Millions of Americans suffer from sleep apnea, a condition that causes them to struggle to breathe or even stop breathing altogether while asleep. In addition to severe sleep disturbances and deprivation, this condition also results in serious health problems. One of the most effective treatments is using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, but recently, several popular models were recalled after it was discovered that a defect can put users’ long-term health at risk.

During summer 2021, Phillips Respironics recalled several of its bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) and CPAP machines after the company was alerted to the fact that a sound-dampening foam in the machines could break down and be inhaled or swallowed by users. The foam contains chemicals that may be carcinogenic and can put users at risk of certain types of cancers and asthma.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that anyone using the recalled BiPAP and CPAP machines (a full list can be found on their website) not stop using them without talking to their doctor first. The next steps after determining that you’ve been using an affected BiPAP or CPAP machine may include switching to a different BiPAP or CPAP machine or treating your sleep apnea with alternative methods.

At Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel, we know how disruptive sleep apnea can be in the lives of sufferers. BiPAP and CPAP machines can restore their quality of sleep and thus their health, but they should be thoroughly tested and inspected to ensure their safety. Defects such as this are unacceptable.

If you or someone you love was harmed by a defective BiPAP or CPAP machine, our sleep apnea machine recall lawyers want to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.