WASHINGTON -- WASHINGTON – Veterans Affairs is sending notifications to veterans who have been provided a Philips Respironics device to inform them of a recall.
Certain devices are being recalled because of issues related to deterioration of the sound abatement foam used in these devices, according to the VA website.
This recall affects certain CPAP and BiLevel PAP devices manufactured before April 26, 2021. VA has distributed nearly 600,000 of these devices to veterans for home use. An additional 2,000 devices are used within VA in hospital or clinic settings.
Anyone with a recalled device is urged to register with Philips Respironics on its website or call 877-907-7508. Philips will provide a replacement device when they are available and instructions on returning the recalled device. Because of a worldwide shortage, Philips Respironics has acknowledged that this may take up to a year.
While there is a potential risk from the deterioration of the sound abatement foam, those risks have to be balanced against the known health risks of untreated sleep apnea. VA clinical experts are working with the Food and Drug Administration and the manufacturer to understand those risks.
Additional information on the recall and potential health effects can be found on the VA website. Veterans with questions can send a secure message to their care team through MyHealtheVet.