Cpap/Bipap Machine Recall

[countryguy]

I just found out yesterday that on 06/14/21 Philips has issued a massive recall of all the Respironics Cpap, Bipap machines and mechanical ventilators manufacturered prior to 04/26/2021 due to potential health risks related to the sound abatement foam used in these devices. For patients using the cpap/bipap machines it is recommended to stop using the machines. I have been been using a bipap machine for 22 years and am currently using one of the affected machines since 2018. I called the home healthcare place where I bought the machine. They knew of the recall and advised me to stop using the machine especially if I have been using a cpap cleaning device that uses ozone e.g. the SoClean device, as the ozone reacts with the sound abatement foam giving off deadly fumes. And of course I have also been using the SoClean device since 2018. Because I have severe sleep apnea, it is impossible for me to sleep without using the machine so I will have to continue to use it as it is unknown at this time when Philips will be able to provide repairs to the machines and/or provide replacement machines. They advised I stop using the SoClean machine. Some of the health risks possible are sore eyes, throat, chest, asthma and possibly even cancer. You can go to the website linked below for more information. You can also input the serial number of your machine and it will indicate whether the machine is affected by the recall. If it is, then you can fill out the form and Philips will contact you when they can repair/relace your machine.

Gary

Medical Device Recall Information - Philips Respironics Sleep and Respiratory Care devices

In June 2021, after discovering a potential health risk related to a part in certain CPAP, BiPAP and Mechanical Ventilator devices, Philips issued a voluntary Field Safety Notice (outside U.S.) / voluntary recall notification (U.S. only).

www.philips.com

 

[rp2813]

This is really bad Gary.  You don't have a choice to discontinue using your machine, and you shouldn't have to keep using one that has the potential to kill you.   Philips should be providing either replacement or loaner machines.

 

I imagine that in a litigious country like the U.S., a class action lawsuit would be filed on behalf of anyone who became seriously ill or worse as a result of this manufacturing defect.   The lawyers will laugh all the way to the bank while each of the claimants they represented would probably get a check for $7.94 or something.

 

[jamiel]

I think the problem is the polyurethane silencing foam oxidizes and crumbles, offgassing and leading to the cancer scare. It isn't helped by the ozone in the cleaning apparatus...fortunately Brian uses the other brand so isn't affected.

 

[appnut]

Ted has one of these recalled units. I have the other brand too.

 

[countryguy]

Philips is going to be repairing/replacing the machines. The problem is that machines with the corrected silencing material are not yet readily available. Philips is not even selling new machines at this time. They are also saying that using cleaning machines that use ozone are the main cause of the problem. I'm sure there will be lots of lawsuits.

Gary

 

[powerfin64]

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea 2 years ago, and got a ResMed CPAP machine. When I got the machine, I was explicitly told NOT to purchase a SoClean, do to they do not clean and will damage my new CPAP machine. Just use warm soapy water, is the most effective way to clean it.
that is what I have done since day 1, and have stayed true to that with no problems.
So Clean is just a gimmick for money, and now proven to be very damaging.
I see a lot lawsuits in the future for So Clean.

 

[appnut]

Proceeding just as you Rich.

 

[jamiel]

My husband just swishes his tubing in the shower each morning with a drop or two of Palmolive Free and Clear. He doesn't use the bubbler with water so doesn't need to clean the reservoir.