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Imagine waking up after a long, restless night of sleep apnea, only to realize that your CPAP machine is clogged with bacteria and mold. Not only can this worsen your sleep apnea symptoms, but it can also put your health at risk. That’s why it’s crucial to invest in a reliable CPAP cleaner that will keep your machine in tip-top condition.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the top 5 CPAP cleaners on the market, exploring their unique features and what sets them apart. So, whether you’re a first-time CPAP user or a seasoned pro, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the best CPAP cleaners available today.
Choosing The Safest And Most Effective CPAP Cleaning Machines
The market is flooded with various CPAP cleaning machines, but not all are safe for your health. Ozone CPAP cleaners, in particular, are harmful and can even void equipment warranties. In 2020, the FDA warned against ozone and UV cleaners as they were not approved for cleaning CPAP equipment.
Ozone, also known as activated oxygen, is an inert gas made up of three oxygen atoms per molecule (O3). The middle atmosphere has a stratum of it. The atmosphere’s ozone shields life on earth from dangerous UV rays by collecting it from the sun. In the late 1800s, activated oxygen was first applied to the purification of water. Since then, it has been utilized by numerous sectors, including the culinary and medical apparatus businesses, for sanitization and sanitation.
Prolonged exposure to UV can be dangerous, but we recommend UV CPAP cleaners in this article because they fully enclose the equipment and shield users from exposure. To assist you in making an informed decision, we have compiled a list of our top six CPAP cleaning machines and products that are safe and effective in disinfecting and maintaining your CPAP equipment.
The Lowdown On CPAP Cleaner: Necessity or Optional?
While CPAP cleaning machines can reduce the time you spend cleaning your equipment, they are unnecessary for successful OSA treatment.
Ultimately, the decision to incorporate CPAP cleaning devices into your routine will depend on your individual needs and preferences. It’s important to remember that even the best CPAP cleaning machines cannot provide a complete cleaning solution, and a multi-step approach is often necessary.
Incorporating one or more of these CPAP cleaners into your regimen will go well and make treatment more tolerable.
The Top 5 CPAP Cleaners
Liviliti Paptizer UV CPAP Sanitizer
The LiViliti Paptizer has wowed us in several ways compared to the Lumin CPAP Cleaner, the former monarch of UV sanitization. The Paptizer’s design is still fundamental and easy to use, and it even has a built-in holding handle, even though it could be clearer than the Lumin’s single trigger and cleansing routine.
The Paptizer outperforms the Lumin in two key categories:
- The three operation types’ flexibility
- The unwavering dedication of LiViliti to comprehensive UV cleaning.
In contrast to the Lumin, which has a single mercury-arc UVC quartz light, the Paptizer has 40 UVC LEDs placed thoughtfully throughout the device’s body. These LEDs have a 10,000-hour lifespan rating and will shut off instantly if the cover is unsealed while cleaning is in progress.
The Paptizer offers three different operating modes:
- Fast Sanitize
- Fast Sanitize and Sanitized Storage
- Auto Mode
Your equipment will be instantly usable after the Fast Sanitize function’s 3-minute cleaning procedure. When you choose the Fast Sanitize and sterilized Storage option, your equipment will undergo the same initial 3-minute cleaning procedure before transitioning to a low-light storage choice that will keep it sterilized for up to 24 hours or until the cover is opened again.
The last option is Auto Mode, which starts with a 3-minute cleaning cycle and then begins a 60-minute clever drying cycle. Using an integrated blower and monitor, the Paptizer will eliminate minute quantities of water left over from regular washing. The gadget will decide whether a second 30, 60, or 90-minute cleaning cycle is necessary if your equipment is not dry after the initial 60-minute process.
Liviliti Pro UVC Sanitizer Bag
You can go right with the UVC Pro Sanitizer Bag if you enjoy the ease of UV sanitization and are searching for a more compact choice. The Pro Sanitizer Bag, like the Paptizer, employs UVC light to kill germs and other diseases on your CPAP machine, mobile phone, and other items that can fit inside.
Even though UV sanitizers are convenient and efficient, such as the Paptizer and UVC Sanitizer Bag, we want to emphasize that you should only use them to disinfect your CPAP equipment in addition to your regular cleaning routine.
