Some Ontario sleep apnea patients still waiting for repair or replacement of recalled CPAP machine

An estimated two million Canadians suffer from sleep apnea and many require the use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device, or CPAP machine, to help them sleep.

Philips recalled five million of their CPAP machines in June of 2021 and nine months later, many people are still waiting for their machine to be repaired or replaced.

“I understand it's a big problem, but it's a bigger problem for CPAP patients because, for many of us, these are life-saving devices,” said Brenda Mignardi of Scarborough, Ont.

Mignardi was told to stop using her Philips CPAP machine last summer as there was a concern that the foam used in the devices could break down into small particles and be breathed in by the user.

People who suffer from sleep apnea can have their breathing stop hundreds of times during the night and a CPAP machine sends a steady flow of air to the user’s nose and mouth to help them have a restful sleep.

Stopping and starting breathing during sleep can be stressful for the body and a CPAP machine has been proven to help prevent strokes, heart attacks and other health issues.

With her machine under recall, Mignardi said she is now frightened to use it, but is worried sleeping without it.

"I can't afford to go out and buy one because they're nearly $1,000 and I doubt there would be one available now because we're talking hundreds of thousands of people (that need a CPAP machine)," said Mignardi.

Many owners of the recalled machines have been frustrated by the lack of communication from Philips as to when they will get their device repaired or replaced.

CTV News Toronto reached out to the company and a spokesperson said, “At this time, Philips is already producing repair kits and replacement devices in large quantities. To date, Philips has produced 1.5 million repair kits and replacement devices, with about 750,000 in the hands of customers. These devices and kits are being sent to patients as they are available.”

“As our production capacity is fully focused on the repair and replacement actions, we are currently not taking orders for sleep therapy devices for new patients. Regarding estimated timing, we are working to address this issue as expeditiously as possible. We expect to complete the repair and replacement programs in in the fourth quarter of 2022.”

Michael Sharp is owner and CEO of FMP Solutions, a company that provides devices to help patients with sleep apnea. Sharp said even with the recall there is a shortage of CPAP machines due in part to computer chip and supply chain issues.

"All of these CPAP units have chips in them, there is a global chip shortage, there are shipping issues, so there are currently a number of issues that are compounding the problem for people who need a CPAP machine,” said Sharp.

Sharp said another issue facing CPAP users in Ontario is the Ontario government’s decision to cut funding for sleep apnea devices that are provided through the government’s Assistive Devices Program operated by the Ministry of Health.

Under the program, CPAP devices were eligible for $860 in funding. That’s been cut to $554, a decrease of 36 per cent. Similarly, APAP machines (auto adjusting positive airway pressure) devices have been cut from $1,020 to $554 -- a 46 per cent cut -- and BPAP (bi-level positive airway pressure) devices have been cut from $1,120 to $950, a drop of 15 per cent.

Sharp said it means people who now need a machine to help them deal with sleep apnea have to pay more for the treatment.

“There is a higher out of pocket cost for Ontarians to get a CPAP device so unfortunately there are going to be people that are unable to afford it," said Sharp.

With the recall, supply shortages, and funding cuts it's difficult for some users to get a CPAP machine. Mignardi said she won’t get a good night's sleep until her issue is resolved.

“I would either like a new CPAP machine or I would like to have mine repaired, so I can go to sleep in peace and I don't think that's too much to ask,” said Mignardi.

If you have a recalled CPAP machine and you've stopped using it, you may want to speak with your doctor because, depending on your health, they may advise you to keep using the machine or tell you to wait for the repair or replacement.