SoClean & other CPAP cleaning machines

[LookingForACleverHandle]

I had used a SoClean for about a year on my Remstar M. I'm usually very good mechanically, but managed to get the check valves, even with all the warnings and arrows, in backwards.  The pressure bent the connecting rod of little piston-pump inside , and I could not find a replacement pump, eventually losing interest in affixing a different pump to the machine. 

The residual mask/hose odor was "foreign" and "odd", but not particularly offensive.  I eventually got used to it, and even "liked" it.  I associated it with a "clean" smell. 

The above paragraphs seem a bit off-topic, but were included to indicate I did actually use, disassemble, and eventually abandon the SoClean.  

As far as where the ozone is actually pumped...

In my machine, the "supply" hose entered through an adapter on the mask supply hose close to the machine, then into a short flexible hose into the water chamber.  The mask went into the box. Pump started, ozone entered the water chamber, and flowed through the hose and mask.  I never noticed any odor when the machine was operating.  Note: My olfactory senses are not particularly sensitive...

SoClean in this way establishes no connection to the machine proper, or flow through the machine proper.  Yes, some ozone probably back-flowed into the machine, but would have to back-flow through the air pump inside the CPAP machine, which is unlikely.  Anything that got past the pump would eventually have to leak out through the CPAP air intake filter - which SoClean would have had to carbon-filter that to manage the ozone leakage.  They provide no such mechanism.

I have not seen any SoClean adapter that connects to the intake filter/port, or establishes flow THROUGH the machine.  Then again, I have not seen everything - kind of like me missing the arrows on the check valve assembly. 

FWIW...

[ejbpesca]

Thank you for the reply.  I too associate the smell of O3 (ozone) with clean.  It is the smell some think is the smell of rain when actually they are smell ozone produced by lighting.

I have used an ozone generator to eliminate bad odors in an old camper trailer.  It worked very well but I only used the device a few times and with great caution being out of the trailer while the machine was running and stay out for a day to allow the O3 to return to O2, but there would be a slight ozone smell present upon entering the trailer even after three days.

I will continue to investigate the SoClean and another brand where I think the hose and mask is placed in a bag with an ozone generator to get treatment.

[SamtheSham]

Good morning.  New member, but have been on CPAP/BIPAP for 6 years or more.

I have been using a 'SoClean' ozone cleaner for the last 5 years.  About 6 months ago, my Resmed10 began making numerous noises.  I called and was told that it needed replacing.  

During the replacement briefing, I was told that the ozone generated would eventually destroy the gaskets and seals inside my ResMed. The briefer suggested that I disconnect the hose, run it thru the SoClean, and wash out the reservoir separately.  I had used it for at least 5 years with no problems.  
Being basically lazy, I prefer just to toss the headset into the SoClean, set the timer, and let it clean the entire outfit, as it had for the last 5 years. 

 How do others clean their machines?

[PeaceLoveAndPizza]

Everyone has their own cleaning routine. Mine is the lazy man’s approach…

Cleaning
Mask surface - wiped daily with baby bum wipes whatever is on sale)
Mask, hose - soaked in warm soapy water every 3 months or so (I use Dawn or whatever is around)
Water chamber - soaked in warm soapy water every 6 months or so (I use distilled water nightly so no tap impurities)

Replacing
Mask cushion - usually once a year
Mask headgear - usually once a year
Heated hose, water chamber - still on the originals so about 5 years old and still going

Some comments on the use of SoClean. Some have used it for years with no difficulties, but testing has determined it breaks down the foam used in many (most?) CPAP machines. 

On the comments about your machine needing replacing. It may be something as simple as replacing the motor, which is about a 20 minute effort once you have the parts. Plenty of videos on YouTube showing how it is down. No reason not to take a new machine, especially if insurance is covering all or part of it as a backup CPAP is handy.

[Crimson Nape]

Hi SamtheSham!  -  

I have moved your post into the SoClean thread.   This is due to the amount of posts we get on this product.  For a better explanation, please see the SoClean Policy in the Forum Account Help section.

Here is a shortcut to this policy:  https://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread...discussion?

- Red

[Sleepster]

I have been using a 'SoClean' ozone cleaner for the last 5 years.  About 6 months ago, my Resmed10 began making numerous noises.  I called and was told that it needed replacing. 

That's about the lifespan of a CPAP machine, anyway. I'm surprised that you don't get an on-screen message each morning when you turn off your machine warning you that it has reached the end of its life expectancy.

Being basically lazy, I prefer just to toss the headset into the SoClean, set the timer, and let it clean the entire outfit, as it had for the last 5 years.

The instructions that come with the SoClean warn you not to do this. You still have to wash it with detergent and warm water to clean it and remove any accumulations of crud before you use the SoClean to sanitize it. And, this is the part that hurts, once you do clean it there is no need to sanitize it with ozone!

How do others clean their machines?

Cheap dish detergent (with no additives for skin care) and warm water. I wash the mask cushion to remove face oils then set it aside to dry. I rinse out the humidifier tub with warm water each morning, check for any accumulations of crud and wash with either the same detergent and water or perhaps some vinegar when necessary (usually only once a month or so), then set it aside to dry. I use a tube brush to clean the tubing with the same detergent and warm water, usually about once a month or so.