CPAP Machine Recall

Sleep apnea is a disorder that results in various breathing stoppages throughout a person’s normal sleep cycle. This disorder is dangerous because it can lead to increased fatigue on a regular basis, issues with high blood pressure, and even more serious complications such as eventual heart attacks or strokes in some cases. People with sleep apnea are typically told to lose weight or engage in other types of changes such as limiting their intake of alcohol and reducing or quitting smoking. Some individuals may even need to have surgery to fix the problem and get their breathing back to normal during sleep.

Once a person has been formally diagnosed with this condition by a doctor, one of the most common forms of treatment is the use of a device called a CPAP machine to be used at home while the person sleeps. These machines work by providing a constant oxygen flow to the patient during sleep, and keeping pressure at the proper level to maintain normal breathing and unobstructed oxygen flow. A mask connected to a breathing tube is worn to provide air for the entire sleep cycle, which is the main way that oxygen is supplied and normal breathing patterns are maintained.

However, the fact that a person is wearing a mask and receiving air through this device can also become a serious problem if there are any issues with the machine. The current recall has occurred for exactly this reason, and some CPAP lawyers in Michigan and other states are now focusing on this problem to help anyone who may have been affected. The federal government has stated that the recall is the most serious classification, due to the fact that the products may cause serious health problems, injuries, chronic conditions, or even death.

Which CPAP Machines Are Affected?

The recall is for certain models created by a company based out of the Netherlands known as Philips, sometimes also called Royal Philips or Koninklijke Philips N.V. This company makes a number of different CPAP, BiPAP, and ventilator devices, with a significant market share in the sleep apnea treatment space. This means that there is a good chance any person in Michigan with sleep apnea has used their devices at some point in the past. Some of the affected products include A Series BiPAP ventilators, DreamStation CPAP machines, and the Trilogy 100 and 200 ventilators. A full list of the affected products, along with those that have not been recalled can be found on the company’s recall page. Their page also contains information about contacting the manufacturer directly with any concerns.

It is also possible that these machines may have been used on patients in hospitals and laboratory settings. This means that concerned individuals may need to research sleep apnea treatments used by their healthcare provider.

What Was Wrong With the Recalled Machines?

The simple answer is that the machines may be exposing users to dangerous substances and chemicals due to foam insulation that breaks down and ends up in the breathing apparatus. The machines were insulated to try to reduce noise and sounds during normal use, which could disrupt the user’s sleep. However, serious problems have been discovered with the insulation finding its way into a user’s airways over time.

The dangerous insulation material is a type of polyester based polyurethane. If the foam is inhaled or swallowed it can cause health issues, and there is also a danger that it can break down and release certain chemicals. Many of these chemicals are classified as volatile organic compounds, which have been known to be carcinogenic. This potential for carcinogenic compounds to be ingested by users is one of the key reasons for the Michigan CPAP cancer lawsuit.

Certain environmental conditions are also more likely to result in the foam breakdown and chemical release. Users who have their machines placed in areas that are exposed to heat, humidity, and other extreme weather and temperature conditions are most likely to see the foam breakdown and particles ending up in the breathing tube connected to the machine.

What Health Problems can Potentially Happen After Using a Defective CPAP Machine?

A broad range of health problems from minor irritation to potential death have been noted as possible symptoms in users of the machines. Some users have reported headaches, irritation of the skin, throat, eyes, and upper airways. More serious symptoms can include asthma, dizziness, and chest pains. It is also possible that some users may eventually experience heart failure, lung cancers and other conditions affecting the lungs, and various other types of cancers. Obviously, the potential for cancer due to these defective machines is a main factor behind the CPAP recall in Michigan.

Those with respiratory issues who have been smokers before using the affected CPAP machines may have more difficulty proving their cases, although legal advice from CPAP recall lawyers is still recommended.

What Should Someone Who Has Been Using a Recalled Device Do?

The first step is for the person to get medical advice immediately. It is important for anyone who has sleep apnea to not change or discontinue their treatment without getting medical advice first. The doctor may recommend a different form of treatment, although this needs to be confirmed based on the individual person’s medical history and specific conditions.

It is also possible for anyone who has been using the devices to receive compensation through a CPAP recall lawsuit in Michigan and other states. Neumann Law Group is handling these kinds of cases for local clients. Available compensation tends to vary based on several different factors, so each user needs to obtain specific legal advice about the CPAP recall cancer lawsuits.

Why Is Philips Liable for Any Injuries or Health Problems Caused by These Machines?

There is an area of products liability law that deals with products that were defectively designed and cause injuries during their normal, intended use. If this happens, the company will typically need to pay victims because it means that their research and production methods were problematic, or at least not thorough enough. They could have avoided the injuries with more comprehensive safety procedures and methods before the product was released for general use by the public. In an area such as production of medical devices, these kinds of testing and research are especially important. There were also complaints from customers for some time before Philips took any action to look into these issues, which could be relevant totheir liability and a focus of CPAP attorneys if they are found to have ignored known risks.

Other theories of liability that may become relevant to the litigation and used by Michigan CPAP recall attorneys include a lack of warnings about potential health problems caused by use of the machines, various theories of negligence, misrepresentation, and breaches of warranty. The general legal principle behind these theories is that the business that profits off of the products must also pay for any injuries caused by their use or the company’s negligence. If the company is found to be liable, they may be required to pay not only for medical treatment, but other costs associated with the victim’s problems as well, such as future lost income and money lost during time away from work.

Contacting a Michigan CPAP Recall Attorney

Anyone who needs additional information about the current recall and the process to take legal action has the option of receiving advice from a CPAP lawyer in Michigan. Neumann Law Group has attorneys actively working on these matters for local clients.