Honestly, it’s a nightmare. You buy a medical device to help you breathe better, and suddenly you’re hearing it might be spitting tiny pieces of black foam or toxic chemicals into your lungs. If you've been following the news about what CPAP machines were recalled, you know it’s been a chaotic few years. We’re in 2026 now, and while the dust is finally starting to settle, the fallout is massive.
Millions of people were told to stop using their machines overnight back in 2021. Since then, the list of affected devices has expanded, changed, and even the "fixed" ones had their own drama.
The Big One: Philips Respironics
When we talk about the CPAP recall, we’re mostly talking about Philips. They owned about half the market. Their 2021 recall was massive because of something called PE-PUR foam. This is a polyester-based polyurethane foam used to keep the machine quiet.
The problem? It breaks down. Especially in heat and humidity. Or if you used one of those ozone cleaners like SoClean (which, by the way, the FDA really doesn't like). When it breaks down, you might inhale black specks or "off-gassing" chemicals like formaldehyde.
The primary list of recalled Philips machines includes:
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- DreamStation (First Generation): This was the flagship. If you have a DreamStation 1, it’s almost certainly on the list.
- System One (50 and 60 Series): These are older models, but many were still in use.
- DreamStation Go: The portable travel version.
- Dorma 400 and 500: Less common but still affected.
- REMstar SE Auto: An older, basic model.
It wasn't just CPAPs. Their BiPAP machines (like the A-Series BiPAP A30 and A40) and ventilators like the Trilogy 100 and 200 were also pulled. Basically, if it was a Philips sleep device made between 2009 and April 2021, it was part of the mess.
Wait, What About the DreamStation 2?
This is where it gets weird. For a long time, Philips said the DreamStation 2 was the safe alternative. But in late 2023 and into 2024, the FDA started getting reports of the DreamStation 2 overheating and even catching fire.
By 2025, Philips had to acknowledge that some DreamStation 2 units manufactured before September 2022 were showing signs of foam degradation and "odors." While not a full-blown "stop use" recall for every single unit like the original DreamStation, it created a huge trust gap. People were literal years into waiting for a replacement only to find out the replacement might have its own issues.
ResMed and the Magnet Situation
You might have heard ResMed’s name come up in recall searches. It's different. ResMed machines themselves (like the AirSense 10 or 11) haven't had a foam recall. They are generally considered the "safe" alternative that everyone scrambled to buy after Philips crashed.
However, in 2024, the FDA issued a Class I recall for ResMed masks with magnets.
Models like the AirFit F20, N20, and F30 use magnets to clip the headgear. If you have a pacemaker, a shunt, or any metallic implant in your body, those magnets can mess with them. It’s not a "return your mask" recall for everyone, but a "stop using this if you have metal in your head or chest" warning. ResMed had to update all their labeling because of some serious injuries.
The 2025 and 2026 Update: Where We Are Now
As of January 2026, the situation has shifted from "what is recalled" to "how do I get my money?"
Philips reached a massive $1.1 billion settlement recently to cover personal injury claims. This followed an earlier $479 million settlement for the actual cost of the machines. If you had a recalled machine, you likely saw the US Patient Portal close its doors on January 1, 2026. This marked the end of the formal registration period for many.
New machines are finally returning. Under a "consent decree" with the Department of Justice, Philips was basically banned from selling new sleep machines in the US for a couple of years. They’re only just now jumping through the regulatory hoops required to get back into the game with new, foam-free designs.
Real Risks: Is it Actually Dangerous?
This is the part where experts still argue. Philips released studies claiming the VOCs (those chemical gases) weren't high enough to cause "appreciable harm."
The FDA? They weren't convinced. They called the data "not adequate" and demanded more testing. Independent reports and the 100,000+ Medical Device Reports (MDRs) filed with the FDA suggest otherwise. We're talking about links to:
- Respiratory issues: Chronic asthma, coughs, and sinus infections.
- Organ damage: Liver and kidney issues from chemical exposure.
- Cancer: Lawsuits have specifically named lung, nasal, and bladder cancers.
Identifying Your Device
If you’re staring at a machine on your nightstand and feeling paranoid, look at the bottom. There’s a serial number and a model name.
- Philips machines: If it’s white and rectangular with a front-facing screen, it’s likely a DreamStation 1. Recalled.
- ResMed machines: If it’s black or silver (AirSense 10) or sleek with a touchscreen (AirSense 11), you're fine on the foam front. Just check your mask clips for magnets.
- Others: Companies like Sleepnet also had minor magnet-related recalls for masks in 2024.
What You Should Actually Do
If you still have one of the recalled Philips units, don't just throw it in the trash—it might be worth money in the ongoing litigation settlements. But also, don't just stop therapy. Untreated sleep apnea can cause a stroke or heart attack, which is often a more immediate threat than the foam.
Talk to your doctor about a "prescription change" to a ResMed or a Fisher & Paykel machine. Most insurance companies have finally cleared the backlog and are covering replacements for recalled units.
If you're still using a "remediated" Philips machine (one where they replaced the foam with silicone), be aware that the FDA expressed concerns about the silicone foam potentially off-gassing too. It’s a mess. Honestly, the safest bet in 2026 is to move to a manufacturer that didn't use the foam in the first place.
Check the serial number on the manufacturer's website one last time. Even if you think you're in the clear, the 2025 updates added specific batches of "reworked" machines back onto the recall list due to programming errors. Better safe than breathing in plastic.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Locate your Serial Number (SN): It’s usually on a sticker on the bottom or back of the device.
- Check the FDA’s Recall Database: Search for your specific model to see the "Class" of the recall (Class I is the most serious).
- Consult a Sleep Specialist: Ask specifically for a "non-foam" alternative if you are due for an upgrade.
- Document everything: If you’ve had respiratory issues while using a Philips device, keep your medical records for potential settlement claims.