Phillips / Philips Respironics recent recall notice discussion thread

[JLROhio]

In the next few days I will take my own Phillips System One apart and take photos to examine whether or not the foam is directly involved with the air-intake. I will upload the photos.

also, in reply to the last few replies to my comments:
the foam does not "surround" the intake channel...it blankets between the motor and the casing...period
Also, the foam does not make its way into the air intake channel. It physically cannot. The air intake channel is sealed until it reaches to the exterior of the machine. Also, the foam in the video does not look compromised as far as deterioration is concerned. It has dust. But dust is not the issue in the recall. He even rubs his thumb over the foam and nothing flakes off. He does a great job of showing how to take the machine apart and put it back together, but he does not address how the foam is not associated with the air intake and he does not do a decent job of examining the foam itself.

I guess, at the moment, it is up to each individual to asses their particular situation. But I don't feel like being a sheep and automatically crying that the sky is falling without fully examining the situation. People are talking themselves into feeling sick because of foam particles, but that might not be the case. The different machines have different designs.

And one more thing, the filter foam on the exterior of the phillips system one is a similar foam to the sound dampening foam inside the machine...why has that never been an issue before?

I’m forwarding your findings to the President of Philips today and recommending that he stop the recall and issue an all clear - nothing to see here.

BTW, just because you don’t see what you expected to see - do you think that the lawyers at Philips would have endorsed/signed off on the recall issued by Philips, along with the statement to stop using the devices? Them lawyers didn’t graduate with the same class ranking of another famous figure (for those who know what I’m talking about )!!

[ChicagoGranny]

I’m forwarding your findings to the President of Philips today and recommending that he stop the recall and issue an all clear - nothing to see here.

[nmevan]

In the next few days I will take my own Phillips System One apart and take photos to examine whether or not the foam is directly involved with the air-intake. I will upload the photos.

also, in reply to the last few replies to my comments:
the foam does not "surround" the intake channel...it blankets between the motor and the casing...period
Also, the foam does not make its way into the air intake channel. It physically cannot. The air intake channel is sealed until it reaches to the exterior of the machine. Also, the foam in the video does not look compromised as far as deterioration is concerned. It has dust. But dust is not the issue in the recall. He even rubs his thumb over the foam and nothing flakes off. He does a great job of showing how to take the machine apart and put it back together, but he does not address how the foam is not associated with the air intake and he does not do a decent job of examining the foam itself.

I guess, at the moment, it is up to each individual to asses their particular situation. But I don't feel like being a sheep and automatically crying that the sky is falling without fully examining the situation. People are talking themselves into feeling sick because of foam particles, but that might not be the case. The different machines have different designs.

And one more thing, the filter foam on the exterior of the phillips system one is a similar foam to the sound dampening foam inside the machine...why has that never been an issue before?

I’m forwarding your findings to the President of Philips today and recommending that he stop the recall and issue an all clear - nothing to see here.

BTW, just because you don’t see what you expected to see - do you think that the lawyers at Philips would have endorsed/signed off on the recall issued by Philips, along with the statement to stop using the devices? Them lawyers didn’t graduate with the same class ranking of another famous figure (for those who know what I’m talking about )!!

LOL...you are indeed a sheep, failing to question and just rolling over begging to be told what to do. Your problem, not mine.
I ask questions and want to know the facts.
There is so much misinformation flowing through this site, but people like you are fine with it.
I'm sure you will rush to write me some juvenile, smarmy retort. But instead, why don't you do some actual homework about the situation so you can feel confident in your decisions...instead of waiting around to be told what to do and think.

[mapster]

I have a new machine and I believe Medicare paid for it.

I called my doctor when I heard about the recall and she said to stop using my DreamStation -- she would order a new one, and she expected Medicare would pay for it. I was skeptical, but a few days later I got a call from my DME (Apria) saying payment had been approved and it was ready for pick up. And, indeed, when I picked it up last week the accompanying paperwork showed a balance due of zero.

I have Medicare and a supplemental plan. I’ve been checking both accounts online to see who paid what, but the claim hasn’t shown up yet. I just know that someone besides me paid for my new ResMed AirSense 10! My AHI was 78 on my diagnostic sleep study so that may have been a consideration in the approval process. Not sure about that.

[JLROhio]

...

Nah, I'm done with smartazz responses for now...

I actually look forward to what you find out in your Phillips once you open it up - please post pics!

As for me...I am fortunately lucky, as I have a ResMed...but I am just as interested in the topic as everyone else - who knows what's lurking in our ResMeds??

[JLROhio]

I have a new machine and I believe Medicare paid for it.

I called my doctor when I heard about the recall and she said to stop using my DreamStation -- she would order a new one, and she expected Medicare would pay for it. I was skeptical, but a few days later I got a call from my DME (Apria) saying payment had been approved and it was ready for pick up. And, indeed, when I picked it up last week the accompanying paperwork showed a balance due of zero.

