Since Philips released the recall notification four weeks ago and told us to stop using our CPAPs, APAPs, BiPAPs, ASVs, and other flow regulators, we haven't gotten any additional information. But they have sent a letter to doctors spelling out some dangers that they're not revealing to patients, including:
"Lab testing performed for and by Philips has also identified the presence of VOCs which may be emitted from the sound abatement foam component of affected device(s). VOCs are emitted as gases from the foam included in the CPAP, BiLevel PAP and MV devices and may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.
Standard testing identified two compounds of concern (COC) may be emitted from the foam that are outside of safety thresholds. The compounds identified are the following: - Dimethyl Diazine - Phenol, 2,6-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-(1-methylpropyl)-
• Potential Harm: During initial or subsequent operation of the device, a patient may be exposed to VOCs."
You can read that letter here: [ Ссылка ]
Given that there's already a critical shortage of new flow regulators on the marketplace, and by month's end it's predicted to become even more dire, I and others are turning to the gray market to look for lightly used machines. Especially given that the best estimate for when Philips is going to repair or replace these machines is one year from now.
As a result of all this, a lot of us are getting scammed. If you're going to use Facebook Marketplace to buy a machine secondhand, understand that Facebook does not care if you get scammed. They will only provide purchase protection of any form if the Marketplace listing has a Buy Now button. And they don't even guarantee protection then. It's up to their discretion.
If you're going to purchase a used CPAP on Facebook or other similar services – and I recommend that you don't, but if you have absolutely no other option – here are a few ways you can protect yourself from being scammed.
1) Only do local transactions if possible, and make sure to test the device before you hand over your cash.
2) If you're going to buy an item outside of your area, only buy items that have a Buy Now button in the product listing. DO NOT send a payment directly through FB Pay in Messenger.
3) Check out the profile of the seller. Was the account created this year? Move on. Seriously, who creates a new Facebook account in 2021? Do a reverse image search of their profile picture (right click and select "Search Google for Image.") If it's a stock photo? Move on.
More things to keep in mind here: [ Ссылка ]
