The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported that sleep apnea machines made by Philips Respironics may be linked to at least 561 deaths. Millions of the machines were recalled in 2021 but the FDA updated its analysis in 2024 after receiving more than 116,000 reports about the respiratory devices.
The CPAP and BiPap machines have been found to break down and create a risk of exposure to debris and chemicals that can cause an increased risk of cancer, choking and inhaling of foreign particles.
If you or a loved one suffered cancer or other ailments believed to be caused by a CPAP or BiPAP machine, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Other illnesses include respiratory tract inflammation, asthma, hypersensitivity, and kidney and liver damage.
Kline & Specter, PC, with more than 50 attorneys, five of whom are also highly skilled medical doctors—the most for any law firm in the United States—has the expertise and experience to evaluate sleep apnea machine injury cases possibly caused by Philips devices.
Our law firm has handled hundreds of cases involving cancer and also cases involving significant respiratory diseases and has dealt with cases over the decades involving catastrophic injuries caused by medical devices and prescription medications.
What You Need to Know About CPAP Lawsuits
The recall in 2021 was classified as a Class I recall, the most severe type of recall, by the FDA. The agency noted at the time that the use of these devices may cause serious injury or death. It more recently reported that the device may be linked to at least 561 deaths.
Philips in 2021 sent registered letters to users of the device who may have been adversely impacted. The CPAP and BiPAP devices are used by people needing respiratory support or treatment for sleep disorders. They are used at home, in hospitals, and in other institutions.
The problem in the Philips devices was found to occur due to the polyester-based polyurethane foam used to lessen sound and vibration. The foam could break down and potentially enter the device’s air pathway, allowing a user to inhale or swallow chemicals or black debris from the foam.
Kline & Specter has won billions in product liability verdicts and settlements, including many large results against large corporations, medical device makers, and pharmaceutical companies. We serve Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York, as well as the nation as a whole.
