The European Respiratory Society (ERS) has released a statement on the Field Safety Notification issued by Philips Respironics on 14 June, 2021, which reported the potential risk of a number of positive airway pressure (PAP) devices used for treatment of sleep apnoea and respiratory failure.
According to the manufacturer, the polyester-based polyurethane foam used in their devices may degrade into particles and volatile gas products, which the user may inhale. This may result in potential health risks for the user, including local airway irritation.
The latest ERS statement, issued on 1 February 2022, provides recommendations for respiratory, sleep and critical care medicine professionals and patients based on the latest information. It is signed by the Head of ERS Assembly 4 Winfried Randerath, the Secretary of ERS Assembly 4 Sophia Schiza, and the ERS Past President Anita Simonds.
Read the latest statement (1 February, 2022)