Philips CPAP Recall

Since the original 2021 CPAP recall, Philips has issued additional recalls and safety warnings. The FDA has also taken several actions connected to the recall.

The FDA continues to monitor the situation. So far, the agency has classified all of these recalls as Class I. The regulator will continue to update the public as more developments arise.

Philips recalled its CPAP, BiPAP and ventilator devices in June 2021 because of potential health risks. The health risks come from sound abatement foam used to keep the machines quiet and reduce vibration.

The foam may degrade and release particles and toxic gases into the machine’s airways that users may inhale or swallow. Lab tests showed degraded foam and gases contain several toxic and cancer-causing chemicals. Devices that are more than three years old or exposed to high heat or humid environments are more likely to have degraded foam.

The CPAP maker said people who inhale or ingest foam particles or gases may suffer from toxic, carcinogenic and respiratory effects.

On June 28, 2022, Philips provided an update on its PE-PUR sound abatement foam testing. The company said it doesn’t anticipate the level of chemical emissions to cause health problems.

The company also said cleaning CPAP machines with ozone cleaners resulted in those machines being 14 times more likely to have foam degradation that is visually ascertainable from a gross inspection. However, Philips has not provided any evidence that degradation can occur only in the presence of ozone. Research is ongoing and no guidance has changed.

The recall doesn’t affect all of Philips’ breathing devices. About 80% of the affected devices are CPAP machines and about 20% are ventilators, Philips spokesman Steve Klink told Reuters.

Most 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. More than half of the affected devices are in the U.S., according to Philips.

In January 2022, the FDA announced that Trilogy Evo ventilators and Trilogy Evo repair kits not originally recalled in the July 2021 recall were added to the recalled devices list.

Additional 2022 Philips Recalls

In September 2022, Philips recalled an additional 1,660 BiPAP ventilator machines for reasons unrelated to the PE-PUR foam. Philips recalled the BiPAP machines because of contaminated plastic parts in the motor that could release toxic chemicals or cause the machine to suddenly stop working.

Recalled machines include: A-Series BiPAP A30 (Ventilator), A-Series BiPAP A40 (Ventilator), A-Series BiPAP V30 (Auto Ventilator) and OmniLab Advanced+.

On Sept. 6, 2022, Philips issued a warning about magnetic CPAP and BiPAP masks but did not recall them. According to the warning, people with certain metallic implants shouldn’t use magnetized masks because the magnets could interfere with these implants and cause serious injuries.

On Oct. 19, 2022, the FDA officially declared the masks recalled and classified it as a Class I recall, meaning using the masks could cause serious injuries and death.

Philips distributed the masks from Jan. 1, 2015, to Sept. 9, 2022. The recall affects 18,670,643 units in the U.S.

Additional 2023 Philips Recalls

In April 2023, FDA released a Safety Communication informing the public that Philips recalled about 1,088 devices in February 2023. These devices were previously recalled in 2021 and were reworked, but they are being recalled again because they “may deliver inaccurate or insufficient therapy.”

“Incorrect therapy or therapy failure may lead several health conditions such as respiratory failure, heart failure, serious injury, and death,” according to the FDA.

Models included in this recall are: REP DreamStation Auto CPAP Recert, DreamStation Auto, FR REP DreamStation Auto BiPAP, DOM-RECRT, and REP DreamStation Auto CPAP, DOM – RECRT.

Since Philips’ original June 2021 recall, the company has issued additional recalls and safety warnings. The FDA has also taken several actions connected to the recall.

The FDA continues to monitor the situation. So far, the agency has classified all of these recalls as Class I. The regulator will continue to update the public as more developments arise.

People who use a Philips CPAP can check Philips’ device registration and recall contact information page. This page lists all the recalled machines along with pictures to help users check their devices.

If you aren’t sure if your machine is affected, Philips has set up a registration process that allows users and caregivers to look up the serial number of their device. They also have an instructional video that shows you how to register the device.

