Hi @sdn60, There is a lot debate on the safety and a lot of people have mentioned the smell. I can honestly say it hasn't bothered me but I did notice the smell at first. The SoClean runs the Ozone generator for 2 minutes and then you have to leave it closed for 2 hours. I've found that it reduces the smell if I am able to open it up soon after the cleaning or sanitizing because it really doesn't clean - it just kills the bacteria, etc.. I used to leave it closed until I went to bed and then open it up and put on the mask. That's when I smelled it the most. I've had mine for a little over a year and would not go back to hand washing all the parts, the hose being the worse for me.

On a different note, I've always thought that they are way overpriced and it was all about the fear of getting sick if you don't use one. I recently ran across an Ozone cleaner that is a lot cheaper and small enough to travel with me if needed. I went ahead and ordered the deluxe model which includes the basic cleaner plus a tote that you can use at home to easily sanitize the humidifier tank as well as the CPAP machine if you want.
https://respify.com/collections/products
From the other point of view which I think is just as valid... my whole argument boils down to time is my most valuable asset and the cleaner saves me time that I can use for other things. This point explains that it's really not necessary if you do the normal maintenance - change filters as scheduled, and wash the mask, hose, humidifier tank regularly.

Using the CPAP Cleaners Soclean or Lumin
-- https://www.verywellhealth.com/do-you-need-a-cpap-cleaner-like-soclean-or-lumin-4171650