Philips recalled millions of CPAP Machines, BiPAP Machines, and DreamStation Machines for Sleep Apnea because users can develop cancer or health problems from breathing toxic foam particles and gases.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Philips CPAP, BiPAP, DreamStation and Ventilator induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with cancer or other side effects of toxic foam in a Philips DreamStation, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Medical Device Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: FDA Announces Class 1 Recall for Philips DreamStation Machines
On July 22, 2021, the FDA announced a Class 1 recall for Philips DreamStation Machines that have been sold since 2009 due to serious health risks, including cancer, from toxic PE-PUR foam that breaks down and gets into the air that a user breathes.
How Many People Have Been Injured?
According to MassDevice, more than than 1,200 complaints and over 100 injuries have been linked to PE-PUR foam (Polyester-based Polyurethane) in a Philips breathing machine.
What is the Philips DreamStation?
The Philips DreamStation Machine is a type of breathing machine called a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device. It is used during sleep by people who suffer from sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing stop or slows down during sleep.
How Does It Work?
CPAP devices like the DreamStation Machine work by pumping air into the lungs. This treats sleep apnea by keeping the windpipe open during sleep, which prevents the airways from becoming blocked.
Philips DreamStation Recalled for Cancer Risks Linked to Toxic Foam
Philips recalled DreamStation CPAP machines because users can breathe tiny bits of toxic foam or hazardous gases that can cause cancer, liver or kidney failure, sinus infections, and more.
What is the Problem?
Philips designed the DreamStation machine with a toxic, carcinogenic foam in the exact same tube that carries the air that a user breathes.
Foam Risks Linked to Design Flaws on DreamStation CPAP Machines
The air that a user breathes from a Philips DreamStation CPAP Machine passes through a tube and a mask. Unfortunately, the tube contains a type of black foam called Polyester-Based Polyurethane (PE-PUR), which is used to reduce noise made by the machine.
Health Risks of Breathing Bits of Toxic Foam
The foam can disintegrate into tiny particles that a user breathes or swallows when they use the machine. The health risks may include:
- Cancer
- Asthma
- Kidney or liver damage
- Irritation to the skin, eye, and respiratory tract
- Inflammatory response
- Headache
- Asthma
- Toxic or carcinogenic effects to organs, such as kidneys and liver
Health Risks of Gases From Toxic Foam
Philips also warned that the foam can release gases that contain toxic chemicals. This is called “off-gassing,” and it can release dangerous Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The health risks include:
- Cancer
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Irritation in the eyes, nose, respiratory tract, and skin
- Hypersensitivity
- Nausea/vomiting
- Toxic and carcinogenic effects
What Should I Do?
For patients using recalled DreamStation BiLevel PAP and CPAP devices, Philips is asking users to stop using the recalled machines and talk with a physician to “determine the most appropriate options for continued treatment,” unless the benefits outweigh the risks.
Do I have a Philips DreamStation Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Philips DreamStation induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with cancer or other side effects of toxic foam in a Philips DreamStation CPAP Sleep Apnea Machine, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Medical Device Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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