Phillips / Philips Respironics recent recall notice discussion thread

[litetrek]

Is Philips replacing system one machines with dream station 2 machines? My system 1 is my back up and camping machine and it suits my needs. The new dream station 2 does not work for me. The design of it is awful. Can you back out of the recall somehow? Initially they said they were going to repair the old machine so I registered. I've read here that the new or refurbished machine just shows up unannounced with instructions to send the old machine back.

[Jlfinkels]

Is Philips replacing system one machines with dream station 2 machines? My system 1 is my back up and camping machine and it suits my needs. The new dream station 2 does not work for me. The design of it is awful. Can you back out of the recall somehow? Initially they said they were going to repair the old machine so I registered. I've read here that the new or refurbished machine just shows up unannounced with instructions to send the old machine back.

The Philips recall magicians are subtle and quick to anger. No telling what they will send. Worst case you get a machine you don’t want to use and sell or donate it. Best case you get a refurbed machine like you already have. It’s a win-win for you and possibly someone who cannot afford a machine.

[litetrek]

Is Philips replacing system one machines with dream station 2 machines? My system 1 is my back up and camping machine and it suits my needs. The new dream station 2 does not work for me. The design of it is awful. Can you back out of the recall somehow? Initially they said they were going to repair the old machine so I registered. I've read here that the new or refurbished machine just shows up unannounced with instructions to send the old machine back.

The Philips recall magicians are subtle and quick to anger. No telling what they will send. Worst case you get a machine you don’t want to use and sell or donate it. Best case you get a refurbed machine like you already have. It’s a win-win for you and possibly someone who cannot afford a machine.

I dont want to send my old machine back and the core of my question/comment is that. I'm not giving up my old machine regardless of what they say and I'm wondering if accepting the new machine obligates you in some way to sending the old unit back.

I have a small fortune invested (about $1000) in converters, batteries, etc to enable use of my cpap when camping. You have to match the voltage, amperage, connection type, etc. and pick equipment that meets your performance needs. With my current cpap I can boondock in the woods in my camper without electricty for 4 nights. The supplemental equipment was all bought to support the system 1 and there is no guarantee what they send will be compatible or match the performance. Most machines no longer use a straight 12V power supply. The philips 12V converter for the dream station 1 & 2 is something proprietary according to my research so far. Proprietary means that what should be a 15 dollar part ends up costing you $100 AND it only works with their machine. I already have their $100 converter for the system 1.

Philips told me that my old machine is not repairable and that is not true. I'm an engineer and I could have the foam out in 15 minutes and could replace it with an upgraded foam and have it all back together in another 15 minutes. Repairing the system 1 machine is probably not the CHEAPEST or EASIEST way for THEM to address the problem and they are going with the CHEAPEST and EASIEST solution. Unfortunately removing the foam is not a complete solution because any degraded foam has already contaminated the machine. They are equipped to address that problem easily but a home DIY person is not.

As a user of a machine that has potentially spewed carcenogenic material into my lungs 8 hours a night for at least a decade (in my case) being stuck with whatever they decide to do for me and being expected to like whatever they decide is insulting. I worked in aviation for decades and Federally mandated airworthiness directives requiring airplane part recalls happen all the time. It is a manageble problem if the company management with the recalled part has a brain. This situation has been handled so poorly by them I can't imagine ever buying another one of their products.

[Jlfinkels]

I dont want to send my old machine back and the core of my question/comment is that. I'm not giving up my old machine regardless of what they say and I'm wondering if accepting the new machine obligates you in some way to sending the old unit back.

There is nothing in what I have received from Philips that states you must return the original equipment. They do recommend returning it so it can be reconditioned for others.

Did you call Philips with your questions and explain things? If so, what did they say?

https://www.usa.philips.com/healthcare ... ll-process

[stevenal]

I just re-read the status- technically they are still giving me an option to decide what option I choose- so out of curiosity, I am going to choose the option of continuing remediation-
Below is what it says on the status page from Philips about the Options you have to choose from:

What are my options?

We understand this news may be frustrating, which is why we're providing the following two options. You must select one of the following two options, there is no default option and in the absence of your selection, no action can be taken.

Option 1:

Financial payment for return of affected units: Removing affected products from use is an important part of our remediation program. We also know many patients have waited for some time for a solution. Therefore, we are offering financial payments to patients of $50 per System One, 60 Series device returned to us. The payment that we are offering is to help ensure affected units are no longer in use. It will be paid via check that will be mailed to you when we receive your System One, 60 Series device. Philips will cover the packaging and return cost once you take your affected unit to a FedEx Office location.

Option 2:

Continue remediation pathway to receive a replacement device: You will need to provide a current prescription. You may also have the option to provide additional information that will help us prioritize delivery based on need. If you elect to remain in the remediation pathway, you must make the selection below, which will trigger a Philips team member to call you about obtaining your prescription. Calls for patients without prescriptions are ongoing and expected to run through the completion of the voluntary recall. If your shipping address has changed since you have registered your device, or you would like to make your election over the phone, please call 877-907-7508.

