Buying guide for best soclean cpap cleaners
The advent of SoClean cleaner and sanitizer units has changed the game in the CPAP industry. These machines eliminate most of the bacteria and viruses lingering in the moist environment inside CPAP machines, and SoClean units only need to be hooked up once to the CPAP machine and don’t usually need to be disconnected until it’s time to replace the tubing.
While the SoClean base units are essentially the same, a few versions are available that include adapters for specific CPAP and APAP machines. This can make the hunt for the right SoClean machine a little bit confusing. Which unit is best for your specific CPAP? Do you need additional attachments so that the SoClean works properly?
Our shopping guide to SoClean CPAP cleaners answers those questions and many more and provides the information you need to find the unit that best fits your situation. Take a look at our top picks when you’re ready to buy.
Key considerations
Size
SoClean CPAP cleaners take up about the same footprint as a standard CPAP machine, but they are almost twice as tall – next to the latest mini-size CPAPs, they look downright huge.
The SoClean needs to be placed close to the CPAP machine, meaning you’ll lose even more space on your nightstand. Many users consider this a fair trade-off in return for a cleaner CPAP and a much lower risk of sinus or respiratory infection.
Sanitizing method
The SoClean uses activated oxygen, better known as ozone, to sanitize the mask, tubing, and humidifier chamber of a CPAP machine. While this method is generally safe, especially if the cleaning instructions are followed closely – the ozone is contained within the unit and dissipates in a couple hours after the cleaning cycle ends – CPAP users with significant health concerns, particularly asthma or COPD, should talk to their doctor about using this cleaning method. (An alternate option offered by other manufacturers is sanitizing by ultraviolet light.)
Some materials, such as natural rubber and nylon, break down more quickly when exposed to high levels of ozone. Before purchasing a SoClean unit, check to make sure that your CPAP model is compatible with the SoClean cleaner and that its materials won’t be adversely impacted by the ozone.
Importantly, having a SoClean doesn’t end the need to wash out the CPAP humidifier chamber, tubing, and mask. These parts still need to be washed regularly to keep biofilm from building up on the interior surfaces. The SoClean provides additional sanitizing, killing bacteria in spots that you might miss when washing the items by hand.
Expert Tip
The SoClean won’t operate if the mask and hose aren’t in the chamber, if the hose slot plug is missing or out of place, or if the chamber isn’t closed completely.
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SoClean CPAP cleaner features
Injection fitting
The injection fitting attaches the SoClean to your CPAP machine and is threaded onto a length of hose that extends from the SoClean unit. One end of the hose is inserted into the CPAP machine’s water reservoir so that it just touches the bottom of the tank. The injection fitting is sized to fit the CPAP tube connector. It serves as a sturdy support for the SoClean hose.
Check valve assembly
Located halfway along the SoClean unit’s hose, this keeps water from the humidifier chamber from flowing into the SoClean unit. It should be checked regularly, at least once a month. If you can see water through the clear plastic tubing, the assembly must be replaced.
Filter cartridge
This rectangular plastic cartridge fits inside the SoClean chamber and helps filter particles during the cleaning cycle.
Hose slot plug
This seals the SoClean chamber opposite the side from which the CPAP tubing and mask enter.
Other features
Digital clock and timer: This enables you to schedule the daily SoClean cleaning cycle.
Manual setting: The SoClean unit can be run outside of its scheduled time by pressing a button on the control panel.
Neutralizing prewash: This helps remove perfumes from other sanitizing wipes and soaps and manufacturing residue from replacement CPAP equipment.
Indicator lights: These signal the status of the sanitizing cycle.
Expert Tip
The SoClean sanitizer can leave behind a slight odor after the cleaning cycle. Get rid of this by turning on your CPAP and letting it blow air through the tubing for about five minutes before putting on your mask.
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SoClean CPAP cleaner prices
SoClean 2 cleaner and sanitizer units use the same cleaning chamber, with a few variations in accessories (mainly adapters for specific CPAP units). These generally retail for $319, although they can be found at resellers for as little as $249. Units with specific adapters might be $50 to $100 higher, retailing at $400 or more.
Tips
- Trim the end of the humidifier feed hose if necessary. Make sure it fits inside the humidifier chamber correctly.
- Leave the mask and hose in the SoClean chamber after sanitizing. They should remain in the SoClean chamber for two hours after the sanitizing cycle ends so that the ozone dissipates completely.
- Use the prewash correctly. Use the included prewash according to the instructions printed on the bottle to remove soap residue or perfumes from other cleaners and before using the SoClean for the first time.
- Wipe away dust and debris from the outside of the SoClean periodically.
- Replace the check valve assembly and the filter cartridge every six months.
FAQ
Q. My SoClean 2 unit leaves a weird smell in the CPAP mask and tubing after the cycle is complete. Is this harmful? How can I get rid of it?
A. The odor you smell after a sanitizing cycle is residual activated oxygen (ozone). To reduce or eliminate this odor, be sure to leave the mask and tubing in the SoClean chamber for a full two hours after the cycle completes. Before putting on your CPAP mask at night, turn on the CPAP and let air flow through the tubing and mask for at least five minutes. Or wash out the mask, tubing and humidifier chamber using the prewash solution before starting the SoClean cycle to remove any residual perfumes or soaps that can trap ozone molecules.
Q. Will using a SoClean mean I can replace my CPAP tubing and nasal pillow less frequently?
A. While a cleaner might help a nasal pillow last a bit longer, it isn’t recommended that you change the replacement schedule. Other factors, such as mask deterioration due to the oils naturally secreted by the skin, determine how long this equipment lasts.
Q. What do the indicator lights mean on the SoClean unit?
A. SoClean sanitizers use a red-yellow-green indicator scheme to tell you at a glance whether the cycle has run or not. A red light means the cycle is currently running. A yellow light means the cycle has finished, but the mask and tubing are being sanitized in the chamber. A green light means all components of the CPAP have been cleaned and sanitized.
Q. Is it difficult to change the time that the cleaning cycle starts?
A. SoClean is preset to start its seven-minute cleaning cycle at 10:00 a.m. daily. This setting can be quickly changed by pressing the timer button (typically an hourglass icon next to the digital clock display) and the + or - button to set the new start time.
Q. The clear plastic tubing in the check valve has some condensation inside it. Does this mean the tubing needs to be replaced?
A. Keep an eye on the check valve if you see condensation because it could be approaching the end of its service life. If you see water in the clear tubing, it’s definitely time to replace the valve.
Q. If I smell ozone around the SoClean unit when it’s running, is that something to worry about?
A. Double-check the unit and make sure the lid is completely shut and that the hose plug is securely in place. If a small amount of ozone escapes while the unit is in operation, make sure the room is well ventilated so the ozone can dissipate. Ozone (O3) molecules tend to revert to oxygen (O2) molecules within a short time.
