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SoClean CPAP Cleaner/Sanitizer

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WorkingOnIt -1 point · over 6 years ago

Was using the SoClean2 faithfully 6-7 days a week for a couple of months. Then all of a sudden, I started developing a chapping rash on my nose and upper lip where my mask made contact. I stopped using the SoClean every day, and my rash went away. I have no proof it was the cause, but I cannot think of anything else.

I frankly, will go back to just using soap and water, and regain the space on my nightstand. I will part with this one cheaply, if someone would like to try it.

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MichaelRoder +0 points · over 6 years ago

What did you get for the unit? What is your CPAP model?

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Curtwa +0 points · over 2 years ago

I have had the exact same issue of what appears to be ozone chemical burns around my nostrils and strap contact points. Seems, we are supposed to remove the headgear and let it air out for at least 4 hours to allow ozone dissipation. As I write, my face is a mess from the ozone burns

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Sierra +0 points · over 2 years ago Sleep Patron

Phillips has had to recall nearly all their CPAP machines due to foam insulation breakdown. Ozone from cleaners like the SoClean are suspected of being the cause. CPAP manufacturers strongly recommend against using ozone cleaners. They are not necessary, and basically are a scam. I think they should be banned from being sold. See this thread:

https://myapnea.org/forum/philips-issues-a-recall-on-a-number-of-cpap-bipap-machine

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originaldiode +0 points · over 2 years ago

I have been using CPAP for 15 years, with a Resmed S9 and Resmed Mirage FX Nasal Mask. I bought a SoClean 2 about 6 years ago and never had any issues. I deep clean the mask and tube in 160 degree water and soap every week. I just upgraded to a Resmed S10 and SoClean 3 and for 6 months all was good. I started developing a rash around my nose and it burns when I put the nasal mask on. No clue what the cause is but I saw this thread. I also noticed in the SoClean 3 manual (see attached). I'm puzzled - I have been using this exact mask for 15 years and SoClean for almost 7 years and never had an issue - could Resmed have changed the formulation of the mask? I'll call SoClean as the instructions say to see what my next steps are.

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GuitarRebel +0 points · about 6 years ago

I've been using my SoClean 2 for close to 2 years. My observations and comments;

I read a ton of reviews both pro and con concerning the SoClean. There is a particularly long and informative thread on Amazon concerning the SoClean where I gleaned a lot of good info. I spoke with 2 sleep doctors, 2 clinical technicians and a local rep for my CPAP provider. Surprisingly, all were in agreement about the SoClean being safe and effective when used properly. Because I'm very particular about what I want going into my lungs, if I felt I was suffering any adverse effects from using the unit, I would set it aside and cut my losses. Thankfully, this hasn't been the case. There is so much misinformation about how to properly clean your CPAP that it can make your head spin. To the folks who never clean their hoses. Why? You're breathing your own germs into it with every breath. It makes perfect sense that those germs will accumulate over a short period of time and conceivably end up causing respiratory issues. If you haven't experienced any, good for you. My girlfriend is a smoker and not yet experienced lung cancer. An extreme analogy I know, but you're dealing with your lungs here. Some places recommend you clean your mask and hose every day, but it seems kind of impractical. Most CPAP users I've spoken with usually clean theirs once a week, but I don't even think cleaning your hoses weekly eliminates all the danger. Why? Because unless you let your hose dry completely (which normally could take days) you'll be inhaling leftover tapwater chemicals not yet evaporated. Ideally, it's best to alternate hoses, meaning you should have an extra one to attach while the freshly cleaned one dries. Another way around this is to buy a Hurricane CPAP Hose Dryer. This is a great investment. I use my SoClean every OTHER day and clean my masks and hoses generally once a week (I feel I could safely go for 2 weeks or more even) and place them in the Hurricane on a 2 hour dry cycle. I have an extra set to use that I remove from the Hurricane and attach to my CPAP before I put the freshly cleaned ones in to dry. I run my CPAP for about 5 minutes on SoClean days to minimize the slight odor. As an aside, I've gone from 208 lbs, to 182 lbs in the last year and exercise 2 or 3 times per week. I've also started eating better foods and smaller meal portions. The good night of sleep I get with my CPAP started this domino effect on my lifestyle and can do the same for anyone. Good luck with your therapy everyone!

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Jacob +0 points · about 6 years ago

Hello all, just wanted to ask a question on here. So, I just recently started using the SoClean for the first time, and after noticing the smell I got a weird taste in my mouth...is that normal? Because the taste is really throwing me off and it only started up after trying to use the mask after the first cleaning.

