Philips CPAP Recall Attorneys in Houston

Helping Clients in Texas Get Peace of Mind

The FDA has announced a national recall of Philips Respironics ventilators, BiPAP, and CPAP machines. If you depend on these ventilation devices, you could be entitled to compensation. Webster Vicknair MacLeodbelieves that companies should be held responsible for defective products and negligent manufacturing. Our firm works tirelessly to help our clients in Houston and the surrounding areas recover the compensation they deserve and the peace of mind they need.

Call our Philips CPAP Recall attorneys at (713) 396-5197 to find out more about your legal options.

Why Are Philips CPAP Machines Recalled?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a recall of Philips Respironics ventilators, BiPAP, and CPAP machines due to potential health risks for patients. These devices use polyurethane foam to reduce sound and vibration, but the chemical compounds can break down over time. When the polyurethane foam begins to disintegrate, it can shed pieces of foam or chemicals into the sealed mouthpiece causing chemical poisoning or choking.

Patients with severe respiratory distress could retain life-threatening injuries from the foam. Those living in hot or humid areas are especially vulnerable to injury as the heat and humidity accelerate the breakdown of harmful chemicals and the foam compound. Ozone cleaners and other cleaning methods may also make the foam deteriorate faster and are not recommended by the manufacturer.

FDA Recommendations for Owners of Recalled Devices

The FDA recommends that patients using recalled devices speak to their primary care physician about options for care and treatment if a CPAP or BiPAP machine is not available or there are no other assistive devices suitable for the patient’s condition. If the health care provider wants to stop the use of a respiratory machine, they may work with the patient to pursue alternatives like positional therapy, surgical options, oral appliances, or other procedures.

If the health care provider suggests continued, but limited use, the patient may be asked to make life changes like weight loss, sobriety, and stopping the use of tobacco products. Additionally, the patient may be weaned off the machine to reduce dependence but only under the oversight of their doctor.

Philips CPAP machine owners should beware of UV light and ozone cleaners. The FDA has found that the use of these cleaning products aids in the breakdown of the polyurethane foam and may contaminate the air tubes. These cleaners are often not medical-grade and may leave an uneven concentration of product in the tubes and mouthpiece which can cause skin conditions and other issues.

UV light and ozone cleaners include:

• UV or blue light products
• Self-cleaning products
• Non-FDA or manufacturer-recommended ozone aerosols or sprays
• Ozone generators
• Ozone Purifiers

In addition to following FDA guidelines for cleaning, patients are encouraged to keep their registration confirmation number to register the device. Patients can use this number to determine whether their machine is a part of the recall.

Patients with severe respiratory conditions can apply for prioritized replacement of their products through Philips Respironics. Applying will put the patient on a waiting list for new devices as the company continues to handle the recall.

Under NO circumstances should you attempt to remove the foam.