Join Our National Call To Repair Or Replace Recalled Breathing Devices

Individuals who depend on recalled ventilators and other breathing devices manufactured by Philips Respironics have joined in a letter,  along with over two dozen disability organizations, demanding that Philips repair or replace the devices. The recall was announced in June, stating that the devices were found to release potentially harmful particles and gasses, but offering little information and no timeline for corrective action.

I’m among the affected individuals and have been part of a small group of users organizing a response with the support of the New York Law School and its Civil Rights and Disability Justice Clinic. “Respiratory equipment is not like a car that’s faulty. You can stop driving the car, but you can’t just postpone breathing. So we were given a really ridiculous thing that they called a choice, which was use it or don’t,” I told The Verge.

Update: Philips announced a repair and replacement program for one of their recalled models, the DreamStation, on September 1, 2021.

Take Action

1. If you are affected by the recall and want to sign on to this open letter and/or speak to the media, complete this short form.
2. Share this letter with your friends and family, elected representatives, and any media outlets who may not be aware of the recall.
3. If you use social media, share your experiences with hashtag #SuckYouPhilips.

This is a graphic illustration by Haley Brown with a bright cobalt blue background. There are black lungs filled with dark gray puffy clouds. In the left lung is a yellow canary bird with a red eye in a mid-flight attack pose. In the right lung there is a red circle. Around the lungs there is clear white tubing that is entwined. Above this graphic the white text reads: #SuckYouPhilips

The full text of the group’s press release follows. Continue reading →