Users and caregivers can also call 877-907-7508.

Philips has said it has a comprehensive repair and replace program for recalled CPAP machines. On Sept. 1, 2021, Philips announced that it received its authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to begin replacing the problematic foam in affected devices or replacing them with new DreamStation 2 models in the U.S.

Users and caregivers can register for this program on the Philips’ website. The repair and replacement should take about 12 months, Philips said in its Sept. 1, 2021 press release.

In May 2022, the FDA said it was considering issuing an order to require Philips to  “submit a plan for the repair, replacement, or refund of the purchase price of recalled devices manufactured after November 2015.”

Philips has said it will provide a written response, and in the meantime, the FDA is holding back on issuing an order.

According to the latest update from Philips, as of Jan. 25, 2023 it had completed 90% of its product replacements and repair kits globally. It has shipped 2,460,000 devices in the U.S.

Your doctor may tell you to try CPAP alternatives, such as lifestyle changes, nasal decongestants, losing weight or sleep apnea surgery.

In addition to general Philips CPAP side effects, recalled machines pose unique risks because of exposure to particles or gases from degraded foam. These include: Chemical exposure risk, toxic effects, cancer and respiratory issues. Bladder cancer, lung cancer and stomach cancer are among the cancers linked to CPAP.

As of November 2022, the FDA has received more than 90,000 medical device reports linked to PE-PUR foam breakdown or suspected foam breakdown. These include 260 reports of death.

The FDA recommends people using a recalled Philips CPAP machine talk to their medical provider to discuss their treatment options.

In September 2021, Philips began replacing PE-PUR foam in recalled machines with a silicone foam. But in November 2021, the FDA released a Philips CPAP recall update notifying the public that it found the new silicone foam may still pose a health risk.

Currently, the FDA doesn’t recommend that patients who received a repaired recalled CPAP from Philips stop using their machines with silicone foam. The agency is still investigating the potential risk and will update the public.

Patients who suffered injuries from a recalled device may choose to file a Philips CPAP lawsuit. Family members may also file lawsuits on behalf of their loved ones.

Make sure to speak to a lawyer right away because there is a time limit to file — called a statute of limitations — that is different in each state.

Which Philips machines are more likely to experience foam breakdown?

Machines exposed to heat and humidity are also most likely to suffer from foam breakdown. According to Philips, ozone cleaners can also increase foam breakdown risk. Most of the machines in the June 2021 PE-PUR foam recall are first generation Philips DreamStation CPAP machines.

What are the risks of continuing to use my CPAP machine?

If you continue to use your old CPAP machine, you may expose yourself to chemicals with the potential risk of toxic effects, respiratory issues and cancer. However, Philips has assured customers that the risk is low. 

What if I can’t wait for a CPAP replacement?

If you can’t wait for Philips to replace your CPAP machine, your doctor may recommend that you continue to use your recalled device if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Otherwise, you may choose to get a new CPAP machine from another company. Philips also makes a newer CPAP model called the DreamStation 2, which is not part of any recalls.

How should I clean my CPAP machine?

Use distilled water or mild detergent to rinse the various CPAP parts, including tubing, water chamber, masks and nasal pillows. Air-dry the parts after washing them but don’t expose them to sunlight. You can use vinegar to sanitize and disinfect the humidifier. 

Where is my replacement CPAP machine?

According to Philips, it is about 90% done with replacing or repairing recalled CPAP machines. You can check Philips’ U.S. Patient Portal for the status of your device and see if you can expedite delivery. 

Are the Philips CPAP replacement devices safe?

While the majority of Philips CPAP replacement devices appear to be safe, the FDA has announced a recall for replaced Philips Respironics (Philips) Trilogy 100 and Trilogy 200 ventilators because of silicone foam that may come lose and block airpaths. It also found residual PE-PUR foam and environmental debris in some replacement devices.