Anyone have experience with the SoClean Machine?

Posted by Errol, Alumni Mentor @duvie, Apr 1, 2018

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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Health Support Group.

Just started CPAP therapy in December of 2019. I purchased a SoClean machine at the same time. During my followup appointment on 1/24/20, I was informed that ResMed, the company that makes my CPAP will no longer warranty their machines if they are connected to any type of ozone producng cleaning machine.$450 out the window!

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I've been on three different ResMed bi-pap machines over the last 15+ years, and cleaning them has not been a part of my program, and have had no incidences. I believe these cleaning devices, just recently noticed, are another way to get in your pocket. I don't wash everything daily and go through the protocol suggested, but I do tidy things up from time to time. Return the cleaner with the letter and demand your money back...

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@mmarsh

Just started CPAP therapy in December of 2019. I purchased a SoClean machine at the same time. During my followup appointment on 1/24/20, I was informed that ResMed, the company that makes my CPAP will no longer warranty their machines if they are connected to any type of ozone producng cleaning machine.$450 out the window!

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Interesting! I've had my Resmed Air 10 for over 3+ years. It has traveled with me on my frequent trips and used at home consistently. No mechanical or functional issues have been experienced as yet. I have been using the SoClean machine for nearly two years.
What is interesting is while the machine is approachong its useful life I have reduced my respiratory infection from quite frequent to rarely occurring. Let the evidence speak for itself.

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Love mine. Use it every dayl

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@sandytoes14

@duvie Thank you for the good info on SoClean. My husband uses CPAP and we have been considering purchasing this cleaning device. Cleaning the hose with vinegar is a brilliant idea and at this point an affordable option.

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I have been using water and vinegar and it does work well. Does anyone have a problem with trying to make the mask go back to 0 before starting it up at night?

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@johnbishop

Hi @maryjoanncosta, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I have the SoClean 2 machine and love it. I'm sure you would need an adapter but I don't see one listed. if you have a local medical equipment store that would be a good place to stop and ask about the SoClean machine and if it supports or has an adapter for the Phillips Respironics Trilogy100 machine. I did not see one on their website but I did see they had a number you could call and an email address.

https://www.soclean.com/support/soclean-support/soclean-compatibility/
-- Contact Us by phone at (866) 501-3705, or by email at info@soclean.com

It definitely makes the daily cleaning much easier.

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@maryjoanncosta, @johnbishop John you crack me up with the "own personal butler" comment above. I know your comment is from over a year ago, but I would just like to add that the SoClean customer support is awesome. I had broken a piece from the adapter for my old CPAP machine. I went to the website and noticed that they did not sell just the little hose piece with the diffuser I needed, with or separately from the adapter I had broken. I had used my SoClean2 for several years at that point, but since they did not offer the hose and diffuser I needed, they sent me free of charge, including shipping, the broken piece and a different adapter that came with the hose and diffuser attached even though I did not need that adapter. I only needed the little hose and diffuser from it. That is great customer service in my opinion!!

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@macjane

I have been using water and vinegar and it does work well. Does anyone have a problem with trying to make the mask go back to 0 before starting it up at night?

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Just FYI, @macjane & @duvie About 8 years ago when I received my first CPAP machine, I was instructed to use vinegar and water to sanitize my mask, hose, tank, etc. Ironically, on March 4th of this year, the day of your comment, I received a new CPAP machine, mask tubing, etc. because my other one had died. I was instructed that the newer masks and hoses are made of different materials than the older ones and that vinegar or dish soap are absolute No-No's. The current protocol is baby shampoo. I have to say the baby shampoo is a much more pleasant scent than the vinegar as the vinegar was always quite strong right after cleaning. I also use the SoClean2 and had on hand some of their neutralizing wash so I use that sometimes too. It has no odor at all. Hope this is of help to you!

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@mmarsh

Just started CPAP therapy in December of 2019. I purchased a SoClean machine at the same time. During my followup appointment on 1/24/20, I was informed that ResMed, the company that makes my CPAP will no longer warranty their machines if they are connected to any type of ozone producng cleaning machine.$450 out the window!

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@mmarsh I have used ResMed products with the SoClean2 and not had any issues. I have never heard of any issues with equipment malfunction or destruction from using the SoClean2, but I will now be doing some research. @johnbishop knows how much I love research and details. I have a Philips Respironics DreamStation now and have also had no issues with the SoClean2. Yikes, fortunately, I paid less than you did and had HSA money to burn. I would be interested to know what action you took--tried to return it, returned it, just kept it and not using it?

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@mmarsh

Just started CPAP therapy in December of 2019. I purchased a SoClean machine at the same time. During my followup appointment on 1/24/20, I was informed that ResMed, the company that makes my CPAP will no longer warranty their machines if they are connected to any type of ozone producng cleaning machine.$450 out the window!

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One more question, have you presented this letter to SoClean and asked for their feedback or what they would do in the case it could be proven that the SoClean damaged your equipment?

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@elwooodsdad

I've been on three different ResMed bi-pap machines over the last 15+ years, and cleaning them has not been a part of my program, and have had no incidences. I believe these cleaning devices, just recently noticed, are another way to get in your pocket. I don't wash everything daily and go through the protocol suggested, but I do tidy things up from time to time. Return the cleaner with the letter and demand your money back...

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@elwoodsdad @mmarsh I do not think a SoClean is a necessity, but regular cleaning is--washing mask, hose, and tank with baby shampoo or another gentle cleaner at least weekly. I'm not sure what you mean about tidying things up from time to time, but I suspect that you may develop a biofilm buildup in your equipment as I did when I have been lazy and left the same water in my tank for a week or not washed the equipment regularly. I agree that the cleaning process is a pain, and I have not always been compliant. I also agree that daily is a bit much, I only wash the nasal pillows/or mask every day due to oil buildup from my skin that makes them not stay in place and therefore leak. You do as you do, but I have serious allergies and don't want to risk getting sick from whatever might grow in there.

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