Pre-Sale

1. Does the NHS cover the SoClean?
At this time the SoClean is not covered under health insurance.

2. Will the SoClean work with my CPAP machine?
The SoClean will work with most CPAP machines. Please check our compatibility chart.

3. Will the SoClean work with my CPAP mask?
The SoClean will work with most CPAP masks. There are a few full size masks that will not fit in the SoClean. If you have any questions you can call us.

4. Are there supplies that have to be changed with SoClean?
Yes, every six months of normal use, the filter and check valve need to be changed. The filter and check valve come together in a kit and can be ordered at this link.

SoClean CPAP Cleaner and Sanitiser

1. Can I keep the SoClean permanently attached to my CPAP machine, or should I detach the SoClean each night and then plug in my CPAP hose?
You should not have to disconnect anything – that is the wonderful thing about the SoClean. Once you have it set up, you can leave it until you have to replace your CPAP hose. In some cases when used with a heated hose adapter, you may have to disconnect the water chamber to fill with water.

2. Can I position the SoClean on a shelf below my CPAP machine, or does it need to be level with my CPAP?
Preferably the SoClean cleaner and sanitiser should be level with your CPAP so the flow is easier, but you can put it on a shelf below your CPAP. You will have enough hose length. If you do put it below your CPAP unit, we ask that you periodically look at the check valve assembly to make sure there is no water in the clear tube, as this can harm you SoClean unit. If you do see water, you should replace the check valve assembly.

3. Can I insert the small tube under water during cleaning? Or is the reservoir supposed to be dry during cleaning?
If you have water in your reservoir, the tube needs to be submerged in order to get the activated oxygen to clean the water. However, you can also run the SoClean without water in the reservoir.

4. Does the small hose that goes into my water chamber affect my CPAP air pressure or act like a leak?
The small hose would have a minimal effect (if any) on your CPAP machine air pressure. In rare cases, if you have a BiPAP or APAP machine, a heated hose adapter may be required to ensure proper pressure. The small hose does not act like a leak.

5. Can I position the SoClean on a shelf below my CPAP machine, or does it need to be level with my CPAP?
Preferably the SoClean cleaner and sanitiser should be level with your CPAP so the flow is easier, but you can put it on a shelf below your CPAP. You will have enough hose length. If you do put it below your CPAP unit, we ask that you periodically look at the check valve assembly to make sure there is no water in the clear tube, as this can harm you SoClean unit. If you do see water, you should replace the check valve assembly.

6. How long will the SoClean machine last?
We warranty the SoClean for two years. However, in our testing we simulated running the machine for over 5 years and experienced no issues.

7. Do I need to replace any SoClean parts?
Yes. Once every six months or so (depending on run times), the check valve and the filter need to be replaced. These items are sold together in a kit; the machine is programmed to tell you when these are needed.

8. Can I use the SoClean CPAP Cleaner and Sanitiser with two CPAP machines?
The SoClean is designed to stay connected to one CPAP machine. You can clean two CPAP machines; however, you will need to disconnect and reconnect your CPAP equipment. This would be extremely cumbersome and not recommended.

9. Can I use the SoClean to sanitise anything other than my CPAP equipment?
No. Only the CPAP mask with the head gear should be placed into the chamber of the SoClean.

10. When using SoClean, how often should I replace my CPAP equipment?
The SoClean Automated Sanitising Machine is designed to keep your CPAP equipment free from contaminants. The SoClean is not designed to extend the life of your CPAP equipment or accessories.NOTE: SoClean recommends that CPAP patients adhere closely to the recommended replacement schedule of their CPAP equipment as set forth by their doctor, insurance company, and DME. Deviating from the recommended replacement schedule of a patients CPAP equipment can and will cause problems with a patient benefiting from effective, compliant CPAP therapy.

Why do we say this? Please note a quote from SoundOxygen… ‘Some people will go through cushions or nose pillows faster regardless of how often or thoroughly they clean them due to the fact that their face produces more oils than others. On the other hand, if someone washes their cushion daily it may ‘last‘ for several months. Just because it lasts, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be replaced though. Running shoes are a good analogy for CPAP supplies. One runner runs outdoors, on a trail that is dirty. The other runs on a treadmill. The first runner’s shoes will get dirty in one day, he may wash them and they will become clean but they are still essentially new in their ability provide support and cushioning. However, a treadmill runner can run for several years before his shoes begin to look dirty. Yet, their ability to provide support and cushioning is gone even though the shoe looks clean. As time passes, the trail runner can easily know he needs new shoes just by looking. Yet the treadmill runner just needs to try on a pair to fully realize that his shoes are worn out even though they look new. Your CPAP mask can be the same way. Just because it looks clean and keeps a seal doesn’t mean that it doesn’t need to be replaced.‘

