# Any CPAP users have a SoClean or similar device? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 28, 2020, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-cpap-users-have-a-soclean-or-similar-device/850515 "2020-03-28T16:07:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Nars\_Glinley](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nars_glinley/32/8177_2.png) [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2020, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-cpap-users-have-a-soclean-or-similar-device/850515/1 "2020-03-28T16:07:18Z")
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? ---
**Author:** ![CelticKnot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/celticknot/32/3392_2.png) [@CelticKnot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CelticKnot)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2020, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-cpap-users-have-a-soclean-or-similar-device/850515/2 "2020-03-28T17:19:20Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Nars\_Glinley](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nars_glinley/32/8177_2.png) [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2020, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-cpap-users-have-a-soclean-or-similar-device/850515/3 "2020-03-28T17:33:17Z")
> [@CelticKnot](#): > > 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. 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. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2020, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-cpap-users-have-a-soclean-or-similar-device/850515/4 "2020-03-28T18:23:46Z")
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](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. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2020, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-cpap-users-have-a-soclean-or-similar-device/850515/5 "2020-03-28T18:27:58Z")
> [@CelticKnot](#): > > 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. 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. ---
**Author:** ![Iggy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iggy/32/3364_2.png) [@Iggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iggy)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2020, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-cpap-users-have-a-soclean-or-similar-device/850515/6 "2020-03-28T20:09:03Z")
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](https://www.amazon.com/Sterilizer-Sanitizer-Tubing-Suitable-Household-Sterilization/dp/B07QGZJKR6/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=rescomf+cpap+cleaner&qid=1585425943&sr=8-7) for my CPAP. Quick and easy to use. No skin problems since. About $40 on [Amazon.com](http://Amazon.com) or from about $27 on EBay where I bought mine.