Update: How bad is the CPAP recall? Are people really getting sick?

On Behalf of | Sep 6, 2022 | CPAP Recall

The US government ordered one of the biggest ventilator and sleep apnea machine makers in the world to notify patients of a recall. The machines, the government claims, were dangerous. The company was supposed to follow through — but the government has recently voiced concern that their attempts were “inadequate.”

What is the problem?

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received almost 50,000 reports from consumers who have problems with these machines. They report that the foam within the machine breaks down. This is of concern because small pieces of foam can enter the user’s airway and cause serious injury and illness including cough, headache, difficulty breathing, and even lead to the development of cancer.

Wait – how can a particle in my airway cause cancer?

These particles can build up in the user’s lungs. As they build up, they start to impact the cells in the lung tissue. The impact can change the cell’s deoxyribonucleic acid, or the DNA that essentially holds the recipe for making more of that cell. The cells then begin to make copies or replicate. They replicate and replicate, triggered by the annoyance of the presence of all the particles from the CPAP machine.

With every replication a change in the DNA can occur. These changes or mutations can lead to cancer.

Unfortunately, this is not uncommon. Users are coming forward that can establish a connection between use of the machine and a cancer diagnosis.

What should I do if I was injured after using a CPAP machine?

Those who are injured by a defective product have options. Victims can hold the maker responsible for their wrongdoing through a personal injury lawsuit. This can do more than just serve to hold the responsible party accountable, it can also lead to funds to help cover the cost that results from the injury or illness. Costs like medical care and lost wages due to missed work because of the illness. There is often a time limit to these claims. It is important to reach out to a legal professional to discuss your options.

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