradation of the foam components of your device. If you are experiencing health issues that you believe could be related to the recalled device, talk to your doctor about that as well. Your doctor may recommend you get screened for the cancers that are thought to be caused by exposure to the particles and gases emitted from the foam.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer and you think it may be due to using the CPAP machine, talk to your doctor about your concerns. After you’ve discussed all your concerns with a doctor, consider consulting a skilled and experienced attorney.
Although medical devices have improved the health of countless patients, when they are defective, these devices could cause serious illness or injury. If a company produces and sells a defective or dangerous medical device, it can end up injuring people they are supposed to be helping. If you’ve suffered health issues due to your use of Philips CPAP devices, you may be entitled to financial compensation. OnderLaw is committed to helping clients get the compensation they deserve as we hold companies accountable for their negligence.
The skilled and experienced attorneys at OnderLaw will be able to determine if you have a viable claim against Philips. We are accepting cases from throughout the country. States have what’s known as a statute of limitations, which is a time limit on how long you have to pursue a legal claim. If the deadline passes, you may lose your right to compensation. This is why it’s important that you consult our lawyers about a lawsuit against Philips as soon as possible.
If you have developed cancer due to a defective Philips Bi-Level PAP or CPAP machine, you might be eligible for financial compensation. Call OnderLaw today for a free and confidential consultation, during which you can learn more about your rights and legal options.
