The College believes this is an important issue that registrants should be aware of and have access to information to guide their patients.
Philips Respironics voluntarily recalled many of its positive airway pressure devices due to secondary harm from breakdown of the polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) sound abatement foam. On June 23, 2021 Health Canada posted a recall for the same devices.
The Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS), Canadian Sleep Society (CSS), and Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) have recently provided guidance in a position statement and Philips’ website also includes advice to providers.
Patients may be contacting their physician for advice on whether to continue using their positive airway pressure devices. The CTS, CSS and CSRT statement provides direction to registrants in this regard. As there are immediate risks in some patients with discontinuing treatment, registrants are advised to become familiar with this guidance and discuss treatment options with their patients.