In a seismic upheaval reverberating through the medical community, Philips Respironics, once a stalwart in the realm of respiratory devices, has made a startling announcement. In a settlement with the federal government, Philips will cease the sale of sleep apnea machines and other respiratory devices in the United States, effectively marking the end of an era for one of the country’s leading makers of breathing machines.

Philips had faced a significant number of lawsuits related to their CPAP and BiPAP machines. The lawsuits emerged after Philips issued a recall for millions of its sleep apnea and respiratory devices due to concerns about potential health risks associated with the sound abatement foam used in the machines.

The foam used in certain Philips CPAP and BiPAP machines was found to degrade over time, potentially releasing harmful particles and gases into the air pathway, which users then breathe in. These particles could pose health risks, including respiratory irritation, inflammation, and exposure to carcinogenic substances.

Many of the lawsuits alleged that Philips was aware of these issues for years before taking action, accusing the company of negligence, failure to warn, and other legal violations. Plaintiffs in these lawsuits included individuals who claimed to have experienced adverse health effects from using the affected machines, as well as healthcare providers and insurers seeking damages related to the recall.

The litigation against Philips has been ongoing, with plaintiffs seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. The outcome of these lawsuits varies, with some cases settled out of court and others proceeding to trial.