Millions of people have been affected by the recall of CPAP and BiPAP machines performed by Philips Respironics in 2021. These devices were recalled because of a foam that was used in the machines for noise-dampening purposes. The degradation of the foam, which could occur throughout the life of a device, could potentially lead to small foam particles and toxic chemicals being inhaled by users while they were receiving treatment for sleep apnea. One issue that was raised by Philips in its recall notice was the use of certain types of cleaning devices that purified CPAP parts through the use of ozone. CPAP users who also used ozone cleaners will want to understand how this may have affected their health and safety.

Manufacturer of Ozone Cleaners Sues Philips Respironics

When it issued its notice recalling multiple different types of CPAP and BiPAP devices, as well as medical ventilators, Philips stated that the use of unapproved cleaning methods, including cleaning devices that use ozone, may have exacerbated the degradation of the foam in the devices, increasing the likelihood that users could be exposed to harmful particles and chemicals. In October of 2021, SoClean Inc, a manufacturer of ozone cleaners, filed a lawsuit against Philips, claiming that the company had made false and misleading claims about the causes of foam degradation. The lawsuit stated that SoClean’s sales have fallen and its brand’s reputation has suffered as a result of the statements made by Philips. It also stated that Philips is attempting to divert blame for injuries suffered by CPAP users, when the true reasons for these issues are design flaws and a poor choice of materials. SoClean believes that the use of ozone when cleaning CPAP machines does not lead to the breakdown of foam, but degradation is actually caused by high humidity and contact with water.

Ozone CPAP Cleaners Not Approved by FDA

While it is still unclear whether the use of ozone cleaning devices is a factor in the degradation of foam in CPAP devices, it should be noted that these types of cleaners have not been approved by the FDA. Instead, the FDA recommends that users follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, which usually state that CPAP devices and parts should be cleaned with soap and water.

In June of 2021, the medial device manufacturer Philips Respironics recalled more than 15 million CPAP machines and similar devices. This recall was performed because the devices contained a foam that could degrade, causing users to experience health risks because of the inhalation of tiny foam particles or toxic chemicals. While the recall has left many users without the treatments needed to address issues related to sleep apnea, Philips has begun making replacement CPAP devices available. However, some concerns have also been raised about the potential health risks of using the replacement machines.

FDA Asks for Testing to Determine Safety Risks of New CPAP Machines

As part of the recall, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been investigating Philips’ manufacturing practices, including reviewing records and visiting the company’s facilities. During these investigations, the FDA uncovered potentially troubling information about the plans to replace the noise-abatement foam in the recalled devices.

The recalled CPAP and BiPAP machines and ventilators had used a polyester-polyurethane (PE-PUR) foam that was meant to reduce vibrations and decrease noise when patients were using the devices. The breakdown of this foam over time had put users at risk, since this led to small particles and potentially harmful chemicals entering the devices’ airways. Philips has planned to repair the recalled devices by replacing the PE-PUR foam with a different type of foam that is silicone-based.

In June of 2021, the medical device manufacturer Philips Respironics issued a recall of millions of CPAP devices because they contained a foam that could break down and enter a person’s airways, causing serious health issues. These devices are used by people to treat sleep apnea, and the recall has left many people uncertain about how they can continue to receive the treatment they need. While finding new CPAP solutions may be an inconvenience for some, it is a much larger issue for truck drivers, and those who do not receive the proper treatment for sleep apnea may be unable to continue working in their chosen career.

Sleep Apnea Treatment for Truck Drivers

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a person to intermittently stop breathing while they are sleeping. Those who suffer from sleep apnea will often struggle to get enough rest, even when they sleep the proper number of hours each night. Because sleep apnea affects a person’s quality of sleep, it may lead to issues such as drowsiness, irritability, lack of concentration, and memory problems. 

Untreated sleep apnea can be especially dangerous for truck drivers. Nodding off while behind the wheel can lead to dangerous collisions that may cause serious injuries to a driver, people in other vehicles, or anyone else who is involved. Even if a person does not struggle to stay awake, they may suffer from a lack of alertness or difficulty focusing on the road, which may cause them to miss important details that would help them avoid potential collisions. A 2020 study found that as many as 49% of truck drivers may be at risk of sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a common condition that affects millions of people in the United States. The use of a CPAP machine is one of the most effective ways of treating this condition. However, many CPAP users have been affected by a recall of these devices by Philips Respironics. The recalled CPAP machines contained a polyurethane foam that could break down, leading users to breathe in small particles while using a device. These particles and other chemicals released by the breakdown of the foam may cause multiple serious health conditions, including lung cancer. By understanding how they may have been affected by these issues, CPAP users can work with an attorney to determine their options for pursuing compensation from the manufacturer of a device that injured them.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

While lung cancer can affect a person’s lung functions, making it difficult to breathe or process oxygen, its effects do not always become evident until a person’s condition has progressed to an advanced stage. A person with lung cancer may experience symptoms such as: