Philips Respironics BiPAP Machines Recalled

Philips Respironics has recalled some of its bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machines because they may contain plastic contaminated with volatile organic compounds.

The BiPAP devices are prescribed for people with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome to keep their airways open during sleep and for those who have respiratory insufficiency or respiratory failure.

If the contaminated plastic is in the device motor, it could release the organic compounds which could cause harm to patients. There is also a risk of the plastic causing the machine to fail and suddenly stop working, the FDA said in a notice on the recall.

The 386 affected machines were distributed in the U.S. between Aug. 6, 2020 and Sept. 1, 2021. No reports of serious injury or death were reported related to this issue so far, the FDA said.