Dangers of Philips CPAP & Sleep Apnea Machines

Many people who suffer from sleep apnea used a device from Philips Respironics, and instead of it helping them sleep better, it caused cancer in many users. There’s nothing more frustrating than putting your trust in a medical device and a company that claims it can help you, only to have it injure you instead.

If you were injured as a result of the Philips sleep apnea machine, we want to help. Azrael Franz Schwab Lipowitz & Solter has a team of attorneys to fight on your behalf. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact Azrael Franz Schwab Lipowitz & Solter today for a free case review.

The Issue With Philips CPAP And Sleep Apnea Machines

Philips recalled millions of CPAP and other sleep apnea machines because many users were breathing toxic foam caused by a defect with their machines. Ingesting this toxic foam can cause cancer and other major health problems. Aside from causing cancer, many users also reported headaches, upper airway irritations, coughing, chest pressure, sinus infections, asthma, damage to their liver and kidneys, nausea, vomiting, and increased breathing problems.

Class Action Lawsuit

In June 2021, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Philips in Massachusetts. The lawsuit claims that Philips knew about the toxic foam and the severe health issues it was causing people for years. There are claims that users had been complaining about the issues for many years, but Philips didn’t issue a public warning until April 2021. It was another two months, June 14th, 2021, before Philips recalled the devices. Interestingly, Philips didn’t announce the recall of their machines until right around the time that they were coming out with a newer device. Many patients who desperately need these devices had no choice but to purchase the newer machine, meaning Philips continued to profit even after they made the recall of their current machine public.

Philips Lawsuits Are Based On 2 Violations:

1. Design Defect
One of the reasons people were filing lawsuits against Philips is for the simple fact that the devices they sold to patients were defective and dangerous. The foam they used in the device is so toxic that when it degrades it can cause cancer.

2. Failure To Warn
Not only did Philips use materials in their medical devices that were incredibly dangerous, but they failed to warn the public as soon as they became aware of the risks. There are allegations that users had been complaining of health issues as a result of the foam for years. At the very least, Philips became aware of the issue in April 2021 and didn’t issue a recall until the middle of June 2021. This means that people continued to buy and use the machines for at least two months, despite the fact that Philips knew the risks.

Dangers of Philips CPAP & Sleep Apnea Machines