Tainted CPAP, Ventilator Breathing Devices: Philips Co. Hid Safety Issues for Yrs. PBS, ProPublica

[appalachiablue]

- ProPublica. Philips knew about a dangerous breakdown inside its widely used ventilators and sleep apnea machines but waited years before recalling the devices.
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'Philips Kept Complaints About Dangerous Breathing Machines Secret While Company Profits Soared,' Sept. 27, 2023. Tainted CPAP machines and ventilators went to children, the elderly and at least 700,000 veterans despite internal warnings. Company insiders said the devices posed an “unacceptable” risk.

The first complaints landed at the offices of Philips Respironics in 2010, soon after the company made a fateful decision to redesign its bestselling breathing machines used in homes and hospitals around the world. To silence the irritating rattle that kept users awake at night, Philips packed the devices with an industrial foam — the same kind used in sofas and mattresses. It quickly became clear that something had gone terribly wrong.

The reports coming into Philips described “black particles” or “dirt and dust” inside machines that pump air to those who struggle to breathe. One noted an “oily-like” substance. Others simply warned of “contamination.” The complaints targeted some of the company’s most celebrated devices built in two factories near Pittsburgh, including ventilators for the sick and dying and the popular DreamStation for patients who suffer from sleep apnea, a chronic disorder that causes breathing to stop and start through the night.

Yet Philips withheld the vast majority of the warnings from the Food and Drug Administration, even as their numbers grew from dozens to hundreds to thousands and became more alarming each year...

https://www.propublica.org/article/philips-kept-warnings-about-dangerous-cpaps-secret-profits-soared

[Danascot]

1. If you want to join the lawsuit:

To qualify for participation in the Philips CPAP recall lawsuit, a plaintiff must meet the following criteria:

- The plaintiff must be under 80 years old and have used one of the recalled Philips sleep apnea devices or ventilator products.

- The plaintiff must have experienced the harmful effects of the recalled products.

- If the plaintiff does not meet the above criteria, they must have lost a loved one due to the above criteria.

Contact 800-553-8082 About Filing a CPAP Recall Lawsuit

If you believe you are eligible because of side effects from the recalled Philips sleep apnea devices, contact the CPAP recall lawyers today for a free case evaluation at 800-553-8082.

[appalachiablue]

2. Thanks much for this info, I hope people

impacted receive substantial compensation for this gross corporate malfeasance.

[ificandream]

3. Thanks for posting this.

I don't use a Philips machine but I do use a Philips mask, which I like a lot and is very comfortable. I'm curious if the masks are included in the issue but if I read the story correctly, they aren't. I've written to the reporter to find out.

[appalachiablue]

4. I didn't see any mention of masks but it's

good you're following up. Given this news I'd think officials are checking out Philips products and practises very carefully.

[ificandream]

5. Got the reply from the reporter this morning. The Philips masks aren't included in the lawsuit.

I never noticed a problem with them but I'd have stopped immediately if there was. So a little good news there.

[appalachiablue]

6. Great, I'm glad things are ok.