FDA recalls CPAP, BiPAP machines

The Food and Drug Administration issued last week its most serious type of recall for certain Philips Respironics DreamStation continuous positive airway pressure and bilevel positive airway pressure machines because they may deliver inaccurate or insufficient therapy. The devices, used in hospitals, homes and health care settings, are intended to help people with breathing conditions breathe at a regular rhythm. The problem could lead to heart failure, respiratory failure or death, according to the FDA. Philips has received 43 complaints about the issue, but there have not been any reported injuries or deaths. The Class I recall involves 1,088 machines distributed from Dec. 1, 2021 to Oct. 31, 2022. (FDA recall notice, 4/7/23)