Are CPAP Machines Dangerous?

If you've searched this question, it's probably because you've heard about CPAP recalls in the news and wondered whether your own machine — or a treatment your doctor just recommended — is actually safe. It's a fair question, and the honest answer is reassuring: CPAP therapy itself is a well-established, effective treatment, and the headlines were about specific recalled devices, not the therapy as a whole.

What the recall was actually about

In 2021, one manufacturer, Philips Respironics, recalled millions of its CPAP and BiPAP machines after discovering that the sound-dampening foam inside certain models could degrade over time and release particles or chemicals that users might inhale or ingest. It was a serious issue for the affected devices, and the FDA classified it as its most serious recall category. But it was specific to a particular foam used in certain Philips Respironics models — it wasn't a finding about CPAP machines, or CPAP therapy, in general.

CPAP therapy itself is safe and effective

For obstructive sleep apnea, CPAP remains the most well-studied and effective treatment available. It works by delivering steady air pressure that keeps your airway open while you sleep, preventing the repeated pauses in breathing that make untreated sleep apnea genuinely dangerous — raising the risk of high blood pressure, heart problems, and daytime drowsiness that makes driving and everyday tasks riskier.

What to actually watch for

● If you own an older Philips Respironics device, check the model against the manufacturer's recall list and talk with your provider about next steps

● Clean your machine and mask as directed, and skip ozone or UV cleaning devices, which can accelerate equipment breakdown

● Replace masks, tubing, and filters on the schedule your provider recommends

● Don't stop using a prescribed CPAP without talking to your doctor first — for most patients, the health risks of untreated sleep apnea are far greater than any device concern

Finding the right fit for you

If you're hesitant about starting CPAP, have an older machine you're unsure about, or simply haven't been able to tolerate it, it's worth talking to an ENT about your options. At Noel ENT, we help patients work through sleep testing and treatment choices, including alternatives to CPAP for patients who genuinely can't tolerate it.

Have questions about your CPAP machine or your sleep apnea treatment plan? Schedule an appointment with Noel ENT and let's talk through your options.

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