SoClean & other CPAP cleaning machines

[TomfromTexas]

I just got my machine.. should I just clean all the parts the like tube and mask with soap and water?

[Crimson Nape]

TomfromTexas,
Yes! Your goal is to remove any facial oils and body fluids that may transfer during use. Water that is no hotter than feels comfortable to the skin and a gentle soap is all that is needed. Some mask parts are made from low temp plastic (plastic that melts at a very low temperature) so using hot water is a No-No.

[hegel]

I have a So-Clean and I like it a lot. I wipe my mask with baby towelettes each morning to remove oils etc.; The So-Clean does the rest. I've had mine for over four years and there is no degradation from ozone caused to tubing or mask or machine. I bought mine when I had an older machine that left rain in the tubing. My concern was that wet tubing and humidifier tank might be a warm place for germs or worse to grow. Many feel this is overkill. My dme however suggested that warm water is a good environment for nasties. Think of mold in your shower. The So-Clean takes care of this.

That said, my new machine with a much improved humidity sensing device has eliminated rain in my tube. I still use the So Clean. I think that people who live in high humidity areas might benefit from this device.

[PaytonA]

hegel

How often do you replace your supplies?

Mask
Cushions
Hose

Best Regards,

PaytonA

[hegel]

double post

[hegel]

I changed my headstrap after three years of so--who can remember?--because it had stretched. I changed my hose after about four years, "just because". I change my swift nasal pillows every three months, just as I did before getting the SoClean.

Have you found that the soclean causes your stuff to deteriorate?

[PaytonA]

I don't use the SoClean. Was just wondering how long stuff had to deteriorate if that was going to happen. Using the hose for 4 years does not sound like any deterioration was going on. Thanks for the info.

Best Regards,

PaytonA

[archangle]

Note that ozone may kill germs, but it doesn't actually remove dirt, oils, etc.

To me, "clean" means remove "dirt," not just kill germs.

[wnorm]

Does anyone have a water problem with the Soclean 2 check valve? I use the new check valve for a month or less and then it fills with water. I called the company last month and they sent me a new one without charge. Then the same thing happened again. My Soclean unit is 2 years old.I have always followed the guidelines perfectly. For the first year of using the machine this never happened.

[trish6hundred]

Hi wnorm,
I think you are supposed to replace those check valves fairly regularly, but it sounds like you are already doing that, not sure why you keep having trouble with your SoClean2.
Hang in there for suggestions.