Millions of Philips CPAP and BiPAP breathing machines were recalled after Philips announced that the devices contained toxic foam that may lead to harm. If you or a loved one was injured after using a Philips CPAP or BiPAP machine, call Jacobson Injury Lawyers today. Jacobson Injury Lawyers will evaluate and file a claim on your behalf. If you do not receive compensation for your injury, you owe nothing.
About the Recalled Breathing Machines
Philips CPAP and BiPAP machines were created to treat sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when breathing stops and starts while sleeping. Common sleep apnea symptoms include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, morning headaches, difficulty staying asleep and daytime sleepiness. A sleep apnea diagnosis usually requires a sleep study.
There are two machines commonly used to treat sleep apnea. CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines deliver continuous positive airflow through the mouth or nose. This is the most common device prescribed for sleep apnea. Another device used for sleep apnea is a BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure). A BiPAP machine delivers two different airflows, one airflow to help the person inhale and another airflow to help the person exhale. CPAP and BiPAP machines both treat sleep apnea.
Dangerous Breathing Machines Recalled
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled between 3 and 4 million Philips devices after it determined that the machines pose a risk of serious injury or death. The FDA recall includes devices with all serial numbers and manufactured between 2009 and April 26, 2021. The following models have been recalled:
- E30
- DreamStation ASV
- DreamStation ST, AVAPS
- SystemOne ASV4
- C-Series ASV
- C-Series S/T and AVAPS
- OmniLab Advanced+
- SystemOne (Q-Series)
- DreamStation
- DreamStation Go
- Dorma 400
- Dorma 500
- REMstar SE Auto
- Trilogy 100
- Trilogy 200
- Garbin Plus, Aeris, LifeVent
- A-Series BiPAP Hybrid A30 (not marketed in US)
- A-Series BiPAP V30 Auto
- A-Series BiPAP A40
- A-Series BiPAP A30
Philips Foam Components Cause Harm
The Philips CPAP and BiPAP machines use polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) foam. This foam is used to reduce the noise made by the machine. The problematic foam components are contained in the air pathway. The foam breaks down into particles which enter into the device pathway and is inhaled or ingested.
The problematic foam contains toxic materials. These toxic materials can cause both short and long-term problems. The short-term risks associated with Philips breathing machines include headache, skin irritation and allergic reactions and shortness of breath. Unfortunately, these dangerous devices may also lead to serious injury or even death.
Who Qualifies to File a Lawsuit?
There are two different lawsuits against Philips for the defective medical devices. One of the lawsuits is a class action lawsuit stemming from consumer claims. The consumer claims regards obtaining compensation, not for personal injury, but because of economic damages incurred in connection with purchasing, leasing or renting a defective Philips device. Philips has already agreed to a $479 million settlement to compensate those who purchased, leased, or rented the defective Philips device. Jacobson Injury Lawyers is not representing clients in the consumer class action.
The personal injury case is entirely different and regards obtaining compensation from Philips for personal injuries incurred in connection with the use of a defective Philips device. Jacobson Injury Lawyers are accepting cases for people injured by a defective Philips device. The criteria for Jacobson Injury Lawyers is as follows:
- Use of a qualifying Philips CPAP, BiPAP or ventilator device;
- 6 or more months of continuous use of that Philips device; and
- Diagnosis of a serious respiratory condition, lung damage or cancer.
What About My Existing Device?
Users of recalled Philips CPAP and BiPAP machines are advised to talk to their healthcare provider to determine a suitable treatment plan. Your treatment plan may include stopping the device, using a similar device not part of the recall, continuing to use the device while a replacement is obtained or using alternative or longer-term treatment options.
File Your Philips Claim Today
If you have been injured by a Philips CPAP or BiPAP machine or a ventilator, call Jacobson Injury Lawyers today. A knowledgeable attorney will provide you with a free case evaluation. You pay nothing up front to hire a qualified attorney from Jacobson Injury Lawyers. And you are not responsible for any fees or case expenses unless Jacobson Injury Lawyers wins your case.