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There Was Something in the Air: A Case of Interstitial Lung Disease Associated With Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Foam Degradation and Inhalation Syndrome
Summary
This study presents a case of interstitial lung disease in a patient whose CPAP device contained degrading polyurethane foam, a material recalled by Philips Respironics due to inhalation risks; symptoms resolved after the device was discontinued, suggesting a direct link between foam degradation byproduct inhalation and lung injury.
Polyurethane foam degradation in ventilatory support devices led to a recall by Philips Respironics after users developed respiratory symptoms and noted a sediment in the tubing system of such devices. Foam degradation releases end products that have an irritative effect on the airway. Although the incidence of neoplastic processes did not increase among users, studies for other conditions are scant. The following case presents the association between the use of one of these devices and a new diagnosis of interstitial lung disease, which resolved upon discontinuation of the device, in a patient with obstructive sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.