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Spanish Several Philips respiratory devices were recalled in 2021 because of a serious risk of acute and long-term injury to users. Many people use bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines to treat sleep apnea and other respiratory concerns. Therefore, it is important to understand what CPAP, BiPAP, and ventilator machines are and how they work—and if the Philips recall may affect you.
If you used one of the recalled devices and believe that you suffered adverse effects because of it, a Los Angeles mass tort lawyer from our team can review your case with you today for free.
What Are These Devices Used For, and How Do They Differ from One Another?
The June 2021 recall of Philips devices affected BiPAP, CPAP, and ventilator machines. While these machines are used to treat many of the same conditions and symptoms, there are some differences.
BiPAP
Bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) devices pump high-pressure air through a mask covering the mouth and nose. They are called “bi-level” because they use a higher pressure when the user is inhaling than when they are exhaling.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, BiPAP machines allow users to maintain their breathing rhythms by ensuring that they inhale and exhale consistently. They are most commonly prescribed to treat:
- Sleep apnea
- COPD
- Pneumonia
- Acute asthma concerns
- Breathing issues after surgery
- Other conditions that could cause a person to stop breathing suddenly
CPAP
CPAP machines work similarly to BiPAP machines, but they provide continuous positive airway pressure. According to Mayo Clinic, CPAP machines are most commonly used for obstructive sleep apnea. The continuous pressure keeps the user’s airways open when both inhaling and exhaling.
Ventilators
Ventilators are often life-saving or life-sustaining for users by providing oxygen and controlling the user’s breathing patterns. They can provide up to 100 percent of the necessary oxygen and breathing support for someone who cannot breathe independently. Ventilators are a central part of “life support” for hospitalized patients and those who require long-term breathing assistance.
Why Were These Devices Recalled?
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the breakdown and off-gassing of polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) foam used in the machines can cause both acute and long-term health concerns. Symptoms range from headache, dizziness, and airway irritation to cancer and organ failure. The recalled devices include:
- A-Series BiPAP A30
- A-Series BiPAP A40
- A-Series BiPAP Hybrid A30
- A-Series BiPAP V30 Auto
- C-Series ASV
- C-Series S/T and AVAPS
- DreamStation
- DreamStation ASV
- DreamStation Go
- DreamStation ST, AVAPS
- Dorma 400
- Dorma 500
- E30
- Garbin Plus, Aeris, LifeVent
- OmniLab Advanced+
- REMstar SE Auto
- SystemOne ASV4
- SystemOne (Q-Series)
- Trilogy 100
- Trilogy 200
These recalled devices were made between 2009 and April 2021, except for certain Trilogy Evo devices (which were made later in 2021). You can check if your device was recalled on the Philips website.
If a machine that you or a loved one use was recalled, contact your doctor right away. Do not discontinue use until you have a suitable alternative, and then you should contact a mass tort attorney in LA about your options.
What Is the Status of the Philips Mass Tort?
Our Los Angeles mass tort attorneys are reviewing and filing lawsuits on behalf of clients who were injured by a recalled CPAP, BiPAP, or ventilator machine. Lawsuits against Philips were already consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in late 2021.
The case—In Re: Philips Recalled CPAP, BI-LEVEL PAP, and Mechanical Ventilator Products Liability Litigation, or MDL 3014—is currently under the oversight of Judge Joy Flowers Conti in the U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania.
If you experience symptoms or face possible adverse health outcomes after using a recalled device, you may be able to join MDL 3014. As of April 2022, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation reported 274 cases in this mass tort, and many more are expected. A mass tort lawyer in LA can also help you sign a tolling agreement that will allow you to pursue compensation if the applicable statute of limitations expires.
Speak With a Mass Tort Attorney in LA About Your Case
Learn more about your legal rights and options by speaking with a Los Angeles mass tort lawyer from KJT Law Group for free today.
We work on a contingency basis, which means you do not pay any attorney’s fees unless we win your case. To get started, call (818) 507-8525.
