SALISBURY, Md. - There was a recall on more than 3 million Philips Respironics CPAP and BiPAP machines. These devices are used to treat patients who suffer from sleep apnea.
According to a statement released by the company, the recall was due to a potentially dangerous chemical that is released when the machine is in used. Inside the device there is a foam substance used to degrade the machines noise. This foam has a tendency to diffuse into particles that can be cancerous is ingested.
The recall for these machines has been issued worldwide. There has been no update on whether these machines will be repaired or replaced. Philips is still waiting on approval from the FDA for the new foam.
Many carriers of the machine, such as pharmacies and drug stores, were dealing with angry customers. Unfortunately, the sellers have no answers for the CPAP users.
Jeff Sherr, president of Apple Discount Drugs in Fruitland, said that right right his pharmacy's hands are pretty much tied. Philips hasn't updated or provided them with any further information.
"We don't have answers," Sherr said. "We really don't have answers ya know, we have people who come in all the time and are insistent on getting another machine. They are insistent."
Although there has been thousands of complaints and concerns reported, there are users who said they will continue to use the machines regardless of the potential dangers.
Philips user and pharmacist, Roy Horsey explained, "Still using it, yes. I pretty much have no choice. I have to, if I don't use it I can't really function during the day. There probably a bigger risk than just driving an automobile, so I don't really see the potential for a serious problem long-term."
Similar to Horsey, many users said the benefits definitely outweigh the cost.
According to Philips recall announcement, there is only a .03% chance of a user being negatively affected.
For more information on the recall click here. To register your device, so you can be contacted by the company for future information click here.
