Houston CPAP Lawyer
It has been estimated that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects between two and nine percent of the adult population in the United States. OSA is a very serious condition that could be fatal if left untreated. Treatment often includes sleeping on your side, quitting smoking, losing weight, and decreasing the use of any sedative medications you are taking. However, patients are also often instructed to use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to keep their airway open during sleep.
CPAP machines do not only improve the lives of OSA patients, but they also save them. Still, they come with risks and many of these devices have been recalled. If you have been diagnosed with cancer after using these machines, or have suffered any other losses, our Houston CPAP lawyer can provide the legal help you need.
CPAP Recalls
Many CPAP machines and other assisted-breathing devices are created by Philips, a company that has recalled many of their machines in recent years. The manufacturer has recalled different ventilators and CPAP and BiPap machines due to the fact that they contain polyester-based polyurethane sound abatement foam. The foam is meant to reduce the sound of the machine, as well as the vibration of it, so users can sleep more soundly. Unfortunately, the foam has been known to break down and infiltrate the tube, potentially making its way in the user’s airway.
Inhaling or otherwise consuming the pieces of foam can result in very serious injuries. Patients often suffer from permanent impairment, and medical intervention is often required to avoid long-lasting damage.
Symptoms Suffered by CPAP Users
Several complaints have been lodged against Philips Respironics from people that have used a CPAP machine and later found it had small black particles in the device’s air tube. These black particles are a result of the foam degrading, an issue that is often exacerbated by high heat and humidity. These complaints against the company after patients started suffering from a number of symptoms, which include:
- Cough
- Chest pressure
- Upper airway irritation
- Headache
- Sinus infections
- Irritation in the eyes, respiratory tract, and on the skin
- Asthma
- Inflammatory response
- Toxic effects on the liver, kidneys, and other organs
- Dizziness
- Hypersensitivity
- Nausea and vomiting
If you have experienced any of these symptoms after using a CPAP machine, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. If you have developed an illness, a prompt diagnosis is necessary so you can receive the necessary treatment as soon as possible. Once you have sought medical treatment, it is then important to speak to a Houston product liability lawyer that can help you claim the damages you deserve.
Call our Experienced CPAP Lawyers in Houston Today
CPAP machines are potentially life-saving devices that are intended to protect you and your family. When they fail to do this and you suffer more harm after using one, our Houston CPAP lawyers at Gilde Law Firm are here to help you make things right. Call us today at 800-973-3106 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with our experienced attorney and to learn more about your legal options.
