UV light cleaners - good or bad?

[djfro]

I just placed an order with Apria for CPAP supplies and the CS person asked if I was interested in getting the new UV cleaners now available. I have done zero research on these cleaners and would like to get pro/con info on whether these are a good deal. 

Thanks in advance for all input.

[Crimson Nape]

Please review this thread: SoClean & other CPAP cleaning machines. While the thread I have listed is titled, "SoClean" it discusses all forms of CPAP disinfecting machines.  

Basically, plastics and UV light don't mix.  A UV retardant is required to be added to the plastic's recipe before it is molded.  Due to the added cost of the product, and the desire for repeat sales, I doubt if there is any, or enough, to withstand a direct assault on CPAP parts by UV light.  Also, if the UV light is strong enough to be effective, it will require eye protection and a protective enclosure to be used.  These and the O₃ (Ozone) generators are made to be sold and not for use.

- Red

[Sleepster]

Interesting that they call it a "cleaner". UV light doesn't "clean" anything. It disinfects. For a disinfectant to be effective, the surface you apply it to has to be clean. If you clean your CPAP gear it doesn't need disinfecting. It's all a gimmick.

[mesenteria]

If you just want to disinfect items, use bleach, vinegar, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, or sodium/potassium meta-bisulfite.   Each of those can be had for many years at the same cost of these devices, and they'll do less harm to the materials to which you subject them.  Metabisulfites cost about $3 for a 100 gram sachet that will last you years.  Available at DIY brewing or similar wine and beer outlets where they sell supplies.

I agree with the others that UV light will probably do the job, but it will also do a number...on the organic materials. 

[Phaleronic]

Do not use UV cleaners on your cpap equipment, it's part of the reason for foam degredation in the systems too.

[Sleeprider]

Profit item for the DME not covered by insurance. Expect to pay too much for an unneeded accessory of dubious values.

[RoRo]

It seems to me that use of UV or Ozone cleaners MAY kill surface bacteria, not to mention possible damage to you cpap equipment over time, but the bacteria they kill remains on the surfaces of the cpap equipment.  You would still need to wash your gear with soap and water in order to remove the gunk left behind from UV and ozone cleaners.

I'm sure this has been discussed many times on the boards, but I thought to mention it again in case you may have missed them.  In my experience (cpap user since 2013) hand washing with a mild detergent works best.

[upsman]

The way I look at these "cleaners" is if they were effective and necessary, all of the CPAP manufacturers would recommend them and most likely have a version of their own to sell.
None of them do.

[Crimson Nape]

Since a CPAP basically takes the ambient air that you normally breathe and adds a little kick to it, where are all the extra germs that need killing coming from?  

- Red

[Gideon]

Read the instructions for these devices.
Paraphrased "before using 'cleaning' device clean per manufactures instructions."

Not needed in addition to damaging our devices. ResMed states the use of such devices voids the warranty.