Senior News Line: Two important product recalls

Several disturbing items have been in the news lately. Have you heard about these product recalls?

CPAP machines: Two dozen different CPAP machines have been recalled. The list includes Bilevel PAP, BiPAP or BPAP machines, as well as the CPAP.

The reason is a bit frightening. Black foam pieces can come loose and be breathed in or swallowed.

While the recall was issued quite a long time ago, the Food and Drug Administration just updated that information with this alert: If you now have one of the repaired or replaced machines, due to the previous recall, testing is currently being done to ensure that the repair foam used is OK.

The reason for the concern and the current testing: There have been deaths, far too many deaths, from the breakdown of the foam used in the machines.

To learn more about this, go online to: https://tinyurl.com/hvy73j36. You can also call the Philips company at 877-907-7508.

The recall says not to stop using the machine until you talk to your doctor, whether you have an original machine or one that was repaired or is a replacement.

Bedrails on portable beds: The Consumer Product Safety Commission, and several companies, issued a warning for thousands of portable bedrails, the ones that attach to the sides of beds to keep someone from falling out.

The problems are so serious that deaths were reported when people became wedged between the mattress and the rail. These bedrails were made under various names.

Your best bet is to call the Consumer Product Safety Commission and ask about bedrail recalls to be sure you learn about all possible brands. Contact them at 800-638-2772.

For more information, go to the FDA website at fda.gov and put “Safety Concerns about Bed Rails” in the search box.

For overall recall information, keep an eye on this government site: www.cpsc.gov/recalls.