Very recently, this whole Philips CPAP Machine Lawsuit became a huge thing and made a scene in the legal landscape of the world. Actually, this issue is attracting interest since it concerns health hazards connected to several CPAP devices meant for sleep apnea. For Philips as well as the impacted users, the lawsuit has major ramifications. And, let’s continue with this post to talk about just that, shall we?
What Are These CPAP Machines Anyway?
Before you get to know what the lawsuit is all about, first, you should know what these CPAP machines actually are. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP, is what these devices assist in allowing those with sleep apnea better nighttime breathing, you know? A person with sleep apnea often has numerous stops and starts in their breathing while asleep. And that’s where these devices help, you know, by running a consistent stream of air through a mask, CPAP devices keep the airways open. Many people depend on them to have a good night’s sleep and preserve general health.
The Big Problem with Philips CPAP Machines
On the surface, it appears to be a great concept and these CPAP machines are pretty helpful, but things start to get a bit dangerous here. You see, inside these devices, Philips employed a kind of foam to help lower vibration and noise. Made from polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR), this foam breaks down over time, particularly in warm and humid surroundings. This means, harmful particles and gasses can be released during this process, which users may inhale of. This has been connected to major medical conditions like respiratory difficulties and cancer. Between 2008 and 2021, Philips sold these devices totaling over 15 million units worldwide, and looking at this big problem with these devices, that’s a huge number and a lot of people have been affected by it.
What Went Down And When?
The trouble began in 2021 when Philips recalled millions of its CPAP devices owing to a foam problem. The FDA classified this as a Class I recall, the most severe kind, hence these devices could lead to major medical issues or even death. And yes, legal actions came right behind. Actually, Philips might have been aware of the foam issue years before the recall. With a significant settlement revealed in April 2024, the lawsuit’s chronology consists of numerous significant settlements and continuous judicial procedures from 2021 to 2024.
What’s Happening With This Philips CPAP Machine Lawsuit?
You see, in this Philips CPAP Machine Lawsuit, many personal injuries among other allegations were made against Philips. Packed with hundreds of examples, they center on injuries brought about by the recalled gadgets. Though, a significant milestone was a $1.1 billion settlement in April 2024 comprising $25 million for medical monitoring and $1.075 billion for personal harm claims.
The Impact on Users
See, the negligence by the company that made these devices was HUGE, and it greatly impacted the users’ mental as well as physical health. Recently, many claimed major injuries ranging from different malignancies to respiratory problems to even organ damage. Including more than 500 reports of deaths, the FDA received over 116,000 reports of health issues associated with these devices. And that’s a huge number, considering how many lives were at stake, and what could have happened if this went unnoticed.
