Another CPAP Cleaner Hits the Market

[Crimson Nape]

I came across this and thought I'd share it. . .

3B debuts CPAP cleaner
by:
HME News Staff
-
Wednesday, February 7, 2018

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – 3B Medical has launched 3B Lumin, a cleaner for CPAP masks and supplies, it announced today. Lumin has a disinfection cycle time of five minutes, releases no ozone, and is effective against bacteria, viruses, mold and fungus, according to a press release. "We wanted to develop a product that would not damage the CPAP machine itself, and had zero risk of exposing a respiratory patient to a lung irritant," said Dr. Jose Llana, national director of sales. Lumin will be available March 1.

[Walla Walla]

Is this it?

[Sleeprider]

This new device is a UV light source for disinfecting masks and water chambers. The claim that it won't damage the CPAP machine itself simply points to the concern of exposing a machine to ozone. Strong UV light clearly has potential to deteriorate all plastics and materials found in the mask and water chamber. Even UV stabilized plastics eventually degrade in sunlight.

I have had biofilm form in the humidifier chamber, and have found that hydrogen peroxide not only disinfects, but provides a mechanical cleaning action due to foaming. For everyday cleaning, Dawn is pretty hard to beat and smells good.

[CZOscar]

This new device is a UV light source for disinfecting masks and water chambers.  The claim that it won't damage the CPAP machine itself simply points to the concern of exposing a machine to ozone.  Strong UV light clearly has potential to deteriorate all plastics and materials found in the mask and water chamber.  Even UV stabilized plastics eventually degrade in sunlight.

I have had biofilm form in the humidifier chamber, and have found that hydrogen peroxide not only disinfects, but provides a mechanical cleaning action due to foaming.  For everyday cleaning, Dawn is pretty hard to beat and smells good.

Good day Sleeprider.

I use Dawn daily on mask and soak everything else in water/Vinegar solution every couple of weeks but would like to hear more about your "biofilm foam" system/process.

I saw and read about the new cleaner a day or two ago and pretty much discounted it since my system seems to work well but am interested in the biofim/hydrogen peroxide system.

Thanks

[Sleeprider]

All I use is 3.4% hydrogen peroxide from Walmart. I add about 1/2 cup to a humidifier chamber and slosh it around. I use a Q-tip to physically clean out any corners and crevices. If there is any biofilm, it float out and makes the peroxide cloudy. Works extremely well. Rinse to finish. The same thing can be done with a CPAP tube. Pour enough in to make a pool, then alternately lift each end. The foaming action of peroxide on any organic matter lifts it off the surface and disinfects. This is not a system, it is just a well-know way to disinfect without odor or residues.

I have a summer cottage with well water that sometimes develops a sulfurous smell. Peroxide is often used in hot water tanks and water systems. Peroxide disinfects, and the byproduct is oxygen. I dump a quart of peroxide into the water heater and it kills the sulfur bacteria and leaves the water odor free. Pretty cool, huh?

[paulag1955]

My humidifier chamber has stayed remarkably clean, given how lax I am about actually cleaning it. Now that I think about it, I would imagine it's due to the essential oil blend I add to it to help keep my sinuses clear. Several of the oils have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. I just tried cleaning it out with hydrogen peroxide and didn't get any foaming at all.

[CB91710]

I have had biofilm form in the humidifier chamber,

I encountered this as well...  <hanging head in shame> after being negligent in my cleaning due to a very hectic schedule this past fall.
My wife even commented that maybe I had sneezed and blown something into the chamber when I had the flu a few weeks earlier

In my case, I was 6-months "overdue" on chamber replacement so I had two spares available.  The film was pretty thick so I just ditched the chamber and replaced it.

It was a clear slime...  would not have been noticeable with enough water in the chamber to completely cover the bottom.  I had slept for maybe 14 hours and the humidifier appeared to be dry, but when I opened it and tilted I could see it flow like syrup.

[Sleeprider]

I have not had any problems with this pinkish film. It comes from neglect, and is easy to resolve. When it occurs, the air has kind of a stale odor, so I deal with it pretty quickly. Peroxide works very well.

Back on topic to this thread, I'm not too sure about UV light. Too many places in masks and chambers where the light would be shaded.

[CZOscar]

All I use is 3.4% hydrogen peroxide from Walmart.  I add about 1/2 cup to a humidifier chamber and slosh it around.  I use a Q-tip to physically clean out any corners and crevices.  If there is any biofilm, it float out and makes the peroxide cloudy.  Works extremely well.  Rinse to finish.  The same thing can be done with a CPAP tube.  Pour enough in to make a pool, then alternately lift each end.  The foaming action of peroxide on any organic matter lifts it off the surface and disinfects.  This is not a system, it is just a well-know way to disinfect without odor or residues.

I have a summer cottage with well water that sometimes develops a sulfurous smell.  Peroxide is often used in hot water tanks and water systems. Peroxide disinfects, and the byproduct is oxygen.  I dump a quart of peroxide into the water heater and it kills the sulfur bacteria and leaves the water odor free. Pretty cool, huh?

Very cool.

I’m pretty good about changing water daily and only use distilled water - yes I know it is evaporated to remove minerals only - and humidifier stays clean plus I use a vinegar/water mixture every week or two.  But will put the hydrogen peroxide in my tool box.

Thanks 

[Melman]

I've had experience with UV light sterilization and have trouble accepting the 5 min exposure time. Also, back in the day when I used it the intensity required was dangerous to the naked eye. Of course it depends on how the manufacturer defines sterilization. In the pharmaceutical industry it's defined as a 12 log reduction of resistant spores. That's way overkill for most real life situations.

Sleeprider has a valid point about shading. Direct exposure is required for UV light to be effective. Also, just like ozone, it's only effective on clean surfaces so Dawn occasionally supplemented with a sanitizer like hydrogen peroxide is still the best option since cleaning will still be required.