Philips Suspends U.S. Sales of Breathing Machines After Recall

Philips, a heavyweight in the medical devices arena, has halted production on its breathing machine sales across the United States this year—a move effective as of January 29, 2024. This unexpected twist stems from an extensive recall targeting these gadgets due to some serious safety concerns.

For folks relying on these machines, this news hits hard. Not only does it throw a wrench into daily life, but it also raises alarm bells about possible personal injury risks tied back to their usage thus far. 

Stick around as we unpack all the gritty details of what went down and how it might impact both current users.

A Cloudy Wake-up Call

This development came after Philip’s settled with the FDA over some serious issues with their devices. According to the FDA,  millions of these trusty nighttime companions—including ventilators and CPAP machines, hailed for making breathing easier—turned problematic. 

The primary concern with the FDA is that these machines were blowing chunks of foam and potentially harmful gasses into users’ airways, which is not exactly what you want when you’re catching some sleep. As such, Philips has had to step back and check the blueprint, ensuring they’re not just meeting needs but prioritizing safety first and foremost.

Another Bump in the Night for Philips

Let’s rewind a bit. This is not Philips’ first rodeo with recalls. The first recall came in 2021 in regard to these gadgets. That year, both Philips and the FDA flagged an issue with chemicals potentially wafting from the devices—chemicals thought to carry cancer risks. 

The recall affected approximately 15 million Philips gadgets manufactured since 2006. Even with the recall, it is estimated that up to five million of those gadgets were still in circulation by mid-2021.

Philips Says “All Clear,” FDA Raises Eyebrows

Despite a rocky track record, Philips has released new test results claiming its devices are safe. However, skepticism isn’t just coming from the worried public—the FDA has labeled these claims as ‘unpersuasive.’ 

“They’ve got skin in the game, so their internal tests might not be the impartial data we seek. When it’s your product under fire, managing perceptions can sometimes overshadow disclosing problems,” says Indiana personal injury lawyer Steve Fleschner.

Navigating Choppy Waters: The Dilemma of Doctors and Users

For people who rely on these breathing devices, the future looks a bit murky right now. Medical professionals are also in a tight spot—juggling the immediate risks of untreated sleep apnea against potential harm from the machine’s emitted chemicals. 

Philips hasn’t confirmed when replacements for the recalled CPAP, BiPap devices, and ventilators will be available. This uncertainty leaves many in limbo, worrying about their health both with and without the device.

Philips Faces Financial Headwinds Amid Recalls

Following their recent setbacks, Philips’s financial strain is becoming increasingly evident. After reaching a hefty settlement in September—costing the company a cool $479 million—meant to address user claims for repairs or replacements, the fiscal repercussions continue to ripple. 

The company notably earmarked about 363 million euros just for fulfilling these settlement requirements. On the day of the recall announcement, its stock felt the pinch, too, tumbling down around 7 percent on U.S. exchanges. 

But perhaps more daunting is the looming threat of further legal battles. Some personal injury claims are already pending in court. As has been the trend in similar cases, the recall and its reason could open the floodgates to additional lawsuits if users have indeed suffered harm from these devices.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/29/health/philips-cpap-breathing-devices.html?searchResultPosition=7