Many people with sleep apnea are fearful of the potential health risks associated with using a CPAP machine. One of the most common questions is: can you get lung cancer from a CPAP machine?
The short answer is no, you cannot get lung cancer from a CPAP machine. Unfortunately, there are some potential risks associated with using a CPAP machine that you should be aware of. For starters, if your machine is manufactured by Philips, you might just be at a higher risk of cancer and might have a potential lawsuit on your hands.
What is a CPAP Used For?
A CPAP machine is commonly used to treat sleep apnea. The machine forces air into your lungs to help you breathe more easily and prevent pauses in your breathing during sleep.
While a CPAP machine is an effective treatment for sleep apnea, it’s not without its potential risks. One of the most common complaints among CPAP users is that the machine is uncomfortable to use. In some cases, the mask can cause skin irritation.
There are also some potential health risks associated with using a CPAP machine. One of the most serious is that you could develop pneumonia if bacteria from your mouth and nose get into your lungs. This is more likely to happen if you don’t clean your CPAP machine regularly.
Another potential risk is that you could develop a blood clot if you use a CPAP machine for more than four hours per night. This is because the increased pressure from the CPAP machine can cause your veins to constrict.
Heightened Risks With Philips CPAP Machines
If the above risks didn’t sound bad enough, sadly, the CPAP machines manufactured by Philips pose even greater risks. In 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that some of Philips’ CPAP machines could be linked to an increased risk of cancer.
The FDA’s warning was based on reports they received of people who developed cancer after using Philips’ Respironics DreamStation and BiPAP Vision machines. The FDA has not yet determined a cause-and-effect relationship between the use of these machines and cancer.
However, the reports they received were concerning enough that they are investigating whether there is a link between the two after Philips issued a voluntary recall. In the meantime, they are advising people who use Philips’ CPAP machines to be aware of the risks and talk to their doctor about sleep apnea treatment options.
Why Are the Machines Made My Philips Dangerous?
Some Philips CPAP machines contain polyurethane foam, which has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. The foam is used in the machine as a sound abatement device, meaning it can help reduce noise during use.
However, the FDA has received 70,000 reports of people who developed dangerous respiratory issues after using Philips’ Respironics DreamStation and BiPAP Vision machines. This is due to the fact that Polyurethane breaks down when exposed to heat and ozone.
In addition, polyurethane contains TDI, which is a known carcinogen. When the polyurethane breaks down, it releases TDI in the tubing, which appears as black debris. This means that when you use a Philips CPAP machine, you could be inhaling TDI, which could increase your risk of cancer.
What Should You Do If You Use a Philips CPAP Machine?
The first step is to talk to your doctor about the risks associated with using a Philips CPAP machine. Your doctor can help you weigh the risks and benefits of using the machine and determine if it’s still the best option for you.
If you decide to continue using the machine, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing cancer, such as not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and regularly cleaning your machine.
You should also be sure to check your machine for any signs of black debris, which could be an indication that the polyurethane is breaking down. If you see any debris, you should stop using the machine immediately and contact Philips.
