Over the past few years, there has been a growing number of lawsuits against Philips, a manufacturer of CPAP machines. CPAP machines are one of the most common treatments for sleep apnea, with millions of people using these products every day. However, some lawsuits are now alleging that a defect in some Philips CPAP machines has led to negative health consequences for many users.

March 2025 Update

The Philips CPAP litigation, consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL-1230) in Pennsylvania, involves thousands of plaintiffs alleging health issues caused by toxic foam breakdown in recalled devices. The lawsuits claim Philips Respironics failed to warn users about potential exposure to harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde, which has been linked to cancer. While a settlement has been reached, ongoing concerns about CPAP safety continue to draw attention to the case.

You May Be Eligible for CPAP Lawsuit

The FDA has received over 560 reports of deaths linked to the recalled Philips CPAP and ventilator machines, which are central to the Philips CPAP machine lawsuit. There are also reports of cancer, lung and kidney diseases linked to these devices. Philips received thousands of complaints from customers saying that the foam was crumbling in the years prior to the 2021 recall, but the company failed to alert customers, investors or the federal government. 

If you have been affected by the Philips CPAP or BiPAP machine, call our legal advisors today at 855-625-7778 or complete the form if you’d like a call back. 

CPAP Lawsuit Updates

Is there a CPAP lawsuit?

Yes, multiple lawsuits are underway against Philips due to recalled CPAP devices. Plaintiffs claim that the sound abatement foam in these machines may cause respiratory issues, cancer, and other health complications.

Key Details:

  • Individual lawsuits seek compensation for injuries linked to defective devices.
  • Class-action lawsuits aim to have Philips cover the cost of replacements.
  • Philips recalled millions of CPAP, BiPAP, and ventilator devices due to foam degradation concerns.
  • In September 2021, Philips promised repairs or replacements but faced further scrutiny in November 2021, when the FDA found risks in the replacement machines.
  • In October 2021, over 100 lawsuits were consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in Pennsylvania. By March 2023, over 400 cases were pending.
  • June 2022 court documents revealed Philips knew about foam degradation three years before the recall.

Next Steps:

  • Bellwether trials will begin to test key cases and guide future litigation.
  • Plaintiffs propose starting in 2024, while Philips seeks trials in 2025-2026.
  • A judge will determine the official trial timeline.

Philips CPAP Product Recall

Philips recalled several CPAP, BiPAP, and ventilator models due to degrading foam that could release harmful particles into the airflow.

Allegations Against Philips: 

  • Health risks: Respiratory issues and cancer.
  • Negligence: Philips allegedly knew about the issue years before issuing a recall.

Recalled Devices:

  • CPAP & BiPAP Machines: DreamStation, SystemOne, Dorma 400/500, REMstar SE Auto, OmniLab Advanced+, E30.
  • Ventilators: Trilogy 100/200, A-Series BiPAP A30/A40, Garbin Plus, Aeris, LifeVent.

If you or a loved one used one of these devices, consult a healthcare provider.

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CPAP Linked to Cancer and Other Health Effects

Recent reports link recalled CPAP machines to respiratory problems and cancer due to foam degradation.

How do CPAP Machines Work ? 

  • A motor generates pressurized air.
  • A humidifier adds moisture.
  • Tubing and a mask deliver air to the patient’s airways.
  • The machine maintains continuous airflow based on a doctor’s prescribed pressure level.

What are the Health Risks of using CPAP ? 

  • Degraded PE-PUR foam releases harmful particles and chemicals into the airflow.
  • Patients inhale or swallow these contaminants, potentially leading to serious health issues.

FDA Report on Recalled Devices 

The FDA warns that degraded PE-PUR foam can cause serious injuries and permanent impairment.

Key Findings:

  • Potential health effects: Asthma, headaches, toxicity, cancer.
  • Over 105,000 Medical Device Reports (MDRs) submitted to the FDA since April 2021.
  • 385 reported deaths, including 6,000 cases in early 2023 alone.
  • The FDA is investigating the surge in reports but notes limitations in MDR data accuracy.

Cancer Risk: A National Study 

A study evaluated over 2,500 cases of CPAP-related injuries:

  • 200+ cases involved cancer, making it the second most common health issue reported.
  • 95% of cases were submitted to the FDA in 2021.
  • 174 cases linked foam degradation directly to cancer diagnoses.

Conclusion

While CPAP-related malignancies have been reported, more research is needed to confirm causation. However, medical professionals should discuss these risks with CPAP users.

Projected CPAP lawsuit settlement amounts

The settlement amount in a CPAP lawsuit depends on several factors. One factor is the extent of the damage caused by the CPAP machine. Those with more significant injuries or illnesses will likely receive a higher settlement. In addition, those who have strong evidence that the CPAP machine directly caused their problems, such as medical records, will be able to earn a higher settlement amount.

