Canadians with sleep apnea frustrated over CPAP machine recall

TORONTO -

An estimated two million Canadians suffer from sleep apnea and those who use a Philips brand machine to help them sleep are frustrated that they could have to wait up to a year for repairs or replacement.

“I was scared and I’m still scared using it,” Terry Stanford, of Ennismore, Ont. told CTV News Toronto.

Philips issued a voluntary recall this past June citing a concern that a foam used in their machines could be toxic and break down into small particles and be breathed in by the user.

Some of the possible health risks include headache, irritation, inflammation, respiratory issues and possible toxic and carcinogenic effects.

“I was scared and I quit using it immediately and I had some rough nights — five in a row," Stanford said.

Sleep apnea is when your breathing starts and stops throughout the night, sometimes hundreds of times, which is hard on your lungs and heart and can lead to health problems.

A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device provides a steady flow of air to help users get a good night's sleep.

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