With the recent recall by Philips of more than a dozen BiPAP and CPAP machines due to health risks posed by faulty components, many sleep apnea patients are left with lingering questions, including whether or not their equipment might be faulty.
Below, find tips shared by sleep medicine specialist Dr. Lauren Davis, medical director for St. Tammany Health System’s Sleep Disorders Center, for patients who might be affected by the recall.
Machines involved in recall include the following:
- DreamStation
- System One
- C series
- Trilogy ventilators
- Travel CPAP machines
To check if your machine is involved in recall go to the Philips website and enter the serial number (SN) from the bottom of your machine. It should start with the letter J or S. Register your machine as directed. The website also provides answers to commonly asked questions and updated information. Additionally:
- Contact your providing physician to evaluate the risks of continued use versus risk of discontinuing therapy.
- If you are using a “So Clean” machine or ozone cleaner, discontinue use of cleaner.
- If you see black residue in your machine’s water container or filter, contact your care provider immediately for guidance.
- If you have an older machine at home that is not part of the recall, you may choose to utilize the older machine, as long as you ensure it is on the appropriate settings
According to The New York Times, the Philips recall involved certain BiPAP (bi-level positive air pressure), CPAP (continuous positive air pressure) and ventilator machines manufactured before April 26.
It is estimated that up to two million of the recalled devices were in use in the United States, about half of the global count. These machines are used at home by some of the estimated 24 million Americans with obstructive sleep apnea.
Philips has advised customers with affected devices to register their products and consult their doctors.