On September 7, Philips announced it agreed to an approximately $479 million settlement with plaintiffs who claimed economic damages regarding the CPAP recall. The settlement is regarding a multidistrict litigation. The final amount paid through the settlement will end up depending upon how many claims are filed.

One of the nation's largest makers of machines for sleep apnea sufferers has agreed to pay at least $479 million to compensate customers who bought the devices.

The lawsuits have claimed that flaking foam and gasses emitted from the machines were linked to health issues including respiratory illnesses, lung cancer and death. The foam was used in the machines to reduce noise and vibration.

Which Phillips CPAP Machines Are Recalled?

• DreamStation CPAP.
• DreamStation GO CPAP.
• Dorma 400.
• Dorma 500.
• System One 50 Series.
• System One 60 Series.
• RemStar SE Auto.

Recalled Devices. In June 2021, Philips recalled certain ventilators, BiPAP machines, and CPAP machines (see table below) because of potential health risks. The polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) foam used in these devices to reduce sound and vibration can break down.

According to information released at the time of the Philips CPAP recall, serious symptoms experienced as the sound abatement foam breaks down may include:

• Headaches.
• Irritation of the skin, eyes and respiratory tract.
• Inflammation.
• Respiratory Injury.
• Carcinogenic Side Effects.

Philips CPAP lawsuits claim people who used recalled CPAP devices developed cancer, lung problems or other injuries. On Sept. 8, 2023, Philips Respironics agreed to a $479 million CPAP settlement to compensate people for financial damages. The settlement does not include CPAP cancer claims.

For more than a decade, the company used the polyester-based polyurethane foam in its ventilators and CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines to reduce noise. In that time, it received thousands of complaints about “dust contamination,” “black particles” and “foam degradation.”

Some reports associated the devices with cancer. By the end of 2022, the FDA had received 346 death claims linked to the recalled Philips ventilation machines. Philips has not replaced all devices recalled in 2021, and many people are still waiting for their new CPAP machines.

Normally, CPAP machines don't negatively affect your kidney since they're manufactured and prescribed to help with sleep apnea. However, many CPAP and BiPAP machines manufactured by Philips Respironics were recalled in June 2021 due to defects that exposed users to carcinogens through the product's airway.

The act of forcing air into a sleeping patient is not dangerous, as long as used correctly. The greatest concern is misuse. If CPAP machines are not used correctly, there is always risk. A consultation with a doctor can help to find a fit for individual cases.

Common CPAP Side Effects

• Congestion or Runny Nose. A CPAP machine sends a constant flow of pressurized air into the mouth, nose, or both.
• Dry Mouth or Nostrils.
• Discomfort When Exhaling.
• Facial Pain and Skin Irritation.
• Dry Eyes and Eye Irritation.
• Claustrophobia.
• Bloating.
• Chest Pain.