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Anyone have experience with the SoClean Machine?
Hello Everyone,
Many of us who use a CPAP, BiPAP, or other breathing devices have maybe been curious about a SoClean machine that has been advertised on TV quite a bit. I'm not sure but I would imagine that it could also be used for a Trilogy machine or any device which has the same size hoses if their equipped with a water reservoir. We purchased one out of pocket because our insurance did not cover it. It has a certain smell to the hoses after cleaning that many people say is hard to get used to. In the beginning we would disconnect the SoClean and let our BiPAP run for an hour or so to help remove any smell.
Some people say it has a clean smell to it while others say it takes some getting used to but eventually they do get used to it. Knowing that their equipment is free of bacteria gives a sense of comfort.
It works by a small hose coming off the adapter and being placed into the water reservoir oxygenating the water. No drops or chemicals in the water.
The last 2 times Lilbit has been hospitalized we have used our own BiPAP machine in the hospital because Lilbit prefers her own mask. We also brought the SoClean machine to the hospital and the Drs, nurses, and respiratory therapist were all curious how it worked. One therapist asked if we thought it actually cleaned everything. I replied, I don't know we just have to rely on the FDA information. Has anyone else been interested in the SoClean machine?
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I have been using a CPAP machine for 13 years. I washed my nasal pillows each morning and changed tubes and other components every 4 to 6 months. I would sometimes clean around the intake nozzle and other accessible areas with 91% alcohol. I've had colds and other upper respiratory issues from time to time but there's no indication that the CPAP machine got me sick.
Nonetheless, I decided to get the SoClean 2 about four months ago. I now wash my nasal pillows about once every 7-10 days, which is far more convenient. I do this because SoClean is a sanitizer but won't remove facial oils. The machine works fine. I have it set to run for 10 minutes at 10 am every day. The ozone cycle can be set to run for anywhere from 7 to 12 minutes. When running, it makes a loud buzz such that you probably would want to be in another room. This is the voltage passing over the plates and converting oxygen in the air into ozone. After that, you leave the lid sealed for 2 hours so the ozone fully permeates your CPAP machine and kills all living bacteria and viruses by oxidation.
Some folks complained of a smell or brown discoloration of their mask after the first few uses but I never experienced either of those issues. I think the trick is to follow the instructions from SoClean: use the provided fragrance-free soap to thoroughly clean your mask and if feasible, use new tubes and generally clean your machine as best as possible prior to setting up your SoClean 2. You will get better results. If your machine is dirty and you run SoClean with it like that from the start, you may smell oxidation related to the ozone attacking residual bacteria or simply grime. I suspect that the discoloration issues might be related, too.
I've been very pleased with my SoClean 2 though as noted, I did without an automated sanitizer for many years so it's more of a luxury than anything else. Or maybe you can think of it as extra insurance, since it will run ozone all through the machine, tank, and hosing. Remember, though, using SoClean doesn't mean you never again wash your mask. You'll still want to do that periodically, if only to remove surface oils.
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2 Reactions@rickatl - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Sounds like you've learned a lot in your experiences with your CPAP, and thanks for sharing this information on cleaning them and your thoughts on it getting you sick.
How is your sleep apnea at this point? Are the nasal pillows working well for you?
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1 ReactionI read many cautioning articles regarding the So-clean & toxic ozone exposure. I am looking @ the 3B LUMIN CPAP cleaner that is ozone free & uses UV that sanitizes to 98+ germ removal. It retails at $249. Have any of you heard about it? Welcome advice. Thanks !
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1 ReactionHi @cloe001, I had not heard about it. It does sound interesting from the review I found and it's cheaper so that's a couple of things going for it for me. Not being able to clean the inside of the hose is a big no for me...I hate washing the hose and it was one of the reasons for me to purchase the SoClean 2. One of the comments in the review - The Lumin has not been approved by the FDA to sanitize the hose. This is because not every hose is the same so it is still better to clean your hose by hand. I'm sure it would be a good choice and I might re-evaluate. A downside for the SoClean 2 is changing the filter every 6 months at $36 a pop.
VirtuClean vs SoClean 2 vs Lumin CPAP Cleaner
-- https://www.sleeprestfully.com/blog/virtuclean-vs-soclean-2-vs-lumin-cpap-cleaner/
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2 ReactionsI’ve been looking at it too & after researching all of them I think this will be the best choice. I’m on the fence because so many people say why waste your money...just clean it yourself. Talk me into buying it. I want it & need a nudge. Thanks for taking time to read this!!
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1 ReactionThat's easy @cloe001 ☺ Time is money (or can be). I just don't need 2 or 3 more things to do for my morning routine. I cleaned mine for a week before I bought one. The corker was not getting all of the water out of the hose even though it air dryed all day - big surprise for me when I put the mask on and turned it on...got spritzed. I know it's not terribly hard to clean the mask, hose, humidifier, etc, but I just don't like doing it. I would much sooner sleep another 30 minutes or so. That's it, sorry that's my best shot at convincing. Oh, except I've wasted money on worse things ☺
Happy Zzzzz's (sorry for borrowing your tagline @thankful !)
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2 Reactions@cloe001 My husband uses the CPAP. I'm the one who suggested he get the SoClean. He wasn't the best with keeping the mask and hose clean (so you know it fell on me))
Because he has really bad allergies, I ordered the So Clean. We are both very glad I did. So there is my nudge!
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1 ReactionThanks to both of you!!!! I’m going over to my WalMart app & ordering one now.
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1 ReactionBefore using the SoClean2 daily I used to get sinus infections at least twice a year during allergy season. I've been using it for a year and a half and do far I haven't had one infection. I also do Nettie's nightly before using my machine, but I did that previously to getting the SoClean.
I have had a CPAP for years and grew tired of having to clean everything on a daily basis. The Soclean allows me to throw everything into it and let it run. When it's done I pull the humidifier, empty it and let it dry. I have a nasal pillow mask so I simply pull off the nasal pillow before I put it in the Soclean and use mask wipes on it. I have a heated hose as well. Once a week I wash everything with soap and water. I also use a nasal rinse every morning.