The FDA has recently released a safety warning (not a recall) for the DreamStation 2 CPAP machine. Recent reports suggest that these CPAP machines may have an increased risk of overheating, posing a health risk to consumers.
To be clear, this safety warning is not related to the 2021 Philips Respironics Recall that included the original DreamStation. The DreamStation 2 was not part of that previous recall and has not been recalled since.
These concerns first arose after the agency received several medical device reports for the DreamStation 2, detailing customer complaints such as:
- Fire
- Smoke
- Burning
- Discoloration
The announcement states:
“The FDA issued a safety communication to inform the public of reports involving thermal issues with the [DreamStation 2] machine, some of which cited patient injuries, and to provide safety recommendations for patient use, including carefully monitoring machines for signs of overheating.
So far, this is only a safety warning. The FDA states that it will continue to monitor the situation and is working with Philips Respironics to identify the cause of these events. As always, we will keep you updated if this warning leads to more serious concerns.
In the meantime, here’s what you can do:
- Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Keep your CPAP machine away from flammable materials, including carpet, paper, and towels.
- Place the device on a hard, flat surface.
- Clean your CPAP machine on time each week.
- Allow your CPAP machine to cool off for at least 15 minutes before emptying the water tank after each use.
- Unplug your CPAP when it isn’t being used.
- Keep an eye out for signs of overheating, including any unusual smells, sounds, or changes in the appearance of your DreamStation 2.