I have Medicare and a supplemental plan. I’ve been checking both accounts online to see who paid what, but the claim hasn’t shown up yet. I just know that someone besides me paid for my new ResMed AirSense 10! My AHI was 78 on my diagnostic sleep study so that may have been a consideration in the approval process. Not sure about that.

Thank-you for your story - this is a VERY good data point for everyone on Medicare with a Phillips machine. Your point about your high number of AHI's is probably a very key part of your getting a new machine.

A couple of questions though.
- How old was your Dreamstation?
- How long ago did you find out about the recall and call your doctor, and then get a new machine - sounds like the stars lined up for you!

[jim22]

In the next few days I will take my own Phillips System One apart and take photos to examine whether or not the foam is directly involved with the air-intake. I will upload the photos.

also, in reply to the last few replies to my comments:
the foam does not "surround" the intake channel...it blankets between the motor and the casing...period
Also, the foam does not make its way into the air intake channel. It physically cannot. The air intake channel is sealed until it reaches to the exterior of the machine. Also, the foam in the video does not look compromised as far as deterioration is concerned. It has dust. But dust is not the issue in the recall. He even rubs his thumb over the foam and nothing flakes off. He does a great job of showing how to take the machine apart and put it back together, but he does not address how the foam is not associated with the air intake and he does not do a decent job of examining the foam itself.

I guess, at the moment, it is up to each individual to asses their particular situation. But I don't feel like being a sheep and automatically crying that the sky is falling without fully examining the situation. People are talking themselves into feeling sick because of foam particles, but that might not be the case. The different machines have different designs.

And one more thing, the filter foam on the exterior of the phillips system one is a similar foam to the sound dampening foam inside the machine...why has that never been an issue before?

I’m forwarding your findings to the President of Philips today and recommending that he stop the recall and issue an all clear - nothing to see here.

BTW, just because you don’t see what you expected to see - do you think that the lawyers at Philips would have endorsed/signed off on the recall issued by Philips, along with the statement to stop using the devices? Them lawyers didn’t graduate with the same class ranking of another famous figure (for those who know what I’m talking about )!!

LOL...you are indeed a sheep, failing to question and just rolling over begging to be told what to do. Your problem, not mine.
I ask questions and want to know the facts.
There is so much misinformation flowing through this site, but people like you are fine with it.
I'm sure you will rush to write me some juvenile, smarmy retort. But instead, why don't you do some actual homework about the situation so you can feel confident in your decisions...instead of waiting around to be told what to do and think.

I had one of my old Remstar Auto machines apart a week or so ago. In that model, there is a sheet of black foam about 3/8 in. thick in the bottom of the case. The blower housing is installed above it in the case. Air enters through the filter in the back of the unit and flows between the foam and blower housing where it is sucked up into the blower, so the foam is exposed to the airflow for just about it's entire surface. The air does not flow through it, but it does seal on the blower housing prevent any stray air from entering elsehwere, bypassing the filter. The foam in my unit, which is about 7 years old, was used for about 4 years, and has never been exposed to any ozone cleaners, was not pristine. The surface under the blower appeared to be deteriorated somewhat, although it did not appear to be crumbling or have any loose particles. Sorry, I did not take any photos. What we need is a replacement chunk of safe foam and 10 minutes with the correct tools would fix them. It was a little tricky to disassemble and reassemble, but not impossible.

[mapster]

I got the DreamStation in May 2019 so it was just over two years old.

I heard about the recall on Tuesday, June 15 and called my doctor's office, but it was in a 2nd call on Friday the 18th that they said they were ordering a new machine. I got the call from Apria on Wednesday, the 23rd telling me my new machine was ready for pickup. Since I'm not sure when the doc ordered the new machine, I don't know exactly how long this actually took. But it was barely over a week from the time I first heard about it to when I was notified that my new machine was ready. I think you are right that the stars lined up for me and I've very greatful for that!

[JLROhio]

I got the DreamStation in May 2019 so it was just over two years old.

I heard about the recall on Tuesday, June 15 and called my doctor's office, but it was in a 2nd call on Friday the 18th that they said they were ordering a new machine. I got the call from Apria on Wednesday, the 23rd telling me my new machine was ready for pickup. Since I'm not sure when the doc ordered the new machine, I don't know exactly how long this actually took. But it was barely over a week from the time I first heard about it to when I was notified that my new machine was ready. I think you are right that the stars lined up for me and I've very greatful for that!

Thanks again for the datapoints...Very important for our fellow Medicare users.

What's even more amazing...is that you have been a member here for 5+ years...but yet, you've only made your first two posts within the past three hours!

[mapster]

Well, there is a lot to learn once becoming a cpaper! So when I'm here, I'm usually looking for answers and usually do find them. It's not very often that I come here and find I have something to say that has't yet been said!

[boudin99]

It sounds like Medicare is taking care of those patients with new cpap machines.