*Once you select the Continue to Remediation this is what the website says:

Receive a replacement device - Confirmation Request
To elect to receive a replacement device, you will need to confirm by checking the box below and selecting "I want a replacement device". The hold on your order will be removed within 48-72 hours and you will be placed back in the device remediation process queue.

The box I have to check says I would like to decline financial payment and would like a replacement unit-

I just checked my System One status at https://www.philipspatientportal.expert ... /?ulang=en and found the same set of choices. Disappointing that no email informed of this hold status. I thought I was waiting for them. I made the same choice as bd.

[litetrek]

There is nothing in what I have received from Philips that states you must return the original equipment. They do recommend returning it so it can be reconditioned for others.

Did you call Philips with your questions and explain things? If so, what did they say?

https://www.usa.philips.com/healthcare ... ll-process

Thanks. That is what I wanted to know.

Until 2 days ago I was unaware of the website which allows you indicate that you still want a repaired machine. I stumbled onto the information on Youtube and it was posted by a cpap supplies company. Further, my doctor knew nothing about the need to make a choice via that website - I asked him about why I haven't heard anything back in August. The last communication from Philips indicated that they would "reach out" to us as a next step. I expected an email or a phone call but have received nothing. Calling them at this point is a good idea, I suppose

[aStuff]

I just got the same email about my old System One. I take it they are tired of replacing devices and looking for a way out.

[jtravel]

Received same email today for my 50 & 60 series. Dream stations 1 & 2 replacements must be almost complete and our turn in line is getting closer.

[Lane101]

Linking to my post on latest Philips email regarding older System One units. Basically they are trying to avoid replacing these.

They are nowhere near done with the Dreamstation replacements. I've two new Dreamstation APAPs that were both under warranty at the time of the recall and per a phone call earlier today they have no idea when they will be replaced other than to state they hope to do it before the end of the year. The System One email is just an attempt to reduce there recall liability by adding a new set of customer hurdles prior to replacement per my linked post above.

Link to original post:
viewtopic/t185204/Philips-Attempting-to ... CPAPs.html

[beautifuldreamer]

Today I called Philips and spoke to someone who went into my "account" and updated all of mine to say I wanted a replacement instead of the 50 dollars. She seemed to indicate I will get a replacement, just not a System One . . .

I had already asked my Doctor to send the prescription which they did last week, but the person on the phone said she wasn't able to access that info to see if my prescription was received . . .

[lynninnj]

Today I called Philips and spoke to someone who went into my "account" and updated all of mine to say I wanted a replacement instead of the 50 dollars. She seemed to indicate I will get a replacement, just not a System One . . .

I had already asked my Doctor to send the prescription which they did last week, but the person on the phone said she wasn't able to access that info to see if my prescription was received . . .

After taking the advice of the posters here, I got a copy of my own prescription from my doctor.

Something to consider moving forward.

hth

[ChicagoGranny]

Faxed? Welcome to 1989.

There is something about HIPAA that doctors won't send documents electronically because they can't be sure the system they are sending to is secure. As if a receiving fax machine is secure.

[Grumpy48]

Faxed? Welcome to 1989.

There is something about HIPAA that doctors won't send documents electronically because they can't be sure the system they are sending to is secure. As if a receiving fax machine is secure.

Not only health records as the company that manages my retirement finances won't use email for most documents that contain personal and/or financial info and requires I either FAX or mail USPS if I need to send something to them. I think I had to do the same when I sent some documents to the Veterans Administration a few years ago.

[vze2363v]

I don't know what to do about mine. They only offered me $25 for my unit (System One, 50 Series). I can't get a prescription for a new machine without a new sleep test and my insurance doesn't cover everything I need for a new sleep test. My options in my area are horrific and I'd have to rent a car to get to a half decent place to get a sleep study done. In addition, I don't even know if I can get the study done at that facility any more since Florida Blue refused to renew the contract for any BayCare doctors or facilities. $25 is an insult quite frankly. I have tried very hard not to use my machine since I got the notice, but there are some nights where my breathing is so bad I have to use it anyhow. I'm on Medicare and the HMOs available under Medicare health policies have such cheap, hideous equipment providers I'm told the machines they would give me wouldn't work very well as I'm one of those people who has different pressure levels for breathing in and out.

Has anyone else faced these obstacles and figured out a way to navigate them successfully? I'm still trying to find a new health insurance provider since the only doctor that's really understood my health issues was part of the BayCare system so I need to change my health insurance ASAP. Thanks for any advice you can offer.

[aStuff]

Ask for a home sleep study as it should be much cheaper. My insurance did deny mine stating sleep center would be appropriate as I also have a history of central apneas.