AASM Shares Information, Resources for Philips Recall

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is hosting its second online presentation on the recall on June 25, has posted a recording of a previous webinar, and has posted online resources to help sleep therapy stakeholders.

• By David Kopf
• Jun 24, 2021

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has hosted one webinar on the Philips device recall, is hosting another on June 25 and has provided online resources to help patients, physicians and providers better understand the Philips device recall.

Last week, Philips announced it recalled millions of bi-level positive airway pressure (Bi-PAP), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and mechanical ventilator devices because PE-PUR foam used in the devices could degrade and off-gas, causing inflammations or respiratory issues, and possibly become toxic or carcinogenic.

In response, on June 18, representatives from AASM, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), American Thoracic Society (ATS), and Canadian Sleep Society (CSS) and Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS) conducted a live online panel discussion about the recall.

That webinar can be viewed on YouTube or here:

Providers can also download a PDF of the presentation slides.

The next webinar is slated for 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time on June 25 and will discuss the “Impact of the Philips PAP Recall on Vulnerable Populations.” Providers can learn more and register online by clicking here.

Additionally, AASM has uploaded a PDF of a sample patient assessment flowchart to help determine the best course of action for patients impacted by the recall. The flowchart was developed by AASM, AAN, ATS and CHEST.

AASM also created a guidance web page designed to help sleep centers and sleep medicine professionals understand their options in regards to notifying patients and considerations for patient care.