While settlement amounts can vary from case to case based on the individual circumstances, we can make some estimates on possible settlement ranges based on previous case history. If you or a loved one has received a cancer diagnosis and you believe it’s the result of using a recalled CPAP device, you may be eligible for a settlement between $100,000 and $500,000. For others, who experienced other negative effects, your settlement will likely be lower. To learn more about potential settlement amounts, you should consult with a lawyer, who can review the specifics of your case and provide a more detailed assessment.

Do you qualify for a CPAP lawsuit ?

If you think that you might be eligible for a CPAP lawsuit, there are a few eligibility requirements that you will likely need to meet. First, you or the person impacted by the recalled CPAP machine must be under 80 years of age. Second, you must have used one of the devices on the recalled list, not simply any CPAP device. You can likely find the make and model of your CPAP device on the device itself, or you can consult with your physician.

Finally, you must have experienced one of the negative effects associated with the recalled devices. Some of these symptoms include headaches, respiratory problems, and cancer. You’ll also need to have this diagnosis from a doctor so that you can provide documentation as evidence. If you believe you meet these eligibility requirements, contact a lawyer. They can review the specifics of your case and help you determine if you should file a CPAP lawsuit.

CPAP Machine Lawsuit Timeline: 

June 5, 2024: 

  • SEC Launches Investigation into Philips 

April 29, 2024: 

  • Philips Agrees to $1.1 Billion CPAP Settlement

November 3, 2023: 

  • Special Master recommends denial of Philips’ motion.

October 23, 2023: 

  • Philips announces further recalls.

October 17, 2023

  • CPAP MDL adds 70 new cases.

October 12, 2023

  • CPAP class action settlement update.

October 7, 2023

  • FDA still unhappy with Philips CPAP recall progress.

October 6, 2023

  • Joint motion seeks to revise plaintiff fact sheets.

September 23, 2023

  • Lawyers withdrawing from filed cases.

September 18, 2023: 

  • MDL surpasses 700 cases.

September 7, 2023: 

  • Philips agrees to a CPAP settlement of $479 Million.

September 1, 2023: 

  • Few plaintiffs seek remand out of MDL.

August 18, 2023: 

  • New CPAP lawsuit filed.

August 17, 2023: 

  • 25 more cases added to MDL.

August 15, 2023: 

  • More problems for Philips reported.

August 11, 2023: 

  • Science day in CPAP lawsuit.

August 4, 2023: 

  • Science day scheduled for September 1.

July 18, 2023: 

  • 125 new CPAP cases added to MDL.

July 12, 2023: 

  • Medical monitoring cases in CPAP lawsuit.

July 7, 2023

  • Lawsuit moves forward with pretrial discovery.

June 27, 2023: 

  • New court order for discovery management.

June 14, 2023: 

  • Discovery reveals Philips’ prior knowledge of issues.

June 6, 2023: 

  • New order from judge in CPAP lawsuit.

June 1, 2023: 

  • Filing deadline for some CPAP claims approaches.

May 12, 2023: 

  • Philips settles with SEC; 13 new CPAP cases added.

May 10, 2023: 

  • New CPAP lawsuit filed.

May 6, 2023: 

  • FDA considering CPAP refund.

May 3, 2023: 

  • Possible criminal implications for Philips.

April 14, 2023: 

  • FDA and Philips continue to disagree.

April 1, 2023: 

  • Updated data on CPAP-related health incidents.

March 13, 2023: 

  • Plaintiffs respond to Philips’ motion to dismiss.

February 20, 2023: 

  • 62 new lawsuits added to MDL.

February 14, 2023: 

  • Latest adverse event data released.

January 30, 2023: 

  • Philips announces job cuts due to recall impact.

January 26, 2023: 

  • CPAP lawsuit update.

January 25, 2023: 

  • Conflicting proposed trial dates submitted.

January 18, 2023: 

  • Only three new CPAP lawsuits added.

January 9, 2023: 

  • Nasal cavity cancer lawsuit filed.

January 4, 2023: 

  • Lawsuit involving tongue and mouth cancer filed.

January 2, 2023: 

  • CPAP MDL webpage launched.

October 28 – November 24, 2022: 

  • Updates on Philips’ recalls and FDA reports.

October 1 – 24, 2022: 

  • Legal actions and Philips’ economic health.

August 15 – September 23, 2022: 

  • Challenges for Philips and lawsuit updates.

July 7 – August 11, 2022: 

  • Progress in the lawsuit and Science Day.

June 6 – 27, 2022: 

  • Orders from the judge and discovery management.

May 3 – 25, 2022: 

  • Information on adverse event reports and new lawsuits.

April 16, 2022: 

  • CPAP lawsuit update with active cases.

March 10 – 19, 2022: 

  • Updates on CPAP lawyers and FDA’s intervention in the recall.

January 19 – 29, 2022: 

  • Various updates on CPAP lawsuit and evidence preservation.