Philips Respironics, one of the leading manufacturers of CPAP and BiPAP machines, has recently issued a major recall covering a wide range of products. This recall is serious — in fact, the company is advising all affected CPAP and BiPAP users to immediately discontinue use of their device.
Needless to say, those of you who have bought Philips Respironics products from Help Medical Supplies in the past undoubtedly have many questions and concerns. Here is a quick rundown of what you need to know about this situation.
Which Products Are Affected?
The recall is expected to affect between three to four million Philips Respironics products, the majority of which fall under the DreamStation CPAP and BiPAP line. All DreamStation products, including the DreamStation GO, are subject to the recall. The only exception to this is the DreamStation 2. The recall also affects several mechanical ventilators, including the Trilogy 100 and Trilogy 200 devices.
The recall applies to all device serial numbers for affected devices that were manufactured before April 26, 2021. The company is also putting all manufacturing and shipping on hold for the products affected by the recall.
Why is a Recall Being Issued?
The recall comes on the heels of the discovery of significant degradation of sound abatement foam used in the DreamStation and Trilogy devices. Per the company’s report, degrading sound abatement foam is a known issue across these product lines. It is believed to be made even worse by the use of ozone cleaners, as well as when devices are exposed to high heat and humidity.
As a result of this degradation, some users of these devices reported finding black particles within their tubing and mask. This foam debris is believed to contribute to skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation, as well as headaches and asthma. There is also a possibility of adverse effects on the liver and kidneys, as well as carcinogenic effects.
The foam could also cause chemical emissions that result in headaches, nausea, and dizziness. The company says it has not received reports of patients experiencing serious harm from use of their devices, but due to the potential consequences of the foam exposure, all products are getting recalled.
What Should You Do?
For those who use a DreamStation CPAP or BiPAP device, Philips Respironics recommends that you stop using your equipment and find a replacement. The company is currently in the process of notifying all device users of the recall, after which it will replace affected devices with new or refurbished machines that don’t use the defective sound abatement foam. Because of this, it could be quite some time before a replacement or refurbished unit is available.
For those who rely on a life-sustaining medical ventilator, Philips Respironics advises patients to continue their prescribed therapy until they meet with their physician. In such circumstances, the risks of stopping therapy — even with the recall in place — may outweigh the risks of continuing to use the device.
The company advises that those who continue using their devices purchase an inline bacterial filter (available from Help Medical Supplies) to minimize the risk of foam particles entering their airways.
If you own a recalled Philips Respironics device, it is only natural that you would want to start the recall process as soon as possible. Please be aware that Help Medical Supplies is not responsible for handling your device recall. The recall will be handled entirely by Philips Respironics, by calling 877-907-7508. The company is going to allow customers to register with their device serial number to file a claim.
Because this is a new issue, Philips Respironics is still updating information and instructions for customers. Visit their website for the most up to date instructions and guidelines.
Understandably, many CPAP and BiPAP users may be best served by getting a new machine from a different brand, particularly as there is not yet a concrete timeline for the replacement and refurbishment process. You don’t want to let your progress in controlling sleep apnea go to waste — and symptoms can quickly return, disrupting your sleep if you stop treatment.
Get Your Replacement Equipment From Help Medical Supplies
Here at Help Medical Supplies, we understand just how alarming it can be to learn of an active recall for a medical device you depend on each night. Fortunately, we are here to make things as easy as possible for you as you replace your defective equipment.
We are no longer selling the Philips Respironics devices subject to the recall. However, we are selling CPAP and BiPAP machines from other leading brands, including ResMed, 3B Medical, and Fisher & Paykel. These products are in stock and ready to ship. Free shipping is also available on orders over $89, and financing is available for purchases over $500.
We know this is an unprecedented recall for the CPAP industry, but we are here to help. Place your order today so you don’t have to go without your sleep apnea treatment.