SoClean & other CPAP cleaning machines

[srlevine1]

@Melman

I use a CONTROL III, a hospital-grade disinfectant soak every three months with weekly cleanings with Dawn Dishwashing Detergent. Am I wasting my time, effort, and money using Control III? It was recommended by my DME and seemed like a good idea at the time. Thanks, -- steve

[SideSleeper]

This has probably been mentioned--I just didn't see it in re-reading some of the posts.  Resmed states in their newer literature that using an ozone cleaner will void your warranty.

[JimInPT]

This has probably been mentioned--I just didn't see it in re-reading some of the posts.  Resmed states in their newer literature that using an ozone cleaner will void your warranty.

That's true, but three years in, my Airsense 10 has been working fine with my SoClean 2 since the first week  (which I use every single morning) and Resmed's warranty expired after two years anyway.  I've had no problems and while many here will disagree, I find I don't have to undertake the drudgery of manual cleaning; the SoClean keeps everything sanitized and odor-free.  I don't sneeze or otherwise put schmutz backwash into my nasal pillows or tubing; I'm sure that's a big part of it.

A few months after I went on CPAP, I had to be away from home for 10 weeks with my CPAP machine but didn't have room to bring the SoClean.  My stuff started to smell and get unattractive in about two weeks and I found myself having to wash everything every 10 days to two weeks without SoClean.  Pain in the butt.  Over two years later, after returning home, I haven't had to wash it once and I am VERY slow to change the consumables, using everything far beyond the recommended change-out schedules. 

So take all that for the anecdotal evidence it is.  IMHO, thumbs-up for the SoClean from me, but I'm ok with those who think it's a scam - nobody is forcing its purchase.  Their "filter units", though, are a scam at the prices they charge.  Just get some 1/2" thick activated-charcoal sheets from Amazon for 10 bucks, pry off the top of the filter holder and cut a piece to fit.  You'll have a lifetime supply of replacement filters for 10 bucks that way.

[hegel]

Thanks Jim that's been my experience as well to a T. 

The people who hate ozone cleaners ahve a "my way or the highway" attitude in some cases: "plain "ol soap and water works for me; why not you?" It's a big 'ol world! 

I used a So clean for many years,and now use a cheaper ozone cleaner. I've had zero problems with my machines or my masks over about 17 years. To paraphrase Groucho Marx, who am I gonna believe, people who've never used so clean, or my own nose?

[Maskman888]

Seems like more and more concerns regarding Ozone degrading CPAP machines are coming up. Most are related to the frequency that they being recommended to be used by So-Clean and other manufacturers. if you have it, use in moderation.

[Gideon]

And be sure to follow their instructions which is to" clean per the Mfg suggestions". Do note that after that the SoClean, or other, is not needed.

[Maskman888]

The problems with using it as per manufacturer recommendation is that both ResMed and Philips have indicated that it damages the CPAP internally. Especially when used everyday which is what So-Clean recommends.  For ResMed, your warranty will be voided.

[SarcasticDave94]

Correct, so I avoid SoClean and my warranty is intact.

[Hydrangea]

Considering that:
- The DreamStation 1 has suddenly been cancelled and swept under the rug due to degradation of the foam inside (IF exposed to heat & humidity, etc.), which can cause some sort of foam flakes to come into the humidifier tub.  (My summary of what I've read here.)
- The ResMed Airsense 10 Autoset has (for some people here) put off a burning smell after several hours of use, and resulted in white flakes that seem to be singe-ing inside of the machine.

Has anyone proposed the possibility that SoClean (or other ozone cleaners) could potentially be causing these problems?

I especially began wondering this when I thoroughly read the reports about the problem that supposedly caused Phillips to stop selling the DreamStation 1.  It makes sense to me that SoClean and other non-recommended supposed-cleaners could potentially cause this degradation and damage.  And then I remembered the ResMed issue, which seems like a plausibly somewhat similar scenario.  

Anyone else have any thoughts on this?  I'd love to hear from people who have experienced either of these situations, and find out if they use non-recommended cleaners such as SoClean, etc. (I have not personally experienced either of these issues with either my DS1 nor my ResMed 10. And I do not use any non-recommended cleaners.)

[GuyScharf]

Philips has said that degradation of the foam could be caused by unapproved cleaning methods, including ozone. And ResMed has said use of an ozone cleaner may void their warranty.

So I think both companies have already implied that ozone cleaners will damage their products.