PHILIPS RESPIRONICS SUSPENDS SALES OF CPAP MACHINES

Philips Resprionics has announced they have suspended sales of CPAP machines in the wake of a consent decree with the US Food and Drug administration.  The Trib reports that the news comes just days after the founder of Resprionics, Gerald McGinnis of Plum, passed away.  In June of 2021, the company was forced to recall millions of sleep therapy and respirator machines after it was disclosed that polyester-based polyurethane foam used in the machines to reduce sound and vibration, could break down and potentially be breathed in or swallowed, according to the FDA.  Philips Respironics North America is the seventh-largest employer in Westmoreland County, with facilities in Murrysville, East Huntingdon and Upper Burrell.  The consent decree is being finalized and will be submitted to the relevant U.S. court for approval. The decree will provide Philips Respironics with a road map to comply with regulatory requirements, Philips officials wrote in a quarterly earnings statement.