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.

Having a good discussion with your doctor, who by the way submits the Rx for macines and supplies, is wise. He and I have talked about what appears to be leaked which, actually, times yhat I've taken the mask off due to sinus congestion. I have seasonal allergies.
If you wish to disable irrelavant data collection, take out your data card for times you want run the machine. There is no penalty for that. My doctor looks at my data to see whether or not the treatment (using the CPAP) is being minimally complied with.
However, as I have previously written, the ozone dissipates very quickly. So, you really don't need to ventilate your equipment for long periods.
Thanks for raising your concerns. Wish you well.

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Hi, again. Taking out your data card is not tamoering with the card or the data. The data set record is secure.
My doctor prefers that I eject the SD card and bring it in for my periodic evaluations.
Ejecting the SD card is fairly easy and should be found in your CPAP manufacturer's user/guide book manual.
Wish you well.

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I had a SoClean 2 and now a SoClean 3. As someone pointed out, the machine only cleans bacteria and viruses not dirt and oils. I soap and water wash my equipment about once monthly. I should probably do it more. I know that ozone decontamination is effective. I’m going to trust from studies that this machine does what it is intended to do. As for the smell…. There is a noticeable ozone smell that dissipates within 10 minutes or so. I personally have never had an issue with the smell, but others might.

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@mpdavis59

I had a SoClean 2 and now a SoClean 3. As someone pointed out, the machine only cleans bacteria and viruses not dirt and oils. I soap and water wash my equipment about once monthly. I should probably do it more. I know that ozone decontamination is effective. I’m going to trust from studies that this machine does what it is intended to do. As for the smell…. There is a noticeable ozone smell that dissipates within 10 minutes or so. I personally have never had an issue with the smell, but others might.

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Welcome @mpdavis59, I also just upgraded my older SoClean 2 for a SoClean 3. To be honest I have never noticed the ozone smell that others have. I wash my equipment about the same as you do. I like that the SoClean 3 has an air refresher cycle that you can run after you do the maintenance cycle which is another way to get rid of any lingering smell.

How long have you been using a CPAP?

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I have had the Resmed cpap and SoClean 2 cleaning machine for a couple of years, used without incidents. Recently I was diagnosed with a lung infection and I've also been having problems with my eyes hurting and am thinking it could be the equipment, but I'm pretty conscientious about making sure it's all clean. I know the Phillip cpaps were recalled due to medical issues rising out of their use, but has anyone experienced problems with the Resmed?

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@maryft

I have had the Resmed cpap and SoClean 2 cleaning machine for a couple of years, used without incidents. Recently I was diagnosed with a lung infection and I've also been having problems with my eyes hurting and am thinking it could be the equipment, but I'm pretty conscientious about making sure it's all clean. I know the Phillip cpaps were recalled due to medical issues rising out of their use, but has anyone experienced problems with the Resmed?

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Hi Mary @maryft, I use a ResMed AirMini now after using a Dreamstation Go for several years. I have also used a SoClean 2 with both of them with no infection type issues. I now have a SoClean 3 that I like a little better because it has a little larger inside and easier to use with my full face mask. I have had issues with my eyes not hurting per se but more irrated due to air leakage around the top of my mask into my eyes. Eye drops seem to help a little if I use them just before bedtime and also in the morning after being up awhile. I'm not aware of any problems with ResMed equipment.

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I have been using a CPAP-resmed machine for over 10 years. At the beginning, I followed the instructions and washed everything in soapy water and then rinsed them. Early on, I developed mold in the tubing! It was hard to see and I didn't know how long it was there. My lung doc ordered x-rays but they were negative. I decided to wash my equipment weekly with 1part vinegar and 2 parts water. Then, I needed to use a nebulizer for a while and once again the instructions said not to use vinegar but to wash the parts in soapy water. I developed an infection in my mouth. I told my lung PA and she said to stick with the vinegar and water and not to buy one of the new machines to clean my CPAP. So, from now on, I will use the vinegar and water. I just had pneumonia and had to use my nebulizer and thanks to the vinegar and water, I have had no problems. I hope this helps. Joan

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@mpdavis59; @johnbishop, @jmb73 and all...I've used the Resmed bi-pap for a couple of years now, after several years as a c-pap. I have some autonomic neuropathy and need a push to breathe in at times, so the b-pap does that and I love it. I need it and can feel the difference if I don't use it. I didn't use the machine after sinus surgery and had some HR events and multiple issues until I got back to the nighty use.

When I was first using the c-pap, I had difficulty with cleaning. I began developing chronic bronchitis which I am convinced was due to not getting the parts clean enough regularly. I have serious arthritis in my hands and wrists and can't clean this machine well. So, when I got the machine I have now, I bought a SoClean machine and am thrilled with it. I use it every morning, just put the mask attached to the hose, etc in the container and it's cleaned in a few minutes. There's a bit of an odor that dissipates within a few minutes. I wipe it all down a couple of times monthly and that's it. It's important to keep the filter changed and I change the nasal pillow I use instead of a mask every week or so.
I couldn't use the machine at all if not for the nasal pillow that allows me to be comfortable and breathe easily without the face covering that I can't tolerate. The hose is attached at the top of the frame, top of my head instead of the front of my face. That would drive me nuts! I also use a heated hose that warms the air a touch to make it more comfortable. And, have a water chamber to add humidity. It works wonders.

John, I'm ckg the SoClean tomorrow to see what improvements have come about. I'm thankful for that additional help so I can be sure the machine is clean. I'm not getting lung infections anymore like before the SoClean. That tells the story.

I haven't heard or read anything negative about the SoClean, just the odor that I don't mind and just leave the machine open a few hours to air out. I wish you well on your good sleep journey. elizabeth

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@johnbishop...Hello, John. I've spent the last hour or so ckg the SoClean 3 to see any improvements. How about sending a message with the reasons you like the 3 and the improvements, please. Also, I saw the SoClean room air purifier the looks pretty spiffy. It's on flash sale right now and I'm thinking it will help with my asthma issues. It says it removes dander, dust, mold, and viruses???? Your thoughts, oh wise one?
Thanks as always. Blessings to you, Elizabeth

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@ess77

@johnbishop...Hello, John. I've spent the last hour or so ckg the SoClean 3 to see any improvements. How about sending a message with the reasons you like the 3 and the improvements, please. Also, I saw the SoClean room air purifier the looks pretty spiffy. It's on flash sale right now and I'm thinking it will help with my asthma issues. It says it removes dander, dust, mold, and viruses???? Your thoughts, oh wise one?
Thanks as always. Blessings to you, Elizabeth

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Hi Elizabeth @wess77, Here is why I like the new SoClean 3 - larger bin for the mask, nice nightlight if you leave the cover open at night, easy to start the cleaning cycle manually or just let it go on it's preset timer when you close the lid, lastly they added a fresh air cycle that you can run after cleaning before you use the mask which supposedly gets rid of any smell.

I haven't looked into the SoClean air purifier but I think @sueinmn may have some good tips for what to look for in an air purifier. I have been thinking of getting one for my bedroom and possible one that can do most of my house but it hasn't reached the top of my todo list yet 🙂

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