Philips Recalls Dreamstation Bi-Level PAP Sleep Apnea Devices
Royal Philips (Philips) has issued a recall of some of its bi-level PAP devices which are used by individuals who suffer from sleep apnea. Philips Chief Executive Frans van Houten estimated that up to four million devices would be targeted in the recall.
Philips has determined that these devices contain materials that pose potentially life-threatening risks for users. The noise-reducing foam in these machines can degrade, and users can inhale or ingest particles that are dangerous. Most of the recalled bi-level PAP devices are from Philips’ first line of Dreamstation sleep apnea machines.
What Should You Do If You Use A Bi-Level PAP Machine That Was Recalled?
In its press release, Philips advises users of its recalled Bi-Level PAP to stop using the device and contact their doctor about safer alternatives.
Philips is preparing to replace the PE-PUR foam in the Bi-Level PAP devices with noise abatement materials that do not present the same dangers associated with degradation and the resulting risks of lung cancer and other harmful illnesses.
Bi-Level PAP Devices Contain Dangerous Foam That Might Cause Cancer
The Bi-Level PAP machines (and other CPAP products made by Philips) contain sound abatement foam referred to as PE-PUR. PE-PUR is short for polyester-based polyurethane, which is the basic component of the foam. The purpose of the PE-PUR foam is to reduce the noise the apnea machine emits when in use.
Philips recalled the Bi-Level PAP because,
“There are possible risks to users related to the PE-PUR sound
abatement foam component, including the possibility of the foam
degrading into particles that may enter the device’s air pathway and be ingested by the user.”
In its press release, Philips added that some external factors might contribute to or hasten the foam degradation, such as highly humid conditions or using certain cleaning methods on the device.
Philips warned that the PE-PUR foam might also produce chemicals through off-gassing. Inhaling or ingesting these chemicals can also contribute to various illnesses and injuries.
Lung cancer, in particular, often results from long-term exposure to dangerous particles and chemicals. There is an especially high risk of developing lung cancer when toxins enter your body, directly through your airway and respiratory system, as they can do in the case of the recalled Bi-Level PAP devices.
Recalled Bi-Level PAP Devices Can Cause Lung Cancer and Other Illnesses
When the acoustic foam degrades or falls apart, small particles of polyester-polyurethane can enter the airway system of the device. The users of the Philips Bi-Level PAP then breathe in the dangerous particles. When the toxic particles from the Bi-Level PAP PE-PUR foam enter the body, users are at risk of developing lung cancer and serious respiratory conditions.
Philips stated that in addition to lung cancer, the recalled Bi-Level PAP devices could cause inflammation, headaches and irritate your throat, airway, and bronchial tubes.
Philips claims to be monitoring the adverse effect reports associated with the recalled Bi-Level-PAP devices. It is aware of many reports of “possible patient impact” because of the noise-abatement foam in its Bi-Level PAP machines.
Philips claims to have received no reports of specific injuries related to the recalled PAP devices and “off-gassing” that can occur. Off-gassing can result in nausea, vomiting, and headaches, as well as increase your cancer risk. Again, at this time, the only adverse effect reports Philips is aware of are those related to the injuries caused by the Dreamstation Bi-Level PAP’s foam degradation.
If You Have Lung Cancer And Were A Long-Term User Of A Recalled Philips Bi-Level PAP Device, You Might Be Eligible For Compensation
Call our Philips Bi-Level PAP cancer lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP, to find out if you are able to seek damages for your injuries. If you used a recalled Philips Bi-Level PAP device and developed lung cancer or another serious illness, you might be able to hold Philips accountable and collect substantial compensation.
Call our Bi-Level PAP recall lawyers today at 800-403-6191 for a free evaluation of your Bi-Level PAP lung cancer claim.