Sleep apnea is one of the most prevalent sleep disorders in the United States. According to the American Medical Association, approximately 30 million U.S. residents suffer from sleep apnea, but most cases go undiagnosed. Since sleep apnea disrupts normal sleep patterns, victims endure drowsiness, irritability, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. To improve their quality of life, sleep apnea patients turn to CPAP or BiPAP machines. However, Philips CPAP and BiPAP machines may prove more detrimental than helpful. Philips CPAP cancer lawyers are helping individuals file lawsuits for injuries allegedly caused by toxic particles in the defective ventilators.
Our law firm is currently handling lawsuits on behalf of people harmed by Philips CPAP and BiPAP machines. Cases against the manufacturer claim that some Philips CPAP and BiPAP ventilator machines may lead to cancer and other adverse health issues. If you used these devices and later developed cancer, The Lake Law Firm is here to help. Call (888) 525-3529 or fill out the free case evaluation form on this page today to get in touch with a Philips CPAP cancer lawyer at The Lake Law Firm.
CPAP and BiPAP devices are machines used in positive airway therapy. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure, and BiPAP stands for bi-level positive airway pressure. These ventilators produce pressurized air that opens and supports a person’s airways during sleep. People with sleep apnea suddenly stop breathing while asleep, but these machines use a hose and mask system to deliver compressed air to the user. The airflow prevents this and allows a person to breathe more regularly during sleep. CPAP machines have one pressure setting, while BiPAP machines have two: one for inhalation and another for exhalation.
While the lawsuits regarding Philips CPAP and BiPAP ventilators are centered around a recall in June 2021, it is worth noting that Philips has since issued more recalls related to these devices.
In June 2021, ventilator manufacturer, Philips, recalled millions of its CPAP and BiPAP ventilators manufactured between 2009 and April 2021. These machines, designed to help people breathe, were actually putting countless people at risk. The company found that the PE-PUR foam inside the machines degrades and releases toxic particles and carcinogenic gases. This sound abatement foam reduced noise during operation.
Users of CPAP or BiPAP machines can inhale these particles, which may lead to various types of cancer or other injuries. Furthermore, Philips did not manufacture the machines to have a filter to prevent patients from ingesting dangerous particles and chemicals. The FDA categorized the Philips CPAP decision as a Class I recall. This is the FDA’s most severe type of recall. Products in this class pose a serious risk of injury or even death.
The FDA issued a subsequent report in November 2021 to detail its observations after an inspection of the Philips facility in Pennsylvania. The agency determined that:
Unrelated to PE-PUR foam breakdown, the FDA announced in late August 2022 that Philips recalled various BiPAP models for contaminated plastic. If the contaminated plastic enters the motor, it may release volatile organic compounds or even stop the machine from working.
Philips recalled certain masks paired with CPAP and BiPAP machines in September 2022. The company issued the recall due to magnets in the masks that could interfere with implanted metallic medical devices in the body, leading to severe health complications. Like the June 2021 CPAP and BiPAP recall, the FDA deemed this a Class I recall, its most serious classification. The agency noted Philips received 14 reports of serious injuries related to the magnets in CPAP and BiPAP masks.
In January 2023, Philips recalled thousands of supposedly “fixed” ventilators. These ventilators were originally affected by the June 2021 recall. Although Philips claimed it repaired these faulty ventilators, there were still leftover toxic particles in the devices. Plus, the new silicone foam could separate and block the airway path for users. The FDA also labeled this event a Class I recall.
The FDA confirmed two injuries and one death tied to recalled Trilogy ventilators in August 2023.
Inhalation of particles or chemicals released by the degraded foam in CPAP machines may cause:
If you suffered injuries due to a Philips CPAP or BiPAP machine, you may qualify for financial compensation. Illnesses reportedly connected to Philips products can be life-threatening. A Philips CPAP cancer lawyer can speak with you today about your next steps in filing a potential claim.
The FDA continues to release updated safety communications on the recalled Philips CPAP and BiPAP ventilators. As of June 2023, the agency has received more than 105,000 medical device reports since April 2021. Of these 105,000 medical reports, the FDA noted 385 reports of deaths associated with the PE-PUR foam breakdown in Philips CPAP and BiPAP devices.
People nationwide are working with Philips CPAP cancer lawyers to file claims against Philips for its dangerous sleep apnea machines. An inspection by the FDA revealed that the company allegedly knew that PE-PUR foam could degrade in its machines as far back as 2015. Yet, the company chose to remain silent on this matter. In fact, Philips blamed ozone-cleaning machines for the degradation of the foam. SoClean, a manufacturer of ventilator cleaning devices, first sued Philips in 2021 for falsely blaming ozone cleaners for the CPAP and BiPAP recall. In 2022, SoClean updated its lawsuit to accuse Philips of using them as a scapegoat for the recall instead of addressing the bigger problem. Despite multiple studies and medical device reports related to Philips CPAP and BiPAP ventilators, the company does not believe the level of chemical gases released by the foam is enough to cause harm.
As of November 2023, 742 Philips CPAP and BiPAP lawsuits are pending in multidistrict litigation in federal court.
Contact The Lake Law Firm today if a Philips CPAP, BiPAP, or ventilator device has harmed you.
There are no Philips CPAP verdicts or settlements at this time. In March 2023, the CEO of Philips stated the company hopes to reach a settlement in Philips CPAP personal injury lawsuits in 2024. However, there are no details regarding the settlement amount or individual payout.
In September 2023, Philips announced a $479 million CPAP settlement to resolve economic claims only. This settlement focuses on financial reimbursement for users and vendors but does not apply to personal injury or medical expenses, leaving CPAP injury lawsuits ongoing.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a Philips CPAP, BiPAP, or ventilator device, you may recover compensation for any or all of the following:
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. A Philips CPAP cancer lawyer will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 525-3529 or submit an inquiry on this page.
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