Philips CPAP & BiPAP Devices Recall Products Liability Litigation
Case Overview
In June 2021, Philips issued a massive recall of approximately 5.5 million CPAP, BiPAP, and mechanical ventilator devices in the United States after discovering that the polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) foam used for sound abatement could degrade over time, releasing potentially carcinogenic particles and harmful chemical gases directly into users' breathing pathways. Affected patients — many of whom relied on these devices nightly to treat sleep apnea and other respiratory conditions — alleged they were exposed to toxic materials including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter without any warning from Philips.
Plaintiffs brought claims for negligence, strict products liability, breach of warranty, and fraud, alleging Philips knew or should have known about the foam degradation risk years before issuing the recall. In 2024, Philips agreed to pay over $1 billion to resolve personal injury claims from users who suffered respiratory illnesses, cancer diagnoses, or other physical injuries attributed to foam degradation. A separate $479 million settlement was also reached with the U.S. Department of Justice and the FDA. The litigation remains active for plaintiffs with serious personal injury claims not covered by the class settlement.
Who May Qualify
U.S. patients who used a recalled Philips-brand CPAP, BiPAP, or mechanical ventilator device and suffered a personal injury — including respiratory disease, cancer, or other physical harm — potentially linked to PE-PUR foam degradation. Device registration with Philips or medical records documenting device use strengthen a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Philips CPAP machine part of the recall?
The recall covers many Philips DreamStation, System One, and other CPAP, BiPAP, and ventilator models manufactured before April 2021. You can check whether your specific device is included using the serial number on the official Philips recall website or the FDA recall database.
What health problems are linked to the Philips CPAP recall?
Philips acknowledged that degrading PE-PUR foam could release particles and volatile organic compounds that may cause headaches, irritation, inflammation, and potentially cancer with long-term exposure. Plaintiffs in the litigation have reported lung cancer, kidney cancer, and serious respiratory conditions.
Can I still sue Philips for my CPAP injuries?
Personal injury claims against Philips are still being pursued for those who suffered serious physical harm. While a class settlement has been reached for certain claims, individuals with significant injuries are encouraged to consult a mass tort attorney before the claims deadline.