Philips CPAP Recall Lawsuit Overview

What Is the Philips CPAP Lawsuit?

In June 2021, Philips Respironics announced a massive recall of more than 15 million CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), BiPAP, and mechanical ventilator devices. The recall was prompted by the discovery that the polyurethane (PE-PUR) foam used to reduce sound in the devices could degrade, releasing particles and chemicals that users could inhale or ingest.

Thousands of individuals who used these devices have filed lawsuits alleging they developed cancer, respiratory diseases, and other serious health conditions from the degrading foam.

Which Philips Devices Are Recalled?

The recall covers a wide range of sleep apnea and breathing support devices, including:

CPAP and BiPAP Devices

• DreamStation (all models)
• DreamStation Go
• SystemOne (Q-Series)
• SystemOne 50 Series
• OmniLab Advanced+
• BiPAP Auto
• BiPAP A30
• BiPAP A40
• BiPAP V30 Auto
• C-Series ASV
• C-Series S/T and AVAPS

Mechanical Ventilators

• Trilogy 100
• Trilogy 200
• Garbin Plus, Aeris, LifeVent
• A-Series BiPAP Hybrid A30
• A-Series BiPAP V30 Auto
• A-Series BiPAP A40
• A-Series BiPAP A30

What Caused the Recall?

The problem is the polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) foam used for sound abatement. This foam can:

1. Degrade over time, especially when exposed to heat and humidity
2. Release black particles that users could inhale or swallow
3. Off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could be inhaled
4. Introduce carcinogenic chemicals into the airways

Philips stated that the degradation is accelerated by:

• Use of unapproved cleaning methods (like ozone cleaners)
• High heat and humidity environments
• Older age of the device

What Injuries Are Linked to the Recall?

The lawsuits allege the foam degradation caused or contributed to:

• Lung cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Hematopoietic cancers (blood cancers)
• Throat cancer
• Nasal cancer
• Chronic respiratory conditions
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Pneumonia
• Chemical poisoning
• Headaches, dizziness, irritation

What Are Plaintiffs Alleging?

The lawsuits allege that Philips:

• Knew about the foam degradation issue years before the recall
• Delayed the recall while continuing to sell the devices
• Failed to warn users about the health risks
• Concealed internal complaints about foam issues
• Prioritized profits over patient safety

Internal documents revealed during litigation show that Philips was aware of foam degradation complaints as early as 2015 but did not issue the recall until 2021.

Current Status of the Litigation

The Philips CPAP litigation is consolidated as MDL 3014 in the Western District of Pennsylvania, before Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

• Over 100,000 claims pending
• Economic loss settlement: $575 million for users seeking compensation for device purchase/replacement
• Personal injury claims: Active and separate from the economic loss settlement
• Medical monitoring claims: Available for users without current illness

Why You Should Act Now

• Statutes of limitations vary by state
• Medical records linking your diagnosis to CPAP use are essential
• Early filers are positioned best in any eventual personal injury settlement

A free case review costs nothing. If you used a recalled Philips device and developed cancer or respiratory problems, an attorney can evaluate your claim.