Have you experienced cancer or breathing problems after using Philips CPAP or BiPAP?
Although no deaths have been reported to Philips Respironics’ various breathing support machines, the company recently issued a recall for multiple models of ventilators, CPAPs, and BiLevel PAPs (BiPAPs). The danger is linked to the devices’ soundproofing foam, which is made of polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR). After fielding several complaints regarding black debris within the humidifiers, tubing, or masks of these machines, Philips announced the PE-PUR foam could break down over time. The company has received reports of patients suffering symptoms like headaches, irritation, sinus infection, and causing breathing problems and lung injury due to inhaling the particles.
However, this is not the only risk associated with the use of PE-PUR foam. As it degrades, it might also off-gas harmful chemicals, including when in use. Inhalation of these chemicals can cause permanent health effects or require intense medical intervention. They may also be linked to patients developing cancer.
I Need a Philips Recall Lawyer
What Devices Did Philips Recall?
The Philips Respironics recalls covered continuous ventilators, CPAPs, and BiPAPs. Their recall covers all serial numbers and all devices of the affected models manufactured before April 26, 2021.
Life-Supporting Continuous Ventilators
- Trilogy 100 and 200
- Garbin Plus, Aeris, and LifeVent
- A-Series BiPAP Hybrid A30
- A-Series BiPAP V30 Auto
- E30
Non-Life Supporting Continuous Ventilators
- A-Series BiPAP A30
- A-Series BiPAP A40
- DreamStation ASV
- DreamStation ST, AVAPS
- SystemOne ASV4
- C-Series ASV
- C-Series S/T and AVAPS
- OmniLab Advaced+
Noncontinuous Ventilators
- SystemOne (Q=Series)
- DreamStation
- DreamStation Go
- Dorma 400
- Dorma 500
- REMstar SE Auto
What Should Users of Philips Respironics Do?
For patients who require a ventilator for life-supporting therapy, Philips Respironics recommends speaking to your physician before you make any changes in your treatment plan. Alternative options can be hard to come by, and in some cases, the benefits of continued treatment might outweigh its risks. For those who do rely on one of the recalled devices, Philips recommends the use of an inline bacterial filter. Alternatively, your doctor can help you explore other treatment options.
Patients who rely on non-life supporting devices are urged to stop using them immediately and find an adequate replacement with the help of their physician or Durable Medical Equipment provider. If no alternatives are available, speak with your doctor to determine whether using your Philips devices is worth the risks you might face.
The company is working on permanent fixes for these devices and will send updates to everyone who registers on its recall website. For those who do not have internet access, the company is available by phone at 1-877-907-7508.
Philips Respironics Devices and Cancer Risk
Because the company has not yet released in-depth information about what types of cancer may be related to PE-PUR degradation, any patient who used one of the recalled devices and then developed cancer may want to check with their doctor and contact our experience team of lawyers for a free case evaluation. You may be eligible for compensation . Given the information Philips has supplied, the cancer risk might affect the:
- Lungs
- Liver
- Kidney
All three organs were identified as potential sites of harm for those who were exposed to PE-PUR particles or off-gassing.
Additionally, past research of PE-PUR foam has found residual toluene diisocyanate (TDI) in consumer products. Exposure to TDI and another chemical used in PE-PUR, methylene diphenyldiisocyanate (MDI), was linked to an increase in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and rectal cancer among workers in a Swedish foam factory. A later study verified that both TDI and MDI react with DNA, causing mutations; the chemicals therefore could cause a variety of tumor types. If the presence of residual TDI and/or MDI in PE-PUR is to blame for the cancer risk, your doctor may be able to examine your biomarkers to see if you were exposed.
Our team will continue to follow the potential risks of the PE-PUR foam degradation as related to these Philips devices so we can provide up-to-date advice to patients. We invite anyone who thinks they might have developed cancer due to this exposure to reach out to our attorneys.
Identifying Past PE-PUR Exposure
If you were systematically exposed to foam particles or off-gassing while using one of the recalled devices, you may have already noticed symptoms including:
- Asthma
- Chest pressure
- Cough
- Headache and/or dizziness
- Hypersensitivity
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, respiratory tract, and skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sinus infections
- Skin, eye, and/or respiratory tract irritation
- Upper airway irritation
Philips also found links between PE-PUR exposure and kidney damage. If you suffered any of these symptoms, we encourage you to make a record outlining what you experienced and how it overlapped with your use of the Philips ventilator or CPAP/BiPAP. This could provide vital evidence in a lawsuit.
What to Do About Health Issues Caused by a Philips Ventilator
Now that we know about the potential risks linked with these ventilators, we encourage all patients who use or have used one to be cognizant of potential effects on their health. Especially if you experienced any of the above symptoms of exposure before developing cancer, you might be able to file a lawsuit against Philips. We encourage anyone who has been diagnosed with a serious medical issue that may be linked to the use of a Philips Respironics device to reach out to our Louisville product liability attorneys at Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, PSC.
Even though not all cancers are fatal, this disease requires extensive (and expensive) treatment. Patients may be forced to cut back hours or unable to work. They may suffer ongoing pain or discomfort. The expenses and challenges stack up quickly. For those whose disease was caused by corporate negligence, you deserve compensation for all of your losses. By proving your injuries and needs are linked to your use of a Philips device, you may be able to recover a significant settlement to help you access treatment and support yourself and your loved ones during this time.
Call Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, PSC at (502) 244-7772 for a free consultation with one of our Louisville personal injury lawyers. We are here to hold Philips Respironics accountable for the harm it has caused.