Can CPAP Affect Your Blood Pressure?

A CPAP machine can directly affect your blood pressure, and not necessarily in a good way. In June of 2021, Philips Respironics instituted a voluntary recall of several of its products. Their CPAP machines are front and center in this recall. 

Among the thirty-plus identified medical injuries that may arise from using the recalled CPAP machines is ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress System). This is an infection of the bloodstream. Are you or your loved ones at risk? Make sure the machine you trust to help you sleep isn’t negatively impacting your blood pressure, too. 

How does a CPAP Affect Your Blood Pressure?

The respiratory system has a direct impact on blood pressure. In fact, proper breathing techniques can help lower blood pressure. This decrease in pressure exerts less strain on the heart, kidneys, and eyes. It reduces the possibility of heart disease, stroke, and heart attacks.

Wearing a CPAP mask at night to manage sleep apnea issues is, on the surface, a good thing. The pressurized air that’s delivered via the mask keeps the airways open so the person can breathe normally. And the better you can breathe, the lower your blood pressure will likely be.

But there’s a problem. With ARDS being a severe and even life-threatening bloodstream infection (another name for it is sepsis), it can negatively impact a patient’s respiratory system by increasing blood pressure.

Recalled Philips CPAP Devices May Be Responsible for Your Increased Blood Pressure

The cause of increased blood pressure, in this case, was a chain-reaction release of harmful substances into the user’s body initiated by the recalled Philips CPAP machines. 

Once a miracle machine, this now problematic CPAP device has become a dangerous medical domino effect threatening public health.

When did Philips Respironics Become Aware of Their Faulty CPAP Machines?

In 2015, Philips Respironics did some in-house testing on the synthetic foam they used to pack inside their CPAP machines to reduce the noise and vibration coming from them.

They found that this polyurethane foam breaks down over time into small particles. These particles can end up being inhaled or swallowed by individuals using the CPAP machine.

They also found that these minuscule particles can even emit chemical fumes. When inhaled, these fumes can eventually cause ARDS along with 33 other physical ailments identified to date, including cancer.

What Philips Respironics did with These Scientific Results

While the right thing to do would have been for Philips Respironics to put out a press release informing customers of their alarming discovery, they didn’t. Instead, they kept quiet and continued manufacturing their CPAP machines using this carcinogenic material.

Eventually, investigators from the FDA studied the product and discovered what Philip Respironics already knew about the serious polyurethane dangers. And that’s what triggered the recall. The FDA also uncovered that the foam was being used for repairs and manufacturing new CPAP machines that may also damage people’s health.

What Should You Do If You Own a Recalled CPAP?

If your CPAP is being recalled, contact your physician immediately to discuss your healthcare options. If you’re not sure about your machine, go online to Philips’ Recall Notification to find out if yours is listed in the recall notice. The site provides a confirmation number indicating that your machine is registered.

Because you registered your CPAP online with Philips and were required to provide your contact information, a representative from the manufacturer could contact you directly. They may offer to repair your CPAP or provide you with a new one. 

Speak with a Lawyer to Determine Your Best Course of Action

Before you accept any offers, speak with a product liability lawyer first for your legal protection. First and foremost, this manufacturer will want to avoid the possibility of paying you a financial settlement. Repairing or sending a new machine may be cheaper for them, but it’s certainly not in your best interest.

These options might seem appealing if you’re not exhibiting a change in your health after breathing in or swallowing contaminants through your CPAP machine. But that doesn’t mean you won’t develop an illness related to these contaminants months or years from now. 

It’s time to talk to a trusted legal professional who will focus on protecting you both now and in the long term.

A Lawyer Can Help You Pursue a Settlement

Most legal cases are settled before they even go to court, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy process. The right lawyer can help you stand up to pressure from corporate attorneys. You could benefit from legal counsel to advise you on whether a financial offer to settle is just a first offer or the one that you deserve.

Remember that, as a victim, the law is on your side. Florida Statutes § 768, known as Florida’s Negligence Law, was written to protect consumers who are injured by a product. Your lawyer should be familiar with this law and able to build a case to reach a fair settlement for you.

Legal Representation for Your CPAP Case

Have you or your doctor noticed a negative shift in your blood pressure since sleeping with a recalled CPAP machine? You may have grounds for a legal claim. As a consumer, when you purchase a product, it is reasonable to trust the manufacturer of that product. 

If that product has damaged your health, though, you have a right to seek compensation. 

Call Today for Your Free, No-Risk, No-Obligation Consultation

Contact Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers for a free consultation today at (855) 529-0269. Our team will gather information from you and assess your legal options. Our attorneys can meet with you in the hospital if necessary.

For your own peace of mind, meet with a lawyer who will answer all your questions. If you believe you are a victim of a recalled CPAP machine, we are here for you and want to protect your rights.