More than five million people with sleep apnea have used CPAP machines hoping to get some rest. Unfortunately, many of them have ended up developing serious health problems. If you relied on a CPAP machine and you suffered illness or injury because of the device, you may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries from the manufacturer. It can be confusing to know if you should pursue a class-action lawsuit or file an individual claim. In this article, we will discuss the differences.

Understanding What Triggered the Recall

Philips Respironics recalled CPAP machines that were manufactured from 2009 to 2021, because the polyurethane foam (PE-PUR) used to soundproof the machine exposed users to toxic particles while they inhaled. 

Since the recall was announced in the summer of 2021, multiple class-action lawsuits have been filed against Philips. However, these lawsuits have been based on claims of consumer fraud rather than injuries suffered by users. These consumers were trying to seek reimbursement to obtain replacement devices to deal with their sleep apnea. People can benefit from a class action lawsuit if there is a large number of people impacted by the negligence of a single company. When a verdict or a settlement is reached, the damages awarded are distributed among those who joined the class-action lawsuit.

As efforts to replace CPAP machines now stretch into next year, what can sleep apnea users do? More than five million people may have been exposed to toxic substances in their effort to get a good night’s rest. Injuries may have led to ongoing chronic health issues and disabilities affecting a person’s quality of life. If the therapy that was meant to give you sound sleep has turned your life upside down with a cancer diagnosis and ongoing medical treatments you are entitled to seek compensation for your CPAP injuries.

Dangerous Foam

Royal Philips recalled the machines last year because the foam used to reduce the noise level of the motor breaks apart releasing toxic chemicals. The pieces of foam have been swallowed by people thereby causing throat, liver, lung, and kidney cancers, among others. Sleep apnea machines have also led to serious injuries and deaths.

Possible Compensation for CPAP Health Injuries

If you used one of the recalled CPAP machines for six months or more between 2009 and May 2021 and you have been diagnosed with cancer, you have every right to seek legal counsel. In most cases, you will have two years to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer after you were diagnosed.

Devices used to treat medical conditions are meant to improve people’s quality of life and help them avoid serious health issues. Unfortunately, these devices may be defective, potentially leading to injuries or illnesses. Millions of people in the United States may face this possibility because they have used CPAP machines that have been recalled due to the presence of harmful substances. Those who have used the recalled CPAP or BiPAP devices may experience multiple types of health concerns, including serious lung injuries.

Interstitial Lung Diseases That May Be Caused by Defective CPAPs

The recalled devices contained a type of foam that could break down over time, causing a person to breathe in microscopic particles and harmful chemicals. In addition to putting users at risk of different forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the devices may also cause interstitial lung disease that affects the tissue inside the lungs that support the air sacs and pathways. Interstitial lung disease may include multiple different disorders, including:

• Pulmonary sarcoidosis - Inflammation of lung tissue may cause small lumps of cells to form. These lumps are known as granulomas, and they can affect the function of the lungs, make it more difficult for a person to breathe, and lead to additional damage.

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