By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With a recall going on since earlier this year for all CPAP machines from Phillips Respironics, it is important for those who have those machines to talk to their doctor.
"There's this foam inside these machines that help absorb the sound and make the machines a little bit quieter," said Health E-Quip Respiratory Therapist Kristen Yoder. "They have found that, in certain situations, sometimes high heat and humidity or with the use of the ozone cleaners, the foam can break down and potentially make its way to the patient. It has also been found to release some carcinogenic gas, that can also make its way to the patient. All of that is just not good."
There are supply issues with machines from the only other company that makes them, though, so its a risk-benefit analysis for you and your doctor as to whether or not to use the machine anyway.
"Whether you stop using it or not is up to you," Yoder said. "Respironics stance on it, and we follow their recommendation, is that you contact your doctor and you talk to them about the issue and whether or not the continued use of your machine outweighs any potential risk to your health and your body. I will say, ultimately, most of Health Equip's patients have continued to use their machine."
The cost to one's health of not being able to breathe while you're sleeping could outweigh any risk of additional issues coming from the CPAP depending on your personal age and health situation.
"We are months into a waiting list at this point," Yoder said. "If they're a new patient, it would be February or March, if they're lucky."
The CPAP machines are just one example of supply chain issues for durable medical equipment generally. Health E-Quip orders as much of everything as they can, but amounts alloted to them are limited.