Any CPAP users have a SoClean or similar device?

In My Humble Opinion
1

I have a CPAP but I never clean it. I used to but I stopped cleaning it years ago with no noticeable side effects. Lately, I’ve started to feel lingering doubt about my decision but I’m still lazy.

Do any of you hoseheads have a device like a SoClean (or similar) that does the work for you? If so, what do you think of it?

2

Mr. CelticKnot uses a CPAP and is very lax about cleaning it. He hasn’t gotten sick, but he gets pimples where the mask and the harness touch his face. I would love to know if this is common, and how to prevent it.

3

I use a nasal pillow type mask and have a felt wrap around where the silicone would touch my face. I haven’t had any acne issues.

4

I posted about SoClean a year and a half ago if you want to read my thread. Not too many replies but they are good quality:

https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=864429

I ended up not buying a cleaner. I clean my hoses, nasal pillow, tank, and large filter with soap & water followed by a 30 minute 1:5 vinegar:water soak every 2 weeks. I change the small filter every 2 weeks. I wash my headgear in the laundry every 2 weeks. I remove and wipe down the gasket in the humidifier when it looks funky. I replace the nasal pillow whenever I remember.

So far so good going on 3 years now.

5

Does he wash the headgear and/or the mask? You can wash the headgear in the laundry. I put mine in a “delicates” bag and add it to the cold water load. It dries quickly but I have two and swap them every 2 weeks.

You can use baby wipes to wipe the mask. Or like facial cleaning wipes. I wouldn’t use anything that might have ingredients that could affect the silicone. Like nothing that fights acne that would have peroxide or salicylic acid. Just gentle wipes, maybe makeup removers.

6

I had been pretty lax about cleaning and ended up with some sort of skin infection on the edge of my nose where the nasal pillows fit. So I got a Rescomf CPAP Ozone Cleaner for my CPAP. Quick and easy to use. No skin problems since.

About $40 on Amazon.com or from about $27 on EBay where I bought mine.