In the 21st Century, we have a great many privileges that we often take for granted which our ancestors were never exposed to. And much of this comes in the form of medical developments with the advances of science. In fact, we saw these developments at work during 2020.

As the COVID-19 pandemic reached its virulent hands across the globe, our technology–now tied-in with machine learning and AI–enabled us to develop countermeasures in the form of vaccines fairly quickly. Though its effectiveness is debatable in some circles, regardless, this was made possible through advanced technology. 

Unfortunately, even our greatest medical achievements don’t come without some margin of error to consider. And this is evident in recent recalls of Philips Respironics CPAP devices, a commonly used treatment for sufferers of sleep apnea–a potentially life-threatening condition.

Here, we’ll explore the real reasons behind the recall of these machines, and why you may want to consider filing a lawsuit.

How CPAP Machines Help

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are used by those who suffer from sleep apnea. This condition is characterized by a patient unable to breathe properly during sleep, largely due to the throat muscles relaxing and causing a repeated stopping and starting of breathing. 

This potentially fatal condition becomes seriously dangerous if left untreated. And patients often find themselves gasping for air in the middle of the night, which often startles them out of sleep. In fact, this is the CPAP machine’s sole purpose, to keep adequate pressure within the airways to keep them from being obstructed during sleep. 

CPAP machines keep sleep apnea patients alive and allow them to get much-needed rest that their condition often prevents. 

Why CPAP Machines Are Being Recalled 

CPAP machines produced by Philips Respironics, one of the most widely used devices by sleep apnea patients, have been recalled due to a variety of factors, namely because of sound abatement foam that can erode and cause a variety of health risks.

Sound abatement foam is manufactured using components made of plastics, glues, and chemicals that are known to be carcinogenic. As the foam erodes, particles from the foam can be inhaled, swallowed, and ingested. And this is where serious health risks arise. 

A few of the symptoms from defective CPAP machine use are as follows: 

• Persistent morning headaches 
• Lung irritation 
• Nasal inflammation
• Stomach issues
• Coughing and wheezing
• Sore throat 
• Skin irritation and inflammation 

Note that these symptoms may be a precursor for more serious health risks that can develop. And if you’ve noticed any of these problems after using a CPAP device you should discontinue use and consult your physician. Additionally, you should contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers to begin the process of filing a lawsuit 

Health Risks from CPAP Use

As mentioned, the symptoms that you may suffer from defective CPAP machine use can vary considerably. Correspondingly, so can the health risks that you may develop as a result of exposure to degraded sound abatement foam. 

Due to the carcinogenic nature of the sound abatement foam, the likelihood of developing cancer is much higher. In fact, a few of the more common health risks associated with defective CPAP machine use are as follows: 

• Lung cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Lung inflammation 
• Respiratory Illnesses 
• Complications with pregnancy 
• Persistent Nosebleeds
• Meningitis

As you can see, the conditions one may face by using a defective CPAP machine are quite numerous. But you should also note that the aforementioned is only a shortlist of the possible health risks you may incur from continuing to use a defective CPAP machine. 

What to Do in the Event of a Recall

If you’re a sleep apnea patient and you’ve purchased a Philips CPAP device, you’re eligible for financial reimbursement. But you should first consider contacting an attorney to file a lawsuit. And this is because the more serious health risks may still develop in the future, and if you accept any type of reimbursement, you may become ineligible for filing a legitimate claim. 

Talking with your attorney and with your doctor are the first two steps that you should take if you’ve used a recalled CPAP device, or if you’ve developed any of the aforementioned symptoms or illnesses listed here.

Taking your health seriously as a sleep apnea patient is of the highest priority. And if you’ve been using a defective CPAP machine, you need to make sure that you contact your physician to let them know that you need a replacement in order to find a suitable and safe option.