Philips CPAP Lawsuit 2026: $1.1 Billion Compensation Guide & Payout Chart
The massive $1.1 Billion Philips CPAP personal injury settlement has reached its final distribution phase in January 2026. After years of litigation following the 2021 recall of millions of DreamStation sleep apnea machines, victims are finally beginning to see financial justice. As of January 14, 2026, the settlement fund is being actively used to compensate over 58,000 claimants who suffered from respiratory issues and cancer linked to the toxic PE-PUR sound-abatement foam.
1. The $1.1 Billion Settlement Breakdown
In early 2024, Philips reached a historic agreement to resolve the multidistrict litigation (MDL 3014).1 While the total legal fallout for Philips exceeds $1.6 Billion, the $1.1 Billion fund is specifically dedicated to:
- Personal Injury Claims ($1.075 Billion):2 For victims who developed cancer or respiratory conditions.
- Medical Monitoring ($25 Million): To fund long-term health surveillance for those exposed but not yet diagnosed.3
This is in addition to the separate $479 Million Economic Loss Settlement that was finalized earlier to reimburse users for the cost of their machines.4
2. Philips CPAP Payout Chart 2026 (Estimated)
The 2026 payout structure follows a “Points-Based System.” Claimants are categorized into tiers based on the severity of their medical diagnosis and duration of CPAP use.5
| Injury Category | Qualifying Conditions | Estimated Settlement Range |
| Tier 1 (High) | Lung Cancer, Kidney Cancer, Esophageal Cancer | $100,000 – $500,000+ |
| Tier 2 (Moderate) | Severe Asthma, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Sarcoidosis | $50,000 – $150,000 |
| Tier 3 (Other) | Chronic Bronchitis, Respiratory Irritation, Pneumonia | $5,000 – $50,000 |
| Economic Loss | Device Replacement/Purchase Reimbursement | $50 – $1,500 |
Note: Individual payouts in 2026 are also influenced by “Risk Factors” such as smoking history or age at the time of diagnosis.6
3. Why the Recall Happened: The PE-PUR Foam Crisis
The litigation stems from the June 2021 recall of approximately 10.8 million devices.7 The core issue was the Polyester-Based Polyurethane (PE-PUR) foam used to reduce noise in the machines.8
- Foam Degradation: Over time, especially in hot and humid conditions, the foam breaks down into tiny black particles.9
- Toxic Off-Gassing: The foam emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are known to be carcinogenic.10
- Inhalation Risk: Users unknowingly inhaled these particles and chemicals directly into their lungs every night while they slept.11
4. 2026 Status: When Will the Checks Arrive?
The 2026 timeline is officially in the Disbursement Phase.
- January 2026: Settlement administrators are currently processing the final documentation for “Medically Complex” cases.
- Early 2026 Payouts: Fast-track payments for minor respiratory injuries have already begun rolling out.
- Late 2026 Projections: High-tier cancer payouts are expected to reach a majority of claimants by the end of Q4 2026.
According to the master settlement agreement, Philips was required to deposit the remaining $1.05 Billion into the fund by early 2025, which has been completed.12
5. Eligibility: Who Qualifies for a Payout in 2026?
To receive a share of the $1.1 Billion compensation, claimants had to meet strict deadlines in 2024 and 2025.13
- Device Proof: You must have used a recalled Philips Respironics device (DreamStation, Trilogy, SystemOne, etc.).
- Medical Evidence: A diagnosis of a “Qualifying Injury” (Cancer or Respiratory Disease).
- Registration: Claimants must have been registered on the Master Census or filed a lawsuit before the April 2024 cutoff.14
- The “Opt-In” Rule: Only those who actively opted into the settlement are eligible for these funds.
6. High-Risk Conditions Linked to Philips CPAP
As of January 2026, the court-appointed medical experts have solidified the links between PE-PUR foam and the following conditions:
- Respiratory Cancers: Lung, Nasal, and Sinus cancer.
- Internal Organ Cancers: Kidney, Liver, and Bladder cancer.
- Blood Cancers: Leukemia and Lymphoma.
- Respiratory Damage: Reactive Airway Disease (RAD) and new-onset Asthma.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I still file a new Philips CPAP lawsuit in 2026?
A: Most law firms are no longer accepting new cases for the $1.1 Billion settlement as the registration deadlines have passed. However, if you were diagnosed with cancer after the settlement was reached, you should consult an attorney regarding your specific state’s statute of limitations.
Q: Is the DreamStation 2 part of the recall?
A: The original recall applied to DreamStation 1. While there have been some safety reports regarding the DreamStation 2, it is not currently part of the $1.1 Billion personal injury settlement fund.
Q: How do I check my claim status?
A: Claimants should log into the BrownGreer Settlement Portal or contact their primary legal counsel for their FIFO (First-In, First-Out) ranking.
8. Conclusion: The Final Chapter of MDL 3014
The Philips CPAP Lawsuit 2026 represents a landmark victory for consumer safety. For the millions of Americans who relied on these devices to breathe, the $1.1 Billion compensation is more than just money—it is a formal acknowledgment of the corporate negligence that put their lives at risk. As 2026 progresses, the focus shifts from the courtroom to the mailbox as checks continue to be mailed to thousands of deserving families.