FDA Warns Certain Philips CPAP Machines May Overheat and Cause Injuries

Updated December 14, 2023

Fact-Checked

The Sleep Foundation editorial team is dedicated to providing content that meets the highest standards for accuracy and objectivity. Our editors and medical experts rigorously evaluate every article and guide to ensure the information is factual, up-to-date, and free of bias.

The Sleep Foundation fact-checking guidelines are as follows:

We only cite reputable sources when researching our guides and articles. These include peer-reviewed journals, government reports, academic and medical associations, and interviews with credentialed medical experts and practitioners.
All scientific data and information must be backed up by at least one reputable source. Each guide and article includes a comprehensive bibliography with full citations and links to the original sources.
Some guides and articles feature links to other relevant Sleep Foundation pages. These internal links are intended to improve ease of navigation across the site, and are never used as original sources for scientific data or information.
A member of our medical expert team provides a final review of the content and sources cited for every guide, article, and product review concerning medical- and health-related topics. Inaccurate or unverifiable information will be removed prior to publication.
Plagiarism is never tolerated. Writers and editors caught stealing content or improperly citing sources are immediately terminated, and we will work to rectify the situation with the original publisher(s)
Although Sleep Foundation maintains affiliate partnerships with brands and e-commerce portals, these relationships never have any bearing on our product reviews or recommendations. Read our full Advertising Disclosure for more information.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a new safety warning alerting those who use Philips DreamStation 2 CPAP machines to be aware of the potential for overheating. Trusted Source U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. View Source The agency explains that they have received over 270 reports of problems filed by users between August 1 and November 15, 2023, a sharp rise over the past three years.

According to the medical device reports from the manufacturer and facilities that use the machines, these overheating issues have resulted in burns, smoke, and even fires. The FDA says the device’s electrical or mechanical systems might be to blame, causing the CPAP machines to overheat while in use. The FDA and the CPAP company Philips are working together to figure out the exact cause. They will continue to provide updates on this ongoing issue.

CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines are one of the most common ways to treat sleep apnea, with an estimated 33 million people using them. The machines provide a steady flow of air into the upper airway during sleep to help prevent pauses in breathing and reduced oxygen levels caused by sleep apnea. Without treatment, sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications.

Philips DreamStation CPAP machines have been recalled in the past because of concerns about the devices’ foam. This foam could release harmful chemicals or break down and put users’ safety at risk if the broken-down foam is inhaled or swallowed while the machine is in use. The current safety warning isn’t believed to be related to the CPAP’s foam, according to the FDA.

If you own a Philips DreamStation 2 CPAP, the FDA recommends reducing the risk of your machine overheating. You can find safety tips in the owner’s manual, including:

Keep the CPAP on a hard, flat surface so it can’t tip over and away from flammable objects such as fibers and cleaning products.
Follow instructions for keeping the CPAP clean.
Empty the water reservoir daily.
Let the CPAP’s heater plate and water cool completely before removing the tank. These components can burn you if you touch them while they’re still hot.

Inspect your CPAP before going to bed to make sure you don’t notice any changes to how it looks or smells. It’s a good idea to look over your machine before and after each use. Check that water hasn’t spilled into the machine itself.

Unplug the CPAP and don’t use it if you smell burning, see smoke, notice anything unusual in its appearance or sounds, or don’t think it’s working correctly.

Talk with your doctor if you can’t use your CPAP due to these or other concerns related to this report. They can help you come up with a plan so you can continue treating your sleep apnea safely.

The FDA is encouraging CPAP users to report problems with their machines by contacting the manufacturer and filling out the FDA’s MedWatch Voluntary Reporting Form.

Got a hot tip? Pitch us your story idea, share your expertise with SleepFoundation.org, or let us know about your sleep experiences right here.

Written By

Risa Kerslake, Contributing Writer RN, BSN

Risa Kerslake is a registered nurse turned freelance writer specializing in sleep, women’s health, parenting, and healthcare technology. She’s written for publications including Sleep Review, Healthline, Parents, Discover, Vice, and Healthgrades. Risa lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Learn more about our Editorial Team