Sleep apnea machines recalled due to risk of cancer for truckers

A well-known medical device manufacturer has stated that the CPAP machines for sleep apnea have potential health risks.

On June 14, Royal Philips NV recalled certain Bi-Level PAP Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices and ventilator devices due to potential health risks.

The devices use polyester-based polyurethane foam.

The company states that the foam ” may degrade into particles which may enter the device’s air pathway and be ingested or inhaled by the user, and the foam may off-gas certain chemicals.”

Chemicals inhaled through off-gassing may cause “headache, irritation, hypersensitivity, nausea/vomiting, and possible toxic and carcinogenic effects.

As part of the recall, the company will replace the sound-dampening foam with an alternative material.

“We deeply regret any concern and inconvenience that patients using the affected devices will experience because of the proactive measures we are announcing today to ensure patient safety,” said Frans van Houten, CEO of Royal Philips. “In consultation with the relevant regulatory agencies and in close collaboration with our customers and partners, we are working hard towards a resolution, which includes the deployment of the updated instructions for use and a comprehensive repair and replacement program for the affected devices. Patient safety is at the heart of everything we do at Philips.”