Please note another quote. This time from CPAP Supply USA… ‘Many CPAP and BiPAP users don’t realize that most of the supplies associated with sleep therapy are designed to be disposable. Masks, tubing, filters, and head gear are not designed to last extreme amounts of time, and using them past their recommended life span can actually jeopardize your CPAP therapy. Delicate silicone mask cushions can develop leaks, clogged filters can allow dust and pollen to be delivered into your airway, and over-stretched headgear can require extreme tightening, causing pressure point pain.‘ For guidelines on when to order your CPAP equipment, please see the table below for Medicare’s schedule or call your insurance company to see when you would be eligible for new supplies. (Many insurance companies follow Medicare’s resupply schedule)

Allow SoClean to keep your new CPAP mask, tubing, head gear and water chamber disinfected and safe to use every day. SoClean uses activated oxygen to destroy 99.9% of germs and bacteria that can harbor in your CPAP equipment. Used once a day the SoClean will keep your CPAP equipment safe and free from contaminates.

SoClean — How to Use

1. Will the SoClean CPAP cleaner and sanitiser work with my heated humidifier?
Yes, there should be no problem with a heated humidifier, which is standard on most CPAP machines.

2. Can I still use the SoClean if I do not use a humidifier?
Yes, the SoClean works with or without out a humidifier. If you do not use a humidifier, the SoClean will sanitise the CPAP hose, mask and headgear.

3. Should I use distilled water to clean my CPAP equipment, as my CPAP manufacturer suggests? Or can I use tap water?
Distilled water should be used to clean your CPAP, as there are sediment and minerals in the tap water.

4. Will the SoClean work with my heated hose?
Yes, but you will need a heated hose adapter.

5. How long does the SoClean need to run?
We recommend you run the SoClean CPAP cleaner and sanitiser between 5-10 minutes each day. It comes preset at 7 minutes. If you are running your CPAP machine dry (with no water in the humidifier or no humidifier), then you can cut the time down to between 3-5 minutes. If you are experiencing the smell of oxidation, you may increase cleaning time to 12 minutes for a few weeks.

6. What size mask fits in the SoClean?
The SoClean chamber has a 5” X 5” opening and is 7” deep. Any CPAP mask under that size will fit.

7. Can I stop washing my CPAP equipment if I am using the SoClean?
Your CPAP equipment is completely sanitised every time you use the SoClean. However, the SoClean will not remove facial oils or dust or other foreign materials. You should hand wash your CPAP equipment with the pre-wash solutions every 5-6 weeks.

8. Does the SoClean get rid of facial oils on my mask?
The SoClean will inhibit facial oil build-up, but it will not remove the oils. Although the SoClean will sanitise and kill any germs, bacteria or other pathogens on your mask, some inert residue can be left behind. You may need to wipe off your mask from time to time, or even use the pre-wash provided.

9. If I wash my CPAP mask before putting it into the SoClean, does it have to be completely dry?
It is better to run the SoClean when your CPAP mask is completely dry.

10. Is it better to refill the reservoir before or after the SoClean runs? Does it make a difference?
You can refill your reservoir before or after use with the SoClean – it does not really make a difference.

11. Will I still need to replace the water in my CPAP reservoir while using the SoClean? Or should I just add water as needed?
It really is a personal decision; however, you can be assured that each time you run the SoClean, you are sanitising the water in the humidifier.

12. There is an oily residue on my mask. Is my mask deteriorating from ozone / activated oxygen?
It is probably oily reside as addressed above, not from ozone. The mask should be fine after cleaning.

Activated Oxygen

1. What is activated oxygen?
Activated oxygen also known as ozone, or O3 is defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary as: 1. a form of oxygen that is found in a layer high in the earth’s atmosphere. 2. fresh healthy air especially near the sea.

Activated oxygen is a three atom oxygen molecule. This three atom molecule is a colorless gas with powerful oxidising properties, formed from oxygen by electrical discharges or ultraviolet light. It differs from normal oxygen (O2) but over time or with forced filtration, will break back down to normal oxygen (O2) that we breathe.

Many become confused over the term ozone. There is good ozone and there is bad ozone. Most commonly used is bad ozone which is linked to high ozone alerts or smog alerts in certain areas of the world. This kind of ozone is mixed with toxic gases that can be breathed in. Good ozone is found in our upper atmosphere or you may smell the essence of ozone after a thunderstorm.