But I have no insurance that pays for this. Is there anyone on this board in the same boat as me. I'm relying on Philips... and it sounds like it will take awhile to resolve.

I've read in this thread about the "repair" option - do you really think Philips will get away with a repair option??? If all you are doing is offering a repair... it seems that they will be inviting many lawsuits. The argument is that they have a medical device that has/can be harmful to my health... and they want to do as little as possible to fix the machine. Whoa... what about my possible future health concerns???

[palerider]

In the next few days I will take my own Phillips System One apart and take photos to examine whether or not the foam is directly involved with the air-intake. I will upload the photos.

We've already seen what's in there.

also, in reply to the last few replies to my comments:
the foam does not "surround" the intake channel...it blankets between the motor and the casing...period
Also, the foam does not make its way into the air intake channel. It physically cannot.

Funny, the manufacturer thinks it does, maybe you should argue with them.

Call 'em up and tell 'em what you think.

[kbh209]

In the next few days I will take my own Phillips System One apart and take photos to examine whether or not the foam is directly involved with the air-intake. I will upload the photos.

also, in reply to the last few replies to my comments:
the foam does not "surround" the intake channel...it blankets between the motor and the casing...period
Also, the foam does not make its way into the air intake channel. It physically cannot. The air intake channel is sealed until it reaches to the exterior of the machine. Also, the foam in the video does not look compromised as far as deterioration is concerned. It has dust. But dust is not the issue in the recall. He even rubs his thumb over the foam and nothing flakes off. He does a great job of showing how to take the machine apart and put it back together, but he does not address how the foam is not associated with the air intake and he does not do a decent job of examining the foam itself.

I guess, at the moment, it is up to each individual to asses their particular situation. But I don't feel like being a sheep and automatically crying that the sky is falling without fully examining the situation. People are talking themselves into feeling sick because of foam particles, but that might not be the case. The different machines have different designs.

And one more thing, the filter foam on the exterior of the phillips system one is a similar foam to the sound dampening foam inside the machine...why has that never been an issue before?

I’m forwarding your findings to the President of Philips today and recommending that he stop the recall and issue an all clear - nothing to see here.

BTW, just because you don’t see what you expected to see - do you think that the lawyers at Philips would have endorsed/signed off on the recall issued by Philips, along with the statement to stop using the devices? Them lawyers didn’t graduate with the same class ranking of another famous figure (for those who know what I’m talking about )!!

LOL...you are indeed a sheep, failing to question and just rolling over begging to be told what to do. Your problem, not mine.
I ask questions and want to know the facts.
There is so much misinformation flowing through this site, but people like you are fine with it.
I'm sure you will rush to write me some juvenile, smarmy retort. But instead, why don't you do some actual homework about the situation so you can feel confident in your decisions...instead of waiting around to be told what to do and think.

The CPAP Talk community is anything but sheep. Most of us regulars I know here question information the DMEs and sleep specialists provide. Also we're pretty stubborn when we're told to do something - pretty damn independent thanks to the Oscar app and our own walks with our machines. We know our health and we educate those around us including our own doctors about our health.

For me, both my machines (Philips System One 250 & Dream Station 1) are occasionally blowing out foam particles. Both machines happen to be on the recall list. It's not happening for you, that's great news. We can have a difference of opinion on the Philips Recall situation, don't force your's on us.

[amenite]

...
LOL...you are indeed a sheep, failing to question and just rolling over begging to be told what to do. Your problem, not mine.
I ask questions and want to know the facts.
There is so much misinformation flowing through this site, but people like you are fine with it.
I'm sure you will rush to write me some juvenile, smarmy retort. But instead, why don't you do some actual homework about the situation so you can feel confident in your decisions...instead of waiting around to be told what to do and think.

You mentioned early on the disassembly video and I was curious to know if you also watched this one? At about the 2 minute mark is where it get most interesting:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFxtA3y1ucQ

Unless you're also planning to do some homebrew gas chromatography and post that analysis along with your disassembly pictures, you might consider just taking their word for it that there's an issue.

[Pugsy]

It sounds like Medicare is taking care of those patients with new cpap machines.

We don't know that for sure. We have one report of someone who is on Medicare that thinks his DME has supplied a machine and billed Medicare and Medicare will pay. It's too soon to assume that Medicare is going to pay for Phillips problem. We haven't seen the actual billing or payments or anything yet. Just because something gets submitted to Medicare doesn't mean Medicare will pay.

Now I hope Medicare will help out and cover the purchase of new machines but until we get confirmation from Medicare.....it's still up in the air.
Medicare is notorious for passing the buck whenever it can.

Has anyone actually talked to someone at Medicare about how they are going to handle this issue?
I don't trust DME statements at all.

But I have no insurance that pays for this. Is there anyone on this board in the same boat as me.

Yes, several members are in the same boat as you are. Some are opting to continue to use their machine and wait...some are opting to purchase a machine (new or used) out of pocket.