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Can anyone provide any feedback on the LUMIN utlra-violet CPAP cleaning device?

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Moondoggy +0 points · about 6 years ago Original Poster

I have been a CPAP user for 5 years now and I clean my mask, hose and water chamber in my RESMED S9 but not nearly as often as I should. I was asking my DME about the SoClean machine and the VirtuClean ozone cleaners and he said both work pretty well but they leave the mask smelling funny. Doing more research, I've seen many references made regarding the residual ozone causing breathing problems as well as other health issues so I've ruled out ozone cleaners.

Today, I learned of another cleaner called LUMIN CPAP cleaning device and I thought I would ask if anyone had any experience with this device that they would like to share?

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bfmccarthy +0 points · about 6 years ago

UV is known to damage plastics so I might be a little nervous about putting my mask and hose in there. Another thing is you are hoping some magical invisible light or gas will do something for you base on faith and data. We all know soap and water are miraculous in their ability to destroy germs. And another thing, OSA is a growth industry but do you think you could enter the market with a new CPAP machine and masks?? Not too likely BUT hey everybody is a germophobe these days so lets sell them a $300.00 machine and tell them they still have to clean their equipment weekly but this machine cleans everything daily. Buy a second humidifier chamber, hose, and mask then clean and swap at will. By the way how many people have died in the last 30 years from dirty CPAP equipment? If this was a real issue RESMED and PHILLIPS and everybody else would have cleaning machines. Just rinse your humidifier and mask every morning. DO the 30 minute soak once a week. Put your mask on and take a nap and put that $300.00 towards a nice cruise.

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OldArch +0 points · about 6 years ago

I too have been extremely curious. I've asked two different doctors (sleep specialists) and neither had an answer. I looked it up on the FDA and it is not sanctioned by them. If I could find any sort of credible evidence that they are safe and effective I would buy one in a heartbeat.

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Sierra +0 points · about 6 years ago Sleep Patron

I would be concerned about two things. One that the UV deteriorates the plastic and synthetic materials. The second would be that the disinfection would be a line of sight and parts in the shadows of the UV would not be disinfected.

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WarmheartedLazyHummingBird +0 points · about 6 years ago

I started CPAP therapy a year ago. My biggest concern was cleaning the machine. I'm an RN, and all CPAPs brought into our hospital from home must be checked by a Respiratory therapist first to make sure it is clean and works properly. The things we've seen come out of machine hoses...from thick mold to live roaches. I work 60-70 hours/week, and just didn't know how I would manage the cleaning. My Aetna insurance allowed me to buy the SoClean with my FSA account. I never smell the ozone after letting the machine sit closed for 2 hours as instructed. When I've traveled and been without the cleaner for even a day or two, soap and water don't do the same thing. My machine smells musty and stale until I get home to my SoClean again. Recently I was thrilled to find a small ozone cleaner on Amazon for $45 that is portable. I connect the hose to the cleaner and leave the mask attached and place them both in a plastic bag I tie closed with a string. Works pretty well. Ozone breaks down after a couple of hours to regular oxygen. After a year of use, my machine is fine, my hoses are fine, and my masks are fine.

If one has the time and energy to clean and dry their equipment properly.... Great. Many of us just don't. My sleep doc said I've most likely had OSA since I was a child... Yes, I've been tired that long and am now trying to catch up on 40+ hours of sleep. It's taken me a year to really get all the components to fit and create a successful result. I am so greatful for my SoClean... It keeps me and my husband both compliant with our therapy. And without finally getting diagnosed and on CPAP therapy a year ago...I honestly don't think I would have lived another year.

An extra note:. My husband couldn't stand the Dreamwear with the heavy hose attached directly to the top. We rigged up a smaller hose to transition between the regular ClimateAir and the DreamWear. Of course Phillips doesn't recommend it! But my husband is USING his machine now every night all night and his AHI is finally in the normal zone. And he looks & feels better.

You'd be amazed how often nurses and doctors are rigging up old supplies to create a new therapy. It doesn't always require the FDA's approval. The goal is improved patient outcomes.

My DME is completely worthless and only wants to collect the $$$ from the insurance companies. DME's will be the last cash cow struck down by insurance... Just as local pharmacies can't always compete with mail order pricing.

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Sierra +0 points · about 6 years ago Sleep Patron

I hear what you say, but let me respond with this. Of all the places I go, the one I fear the most when it comes to infections and disease, it is the hospitals. You probably know that when someone is going to be admitted to a hospital they do a questionnaire. One of the big questions is when you were in a hospital last. If it has been within the last year or so, all the red flags go up and you have to be tested for the superbugs. Why? Because the superbugs live in the hospitals despite all the disinfection precautions. If you have spent time in a hospital you are an infection risk.

So, yes I understand why hospitals have to be so careful, but despite being careful they are a hotbed for infections. I don't share that same concern with my CPAP that never leaves my personal care. I don't find the cleaning to be onerous or time consuming. The only bugs that my machine has are the same bugs that I already have. If a machine is going to be recycled the manufacturer provides detailed instructions on how to sterilize the machine for use by another person. Not necessary for repeated use by the same person. You do not catch a cold from yourself.

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