Philips’ Sleep Apnea Machines

Philips Respironics have produced millions of Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (Bi-Level PAP), Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), and mechanical ventilator devices using the PE-PUR sound abatement foam.  Philips determined, based on testing, that there are possible risks to users related to this type of foam. The risks include that the sound abatement foam used to dampen sound and vibration, while the device is operating, may degrade into particles which may enter the device’s air pathway and be ingested or inhaled by the user, and the foam may produce carcinogenic chemicals. The foam degradation may be exacerbated by use of unapproved cleaning methods. Ozone, high heat, and high humidity environments may also contribute to foam degradation.

Exposure to the sound of abatement foam of Philips breathing machines

The potential risks of chemical exposure due to off-gassing include headache, irritation, hypersensitivity, nausea/vomiting, and possible toxic and carcinogenic effects.  The degradation of PE-PUR foam may lead to inhalation of toxic chemicals. This may increase the chance of lung injury and increase the risk of cancer.

Philips CPAP, BiPAP, and ASV sleep apnea injury lawsuit

Injuries: Several cancers are caused by inhaling gases emitted from polyurethane foam, including

• Leukemia
• Breast cancer
• Lymphatic cancer
• Liver cancer
• Nasal cancer
• Lung cancer
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)
• Brain cancer
• Multiple Myeloma
• Prostate cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Hematopoietic cancer
• Papillary carcinoma and other thyroid cancers

Other injuries include:

• Liver Damage
• Kidney Disease or Failure
• Heart Attack
• Heart Failure
• Lung Damage
• Respiratory Failure

Many of the devices come from Philips’ DreamStation line. The recall affects all serial numbers of the following affected devices manufactured between 2009 and April 26, 2021.

CPAP and BiLevel PAP

Continuous Ventilator, Non-life Supporting

• DreamStation ASV
• DreamStation ST, AVAPS
• SystemOne ASV4
• C Series ASV, S/T, AVAPS
• OmniLab Advanced Plus In-Lab Titration Device

Non-continuous Ventilator       

• SystemOne Q series
• DreamStation CPAP, Auto CPAP, BiPAP
• DreamStation Go CPAP, APAP
• Dorma 400, 500 CPAP
• REMStar SE AutoCPAP

Continuous Ventilator, Minimum Ventilatory Support, Facility Use

• E30 (Under Emergency Use Authorization)

Mechanical Ventilators

Continuous Ventilator

•  Trilogy 100Ventilator
•  Trilogy 200Ventilator
•  Garbin Plus, Aeris, LifeVent Ventilator

Continuous Ventilator, Minimum Ventilatory Support, Facility Use

•   A-Series BiPAP V30 AutoVentilator