Philips CPAP Lawsuit

In June 2021, Philips Respironics recalled millions of CPAP, BiPAP, and ventilator devices after discovering that the PE-PUR sound-abatement foam inside them could degrade, releasing particles and gases that users could inhale or swallow. The recall — one of the largest medical device recalls in history — covered machines millions of Americans used every night to treat sleep apnea. Plaintiffs alleged the degraded foam exposure was linked to respiratory injuries and cancers, and that Philips knew of the problem years before acting. Philips denied the allegations.

How the Litigation Resolved

Federal cases were consolidated in MDL 3014 in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Philips resolved the litigation in stages: a $479 million settlement for economic losses (device replacement and reimbursement) in 2023, and in April 2024, a $1.075 billion agreement resolving personal injury claims and funding a medical monitoring program. Philips also entered a consent decree with the U.S. government that halted new sleep device sales in the United States pending remediation. Registration deadlines for the personal injury settlement have passed, and the litigation is in claims administration and wind-down.

What This Means Today

Mass Tort America is not accepting new Philips CPAP cases. If you enrolled in the settlement, work with your existing counsel on claim status. If you used a recalled device and have health concerns, talk to your doctor — and check Philips’ recall remediation program regarding device replacement if you have not already.

If you are dealing with a different device or drug injury, our active litigation page lists the cases we are currently reviewing.