Sleep apnea device recall drags on, stoking anger from users

[dalton99a]

https://apnews.com/article/sleep-apnea-machines-recall-1c0b269dbda55fb6f42c3b33939abdaa

Sleep apnea device recall drags on, stoking anger from users
By MATTHEW PERRONE

WASHINGTON (AP) — A massive recall of millions of sleep apnea machines has stoked anger and frustration among patients, and U.S. officials are weighing unprecedented legal action to speed a replacement effort that is set to drag into next year.

Sound-dampening foam in the pressurized breathing machines can break down over time, leading users to potentially inhale tiny black particles or hazardous chemicals while they sleep, manufacturer Philips warned in June 2021.

Philips initially estimated it could repair or replace the units within a year. But with the recall expanding to more than 5 million devices worldwide, the Dutch company now says the effort will stretch into 2023.

That’s left many patients to choose between using a potentially harmful device or trying risky remedies, including removing the foam themselves, buying second-hand machines online or simply going without the therapy.

[gab13by13]

1. There is another brand that doesn't have the bad foam.

I was lucky, I have the Res-med. They are pricey and I hate them.

[Demsrule86]

3. I am supposed to get one to help with heart issues from Covid...I have sleep apnea and have

been unable to get one it has been a couple of months.

[ms liberty]

2. I registered mine right away and received my replacement unit months ago

[indigovalley]

4. No one should have to wait so long for a medical device.

I registered with Philips 16 months ago and my replacement hasn’t even processed yet. For people not able to just buy a replacement or have insurance that will provide a machine that company is putting them at medical risk. They knew there were issues with the foam ahead of time but used it in their devices anyway. This is a major scandal for this company-it needs to be covered more in the media. Hospital equipment was also faulty.

[A HERETIC I AM]

5. I finally got my replacement unit a couple days ago...

And will ship the old one back today.

It did take a long damn time, though.