So cleaner machine

[Judy1843]

I'm thinking of purchasing a So sanitizing machine and did read some positive comments. The most important reason for me would be is that we travel many months in a Motorhome and it is challenging and concerning to me with the water that comes from not only all the locations but the plumbing in our motorhome. We purchase bottled water for drinking and using the water from the coach to try to sanitize seems wrong. Has anyone purchased this machine? They told me the cost is $300.
Thanks !!

[Sleepster]

I think the machine is a waste of money.

You can use the bottled drinking water in your humidifier. As far as cleaning goes, if it's good enough for the dishes it's good enough for the CPAP machine. It's not rocket science. If you're worried about it you can use a disinfectant like Control III in the wash water.

Units like So-Clean, even for those who buy them, are no substitute for regular cleaning. They are at best a supplement. The worst thing about them is the danger they pose to people who think they can use them in place of cleaning.

[Sleeprider]

Positive comments about the SoClean2 are few and far between. Glad you were able to find some.

The machine could be free, and I'd still not be interested. Basic cleaning accomplishes everything that is necessary, and failing to clean is not resolve by using that machine. Good luck.

[PaulaO2]

If you can wash your dishes in it, you can wash your machine parts in it. If you can then eat off your plates after cleaning them in that water, then you can use your machine after cleaning it with that water. If you can drink that water, you can put it in your humidifier.

The SoClean doesn't "clean" and it's sanitation assumption is done after you clean it. So....kinda like what restaurants have to do. They hand wash their dishes then have to put them through a sanitizer. The dishes are clean(ish) when they go in. The sanitizer uses very hot water and sometimes steam to "sanitize" the dishes. If someone left a glob of potatoes on a plate, that glob is probably still there. Is that glob now sanitized, too? Nope. Will the ozone in the SoClean sanitize the glob of potato? Nope.

[PsychoMike]

That and my other concern would be the effect of ozone on the parts.

Ozone is highly reactive (part of why it is good against biological contaminants....it burns them up via oxidation), but that will also mean the potential for impacts and extreme aging to your CPAP components. Yes, there is oxygen in the air that causes oxidation, but we design for that (hence useful lives of products). Add in more in a highly reactive form and you could be adding in the need to replace your ozone sanitized parts far more frequently (faster aging) or even immediately (as in the ozone destroyed the part(s) and now you need a new one).

[Judy1843]

Thanks everyone! I just saved $300!

[PaulaO2]

Invest instead in an extra mask, hose, and extra humidifier tub. That way you can switch between sets and give the spare a really good cleaning and soak in either Control III or a mild vinegar solution. Then rinse well, let them dry, and put away until next needed. It will extend the life of your masks.

[johno02]

We also travel in a motor home a lot, an I just clean good with regular dishwashing solution. I do not usually use the humidifer when traveling, mainly just at home where the AC or gas heat lower inside humidity. At home, good regular cleaning is usually sufficient, and I always use DISTILLED water only. This is due to the mineral content in household water, and added minerals for taste in most bottled water. In the humidifier, as the water is evaporated, whatever minerals that are left is what causes coating and deposits in the tank, as well as in your home plumbing, sinks, faucets, and toilet tanks. Distilled or ionized water contains nothing but pure H2O,, and leaves no deposits. Another simple trick that I like is to rinse the tank with a mint or wintergreen mouthwash after cleaning. When distilled water is added, the mint lends a pleasant scent to the air you are breathing. I have been using CPAP for over 25 years, and have never had any mineral, mold, or bacteria built-up in mask, hose, ot humidifier. And I tend to be quite lax with cleaning.