For people suffering from sleep apnea, it can be scary to know that there is now lawsuit against CPAP machines. However, it’s good to know that these lawsuits are only against one particular brand of CPAP and BiPAP machines, which are the Philips brand of Respironics machines. The other brands of CPAP and BiPAP machines are not affected by these lawsuits.
If you have a Philips Respironics CPAP or BiPAP machine, it’s important to know that the lawsuit is against the company, not the machines themselves. The lawsuit alleges that Philips knew that their machines were defective, did nothing to help customers, and must pay for medical damages caused by the faulty machines.
Why Is Philips Being Sued?
The class action lawsuit against Philips was filed in 2021 and is still ongoing. The lawsuit alleges that Philips knew that their CPAP and BiPAP machines had a design defect that led to the polyurethane foam in the machines degrading and being inhaled by patients.
Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that Philips did nothing, even though reports show that as far back as 2015, the company was warned about the dangers of the foam.
Why Is Polyurethane Dangerous?
Polyurethane is a type of plastic that is used in many different products, including furniture, car seats, and CPAP machines. When polyurethane breaks down, it can release harmful chemicals that appear as black dust or debris in the tubing. Among these chemicals are TDI and TDA, which are both listed as carcinogens by the CDC. These chemicals have been linked to cancer, liver damage, and other health problems.
According to the FDA, the machines produce toxic, carcinogenic, and harmful chemicals that can lead to symptoms such as:
- Lung cancer
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Respiratory system problems
- Allergic reactions
- Respiratory tract infections
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Skin rash
What Should I Do If I Have A Philips Respironics Machine?
If you have a Philips CPAP machine, it’s essential to check whether or not it is listed as a defective machine. Currently, the affected machines include:
Continuous Ventilator, Non-life Supporting machines:
- DreamStation ASV
- DreamStation ST, AVAPS
- SystemOne ASV4
- C-Series ASV
- C-Series S/T and AVAPS
- OmniLab Advanced+
Noncontinuous Ventilator machines:
- SystemOne (Q-Series)
- DreamStation
- DreamStation Go
- Dorma 400
- Dorma 500
- REMstar SE Auto
You can also check the voluntary recall Philips website to see if your machine has been recalled.
If your machine is on the recall list, you should stop using it immediately, if recommended by your doctor, and contact Philips for a replacement machine. If your doctor states that you should continue to use your machine, Philips recommends that you have it serviced and cleaned appropriately to ensure that it is safe to use.
You can also join the class action lawsuit against Philips if you have used one of their machines and suffered any health problems as a result.
How To Get Help With the Lawsuit
Hundreds of people have already filed lawsuits against Philips, and more are expected to join in the coming months. If you’ve been affected by the recall or have experienced any health problems after using a Philips Respironics machine, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and options and guide you through the legal process. The sooner you file, the better, as there may be deadlines that apply to your case.
Get started today and contact an attorney to discuss your case. Your attorney can keep you updated on the status of the class action lawsuit and let you know if you are eligible to join. They can also help you even if you don’t have money for a lawyer, since they won’t get paid until you win your settlement.
