How the Supply Chain Upheaval Became a Life-or-Death Threat

A maker of medical devices can’t keep up with customer demand as the shortage of computer chips puts it in competition with bigger companies with more clout.

For much of this year, Joseph Norwood’s next breath was locked in a zero-sum competition with people eager to upgrade their iPhones.

Mr. Norwood has sleep apnea, meaning that he frequently stops breathing while sleeping.

A device known as a CPAP — or continuous positive airway pressure machine — can pump air into his body through a face mask while he sleeps, greatly reducing his risk of sudden death.