PHILIPS MEDICAL DEVICE RECALL

Philips PAP Recall Notification

Most patients are unaware that on June 14, Philips Respironics issued a recall notification for an estimated 3-4 million bi-level PAP, CPAP and mechanical ventilator devices in response to potential health risks related to the sound abatement foam component in these devices. Philips is advising patients using affected BiLevel PAP and CPAP devices to discontinue use of their device and work with their provider to determine the most appropriate options for continued treatment. We are positioned to help you during this recall.

As a direct customer of Philips and ResMed and as an occasional distributer of PAP devices I received the URGENT Medical Device Recall Notice for distributors, institutions and device customers (patients). Also, as a DME provider of oral appliance therapy for OSA and having worked with physicians across the state I certainly have seen both forms of therapy and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Clearly with PAP we have efficacy but chase compliance while with Mandibular Advancement Devices we have compliance but chase efficacy. It goes without being said that no one form of therapy treats all segments of the population.  The AADSM issued the following statement:

“Sleep apnea significantly impacts daytime sleepiness and quality of life, and many patients rely on CPAP as their form of therapy” “To ensure they continue to have treatment during this recall, those suffering from obstructive sleep apnea should know that Oral Appliance Therapy is a proven, effective treatment option.”  First let us categorize and prioritize the population this recall effects.