Sleep apnea patients may have good reason to stock up on extra supplies. According to recent reports from the Food and Drug Administration, there has been a recall of certain CPAP and BiPAP machines, contributing to an immediate shortage of devices and other supplies for sleep apnea treatment.
At Advanced Homecare, we know that patients rely on their CPAP machines to prevent complications from sleep apnea symptoms. The following is a summary of the recent recall and guidance on what to do if you need a new machine or extra supplies.
Respironics Units Recall
Safety concerns have recently been raised for Respironics CPAP, BiPAP, and AVAPS machines. According to Respironics, the foam used for sound insulation in some of their devices degrades and may release debris and toxic chemicals into the air in the tubing. These gases and toxic chemicals may carry cancer risks and can have a detrimental effect on CPAP users. Additionally, using an ozone cleaner, such as SoClean, has been shown to exacerbate this issue.
While the number of people who have actually experienced this problem is relatively small, there is still sufficient concern to trigger a public warning. In July, the FDA announced that this device problem would be classified as a Class I recall – the most serious type of recall. Consequently, Respironics has recalled all of its PAP machines manufactured before April 2021. This includes DreamStation1, System One, and RemStar machines.
Order Delays for CPAP Machines and Supplies
Unfortunately, the new recall has inadvertently become a partial cause of a recent shortage of CPAP machines. As a result, longer than usual wait times on all CPAP machines and supply orders should be expected. In the meantime, we recommend ordering extra supplies when necessary and planning ahead to make sure you have the proper equipment to manage your sleep apnea.
The FDA has also provided recommendations for sleep apnea patients currently using an affected Respironics machine, including continuing to use the device if your healthcare provider determines that the benefits outweigh the risks identified in the recall. Their safety communication, Certain Philips Respironics Ventilators, BiPAP, and CPAP Machines Recalled Due to Potential Health Risks, explains the effects of the recall and guidelines for sleep apnea patients in detail.
How We Can Help
While wait times may vary and be longer than expected, we encourage all sleep apnea patients to stock up on supplies and continue their CPAP therapy, if possible. If you need replacement mask parts, tubing, filters, or any other PAP accessory, place your request with our Replacement Supply Request Form today, or call 1(800)758-7571 for immediate assistance.