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Sierra +0 points · about 6 years ago Sleep Patron

The SoClean device generates ozone which is in turn used to sanitize the CPAP equipment. Ozone contains three molecules of oxygen instead of the usual two molecules in the stable form of oxygen. Ozone is toxic and an irritant to the respiratory system. We can easily smell it and it is kind of like chlorine from bleach. SoClean claims that the ozone breaks down to ordinary oxygen in about 2 hours. Is there any chance that you were using the cleaned equipment shortly after cleaning it before the ozone has had a chance to break down to oxygen? I don't use one of these things because I don't believe it is necessary. I also would be very worried that the highly reactive ozone would deteriorate CPAP components over time. However, if I was to use one, I would think it is best used in the morning right after you stop use of the CPAP, do the clean and then let it air out for the rest of the day before you use the equipment again.

SoClean is a bit evasive about the fact they are using ozone which is toxic to clean the equipment and calls it activated oxygen. I think they made that term up to avoid using the correct name which is ozone. Here are a couple of links to read to learn more about ozone and what SoClean says about it.

Ozone - Wiki

SoClean's take on using ozone

SoClean claims it is safe to use. However I would suggest it is not all that safe unless you allow sufficient time for all the ozone to dissipate and break down. In ozone form it is toxic.

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Jacob +0 points · about 6 years ago

I had let the mask rest in the SoClean for the two hour mandate from the booklet, although I didn't know anything about letting it rest outside the SoClean after the light turned green. I only had the mask on for like a minute or two before I noticed the smell. I took it off after I noticed the taste which was after another minute. Should I be heading out to a hospital right now?

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Sierra +0 points · about 6 years ago Sleep Patron

I suspect you only got a very slight amount of ozone if any at all. You will also smell ozone after a lightening storm, and people survive that. If you read the SoClean stuff they claim any smell is the result of ozone cleaning the mask and is not the ozone itself?? I would air dry it all day after it came out of the SoClean machine if it were me.

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edial +0 points · almost 6 years ago

I've got an unusual situation that I've not really seen described from anyone else. I have a Phillips DreamStation with a nose pillow and have used SoClean on and off for a few years. I'm diligent about cleaning my new parts as I install them, and wipe my nosepiece down before bed every night. I've always had that "smell" hours after treatment, but I do run the system for a while before bed and am pretty certain that any ozone gas has been neutralized or replaced. The residual material left behind is some sort of oxidation that I'm dealing with. I've noticed that at times when my humidifier is a little high and a drop of moisture drips into my nose, it will light my sinuses up like Hell's own fury (burns) and will wake me up. I also notice that where my nose touches the silicone or mask parts will also react and become inflamed, diagnosed as rosacea, but once I cease the ozone treatments, the condition clears up. My problem is not with the ozone but the residual material left behind from the process. I can't find anything on how to deal with this except for possibly bombarding it with extended ozone sessions, which I will try. Has anyone else experienced this?

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Sierra +0 points · almost 6 years ago Sleep Patron

I think the best way to decontaminate the ozone residuals would be to follow the ozone treatment with a vinegar wash, then another wash with water and a little bit of liquid dish washing detergent, and finally a thorough rinse with just water. Hang to dry thoroughly before use.

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Curtwa +0 points · over 2 years ago

I am suffering the same burns and my research says a minimum 4 hours of "airing-out" after sanitizing will allow the ozone residue to dissipate. My face is a mess and the rim of my nostrils a crusty sore

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DracoZaroff +0 points · almost 6 years ago

I'm new to CPAP treatment (it will be a month this weekend) but I did a lot of shopping around when I first got my machine. I checked the reviews on the So clean systems on Amazon and a lot of people complained about the ozone deteriorating their masks as well as some silicone parts in their machines. One reviewer even said that they were told by a Resmed rep that the use of So clean on their machine voids the warranty. I can't imagine why anyone would lie about this but it sounds like most of you haven't had any issues of the sort here.

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Sierra +0 points · almost 6 years ago Sleep Patron

I think the basic issue is that the SoClean is not really necessary. The advertisements on TV make it sound like you will get sick and die if you don't buy the SoClean machine. The problem is that even if the SoClean sterilizes your equipment, it is going to be just as contaminated as it was before you cleaned it, just a few minutes after you put the machine on. All that is necessary is to follow the instructions for cleaning that your CPAP machine recommends.

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