Cleanable VS Standard tub, Resmed 11

[Poolboy]

At about 7 months of use the STANDARD Humidifier Tub that came with my Resmed 11 developed two small cracks, extending out from the white plastic thumb grip.  They slowly grew to about 1/4 inch long by month 10 so I replaced it with the CLEANABLE version of the tub.

I decided at the onset to not follow ResMed's recommended replacement schedule.  My plan was to clean the tub well, and often enough, and see how long it would last.  I do not have any immune deficiency issues so feel this is reasonable for me to do. 

I expected the CLEANBLE version to be different in some obvious way.  Possibly a different type of plastic?  And thicker to help it withstand a longer service life?  Stronger hinges?  A more durable silicone seal on the lid?  These all look exactly the same as on the STANDARD tub. Even the weights of the two are exact to the gram. 

The only difference I see, is two molding lines in the plastic are in different locations VS the STANDARD tub.  

I don't think the CLEANABLE tub will meet my expectation of better durability and provide a longer service life.  Any benefit gained from the extra few dollars I paid for it not obvious at this point. 

To be clear, I am not whining about the slightly higher cost of this tub.  I am posting to share some info, and to express my curiosity about this.

Does anyone have thoughts or inside information on these tub variants?

- Good day to everyone !

[PeaceLoveAndPizza]

I had a cleanable, but as I never clean them other than when I notice they are dirty, it lasted about 3 years. My current standard tub is probably 2 years old and has been cleaned with dish soap maybe twice a year. So far it has had no issues.

[Big Guy]

I'm still using the water tub that came in my AirSense 10 AutoSet that I received in Sept. of 2018. It's doing fine and still looks like new. 

I have plenty of spares that my DME provider has sent me over the years. I use tap water and empty and dry every morning. If I see some calcium build-up, some white vinegar takes care of that easily.

Don't waste your money on the "cleanable" ones. 

[SarcasticDave94]

I used my tub that was issued with the ASV for 2 years. I just rinsed it nightly, minimal time, and every so often a slightly more with scrubbing. Emphasis on slightly.

[G. Szabo]

I stopped cleaning my tubes about 15 years ago when I switched to the heated version because I was concerned that it eroded the plastic and exposed the heating coil to corrosion. Instead, I change them every one or two years and change the air filter monthly. I use distilled water. I have been having no problems whatsoever.

[charlie*M]

I understood that the cleanable version can be 'reprocessed', ie used for multiple patients with a suitable cleaning process in between uses, while the standard one is for single patient use only. The required process may be spelled out in the clinicians manual? I suspect that there is a material change, perhaps plastic that can survive higher temperatures or or formulated with antioxidants for better Ozone / UV resistance.