Philips Ventilator Recall
In June 2021, Dutch medical equipment company Philips issued a voluntary recall for some of its sleep apnea machines and ventilators containing a polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) sound abatement foam component. According to a company announcement on June 14, 2021, the foam part could degrade and become toxic, potentially adversely impacting patient health.
What is Sleep Apnea?
A common condition in the United States, sleep apnea is marked by abnormal or infrequent breathing during sleep. There are two main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – OSA is caused by a physical obstruction in the throat, which can lead to repeated reduction or stoppable of airflow.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) – CSA is caused by an underlying neurological condition in which the brain signals or muscles responsible for breathing do not work properly.
Research indicates that approximately 2 to 9 percent of American adults suffer from OSA, while fewer than 1 percent of adults are affected by CSA. Researchers also estimate that the number of people affected by OSA is underestimated and underdiagnosed.
Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Disrupted breathing in which a person’s respiration can become labored or even stop for up to a minute at a time
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Irritability
- Limited attention span or difficulty thinking clearly
Some additional symptoms connected to obstructive sleep apnea include snoring, morning sore throat or dry mouth, and frequent need to wake up to urinate.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
People who suffer from sleep apnea usually discuss their condition with their doctor in order to formulate an appropriate treatment plan. Sleep apnea treatments may include healthy lifestyle changes or the use of a breathing device such as a positive airway pressure (PAP) machine, continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP), mouthpiece, or implant.
Philips Ventilator Recall
In June 2021, Dutch medical equipment company Philips issued a voluntary recall for some of its sleep apnea machines and ventilators containing a polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) sound abatement foam component.
Devices affected may include specific Philips Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (Bi-Level PAP), Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), and mechanical ventilator devices. According to the company news release, “the PE-PUR foam may degrade into particles which may enter the device’s air pathway and be ingested or inhaled by the user, and the foam may off-gas certain chemicals.”
Although there have been no reports of death as a result of these issues, Philips has received reports of possible patient impact due to foam degradation.
Potential risks of particulate exposure include:
- headache
- irritation
- inflammation
- respiratory issues
- possible toxic and carcinogenic effects
In addition, the potential risks of chemical exposure due to off-gassing may include headache, irritation, hypersensitivity, nausea/vomiting, and possible toxic and carcinogenic effects.
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Get Help Now.How Can an Attorney Help?
Medical device makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their devices, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a device maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result. Attorneys affiliated with Johnson Firm can help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled if you have suffered from an injury due to a defective medical device.
People injured by a defective Philips ventilator or sleep apnea device may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those killed may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
If you use a Philips sleep apnea machine or ventilator containing a polyester-based polyurethane foam component, contact Johnson Firm to learn about your options.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