Activated oxygen (ozone) is known as one of the best and most effective means to natural disinfection. This process is commonly used in array of applications such as public water filtration, fruit and vegetable handling, hotel housekeeping, and hospital disinfection. Please see common FAQs to learn more about activated oxygen (ozone) or see activated oxygen in SoClean to learn how the SoClean safely disinfects your CPAP equipment.

2. Is ozone / activated oxygen really safe?
Activated oxygen, also called ozone or O3 occurs in nature. It is produced and used commercially in applications for sanitising produce, waste and drinking water. The SoClean is designed to keep the activated oxygen enclosed in your CPAP equipment and the secure chamber. And, when the sanitising process is complete, the ozone turns back into regular oxygen.

3. Isn't activated oxygen ozone?
Yes. These terms are interchangeable and mean the same thing.

SoClean and Activated Oxygen

1. Why do I smell ozone in my mask at night when the unit ran in the morning?
What you smell is not ozone; the equipment is being oxidised with activated oxygen, and that is what you smell – it is completely safe. Some suggestions to lessen the smell: 1) Increase the cleaning time to 12 minutes for a few weeks, then decrease to 7 minutes. 2) Blow air from your CPAP through your mask for 5 minutes before using it. 3) Do not use fragrance wipes or any fragrance products to clean you CPAP equipment, as this will intensify the smell.

2. What is the concentration of ozone inside the SoClean CPAP cleaner and sanitiser?
The ozone concentration is 10 ppm @ 5 min when measured 1 cm from the ozone generator output tubing interface on the SoClean unit, assuming the starting ozone concentration is < 0.3 ppm prior to turning the SoClean unit on.

3. You are using ozone as a disinfectant — will it harm my CPAP equipment?
Acrylics, polycarbonate and silicone, which are the primary materials of masks and reservoirs, are completely compatible with activated oxygen cleaning, and have stood up to the use of the SoClean.

4. How does the SoClean produce activated oxygen? Do I have to buy supplies for it?
The SoClean produces the activated oxygen on its own. Regular oxygen from the air is taken in and converted to activated oxygen, O3, for the sanitising/cleaning process. The filter in the chamber converts it back to regular oxygen, O2, before it exits the chamber.

5. Why do I smell ozone while the SoClean is running?
Please make sure the SoClean lid is shut securely and that your CPAP cleaner and sanitiser is connected to the SoClean securely. Some ozone molecules may escape into the air, but they will be so dispersed in the volume of air in the room, and will not pose a hazard.

Adapters

1. What is a heated hose?
A heated hose is a CPAP hose that has an electrical connection on the end of it. It helps with humidification comfort and helps to prevent rainout.

2. Why do I need an adapter for SoClean?
SoClean works with most CPAP equipment. There are some brands and models that will need an adapter for SoClean to work. The SoClean adapter helps users setup and install SoClean easier and also allows many CPAP machines to maintain their heated hose functionality. To see if your CPAP machine needs a SoClean adapter please see the SoClean Compatibility Chart.

Troubleshooting

1. The SoClean machine is displaying ‘hose not present‘ notification.
There are two main causes for this message to be displayed, the first cause may be that the side slot plug on the opposite side of where your CPAP hose fits into the SoClean has fallen out. The SoClean will not run unless that side slot plug is in place. The second cause could be that you CPAP hose diameter is not thick enough that when the lid is closed on the SoClean CPAP cleaner and sanitiser to engage the switch, in this case you will need an acrylic sleeve to thicken the diameter of the CPAP hose.

2. The SoClean is displaying flahing lights and ‘time to order‘ message.
This message indicates that it is time to change your SoClean filter and check valve – it will come on after about six months of normal use. After changing the filter and check valve, please hold down the hourglass button and manual button together until you see a smiley face icon appear on the display screen. When you see the smiley face icon, the message has been cleared and reset.

3. There is a strong odour after using my SoClean.
Sometimes you may experience a strong odour after running the SoClean for the first time. This is a byproduct of the oxidation with activated oxygen of the old materials that may have been used to clean your CPAP equipment in the past, such as vinegar or scented soaps. It may also occur when a new piece of CPAP equipment is introduced to the SoClean for the first time. The odour will decrease with time. To help the odour go away faster, you may increase the cleaning time to 11 minutes for a few weeks and then decrease the time back to 7 minutes. You can also run your CPAP for 10 minutes before using. These steps will help the odour to decrease quicker.