There Was Something in the Air: A Case of Interstitial Lung Disease Associated With Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Foam Degradation and Inhalation Syndrome

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.