If you suffer from sleep apnea, you might be wondering if you are eligible for the Philips CPAP machine settlement. In this article, we will go over some of the key points that you need to know about this settlement and how it could potentially benefit you. It’s best to do research before you start any legal action, so we suggest talking to a lawyer to see if you have a case.
What is the Philips CPAP Settlement?
The Philips CPAP settlement is a class-action lawsuit that was filed against Philips Respironics, alleging that the company’s sleep apnea machines were defective and caused injuries to users. Since 2021, the FDA issued a warning of Philips Respironics CPAP machines due to the risk of cancers, kidney issues, liver issues, and respiratory complications. As a result, Philips has agreed to speed up the process of offering refunds or replacement machines to affected customers.
Who is eligible for the Philips CPAP Settlement?
If you purchased a Philips Respironics CPAP machine listed on their voluntary recall list, this is the first sign that you might be eligible for compensation. The list of affected machines includes:
Continuous Ventilator, Non-life Supporting Machines including:
- DreamStation ASV
- DreamStation ST, AVAPS
- SystemOne ASV4
- C-Series ASV
- C-Series S/T and AVAPS
- OmniLab Advanced+
Noncontinuous Ventilator Machines including:
- SystemOne (Q-Series)
- DreamStation
- DreamStation Go
- Dorma 400
- Dorma 500
- REMstar SE Auto
Why Are These Machines Being Recalled?
According to the FDA, there is a potential cancer risk associated with using Philips Respironics CPAP machines. The machines work by delivering air pressure through a mask that covers the mouth and nose. This pressurized air helps keep the airway open so that people can breathe properly during sleep. However, some of the machines contain polyurethane, which is a foam used to reduce noise while the machine is in use.
Are You Experiencing Negative Symptoms?
However, since 2015 (at least), Philips has known that foam can easily break apart and release chemicals into the air that people breathe. These chemicals, including TDI, can potentially cause cancer, as well as other health problems like kidney and liver damage, and respiratory complications according to the FDA.
Other symptoms you might experience if you’ve been using a defective Philips CPAP machine include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Skin irritation
- Pneumonia
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Water and itchy eyes
- Lung cancer
If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms, this is also a sign that you might be eligible for the Philips CPAP settlement.
What Should I Do if I’m Affected by the Recall?
If you think you might be affected by the recall, the first thing you should do is stop using your Philips Respironics CPAP machine if recommended by a doctor. If you have any questions or concerns, we suggest talking to a lawyer to see if you are eligible for the Philips CPAP settlement.
Affected customers will be contacted by Philips Respironics and given the option to either receive a refund or a replacement machine. If you choose to receive a refund, you will be reimbursed for the full purchase price of your machine plus any shipping and handling costs. If not, you will need to wait for a repaired machine, which according to news reports, is taking months for existing customers.
Talk To a Lawyer
In the meantime, it’s important to know how much compensation you might be entitled to and what the next steps are. The first step is to talk to a lawyer who can assess your case and give you the best legal advice. A team of experienced lawyers has helped people just like you receive compensation for their injuries, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.