Decision Support Tool

To your knowledge, do any of the following situations apply to you?

• You use a BIPAP AVAPS/ASV/ST machine or a machine with oxygen for a problem related to respiratory failure
• Apnea and hypopnea index (AHI) greater than 30/h
• Severe pulmonary or cardiac disease (COPD, pulmonary hypertension, MCAS, heart failure, arrhythmia)
• Stroke (cerebrovascular accident)
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Respiratory problems related to a neuromuscular disease (muscular dystrophy, Steinert’s disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
• Do you work in a job where safety is critical (e.g. pilot, professional driver, heavy equipment operator)?
• Have you experienced severe drowsiness, or drowsiness while driving, before using your sleep apnea machine?
• Would stopping CPAP or BIPAP treatment result in a major deterioration in your quality of life, or a major reduction in functioning with regard to daily activities?

If you answered YES to any of the situations above, we recommend you use another machine that is not included in the Philips recall, if possible, or you continue to use your Philips machine until it is replaced or repaired and you follow these instructions:

• Do not use any non-approved cleaning method, such as ozone, and stick to the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.
• Stop using your machine and contact us if you notice foam particles in the humidifier, tubing or mask, or if you experience headaches, skin or eye irritation, respiratory tract irritation, coughing, chest pressure or a sinus infection.

Based on the information received, in the situations described above there are more advantages in continuing to use the machine.

If you answered NO to all of the above situations, we recommend that you stop using the CPAP machine affected by the Philips Respironics recall and follow these instructions:

a. If possible, use another machine not affected by the recall. b. In the absence of sleep apnea treatment:

• Avoid alcohol and muscle relaxants at bedtime.
• Keep your head raised while sleeping.
• Avoid sleeping on your back.
• As much as possible, avoid driving for more than 30 minutes without a break.
• Contact your doctor if you notice any deterioration in your symptoms or health.

c. Considering the risks, you may also decide to keep using your machine. If you continue to use your recalled machine, we suggest that you follow these instructions:

• Do not use any non-approved cleaning method, such as ozone, and stick to the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.
• Stop using your machine and contact us if you notice foam particles in the humidifier, tubing or mask, or if you experience headaches, skin or eye irritation, respiratory tract irritation, coughing, chest pressure or sinus infection.