Before using the Pro Sanitizer Bag to get rid of germs from your equipment and guarantee complete sanitization, preparing your mask by cleaning it of saliva, skin cells, and face secretions with tissues is a fantastic idea.
To use the Liviliti Pro Sanitizer Bag, which has 24 thoughtfully positioned UVC LEDs and a mirrored interior, remove the bag and put the object you want to disinfect inside before plugging the device into a power socket (or portable battery).
Remember that UV light only cleans surfaces it comes in contact with, so it is sad that it will have no effect on the interior of your pipe. The only continuing upkeep required for this product after the initial setup is the odd washing down of the interior as needed. Unlike devices that use activated oxygen or ozone, anything disinfected in the UVC Pro disinfectant bag is available for use as soon as the disinfectant cycle is finished.
Travel-Sized Control III
The Travel-Sized Control III Hospital-Grade Sanitizing Cleaner is a strong and efficient cleaner authorized by the EPA for cleaning various CPAP machines, including masks, tubing, and air tanks.
This product ranks among the best CPAP cleaners, ideal for frequent travelers. Its concentrated formula means that a mere 2oz can produce 2 gallons of effective sanitizer, offering both compactness and efficiency.
The Control III Disinfectant CPAP Cleaning Solution can securely disinfect your CPAP apparatus when correctly reduced.
This device eliminates 99.9% of all bacteria, pathogens, and viruses in just 10 minutes, including:
- Virus Herpes Simplex
- Influenza Virus
- AIDS
- Escherichia coli
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
- Staphylococcus Aureus
- Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
- Salmonella Choleraesuis
- Adenovirus
A full-sized container is also offered if you want to maintain a larger quantity of disinfectant. If you want to be meticulous, testing samples are also available to ensure your disinfectant is effective.
This product can be beneficial if you’re battling a cold and won’t cause your CPAP equipment to dry out or fracture. The Travel-Sized Control III Disinfectant CPAP Cleaning Solution is affordable for on-the-go transit.
The CPAP Tube Brush Second Gen
There is no question that a tube brush is your finest option for cleansing the inside of your CPAP hose. But there’s no need to create the wheel regarding tube brushes.
The CPAP Tube Brush Second Gen is an extended length of coiled stainless steel wire with brushes at the end to clear the inside of your CPAP tube. It comes in 19mm for regular tubing and 15mm for micro tubing.
While the brushes are soft enough to avoid harming the inside of your tubing, the wire’s rigidity allows you to clean where you need to.
This brush is five feet long, so you only need to clean one end at a time rather than uncomfortably trying to move it through your pipe from one end to the other. Take hold of the nozzle, press the brush as far as it will go, and then scrape your way back while bringing the brush back in your direction. Once you’ve done this for both ends, you have a perfectly spotless CPAP line.
Hurricane CPAP Equipment Dryer
It’s common to discover that despite having been washed and suspended to dry earlier, your equipment still has some dampness on or in it. You can simply put your mask, pillow, humidity chamber, and tubing into the Hurricane CPAP Equipment Dryer receptacle, select a 15, 30, or 60-minute drying mode, and then carry on with your day. Your equipment will be neatly sterile and waiting for your return when you settle down for bed that evening.
While the Hurricane can dry your CPAP equipment (including your sopping damp headwear) exceptionally well, line drying is where it excels. To guarantee optimal circulation throughout the complete tube, there is a special attachment spot for your tubing (presuming you have at least one average 22mm tubing end). The device will heat the interior and dry all your materials simultaneously. A 60-minute cycle will suffice to dry everything in your setup that requires drying.
When not used to dry your CPAP equipment, it has some versatility. This technique can dry and store baby bottles, pacifiers, and other frequently used items in a sterile manner quickly. The Hurricane utilizes a washable and replaceable reuse foam filter that works with most hot tubing.
Methods Of Cleaning A CPAP
If you have the time and energy to devote to CPAP cleaning, washing your CPAP machine with detergent and boiling water is a fantastic idea. Just be sure to use the proper quantity of dish detergent and rinse out all the residue if you cleanse your CPAP apparatus by pouring it into the stream.
Filling the basin with hot, detergent water, submerging one end of the tube into it while covering the other, and swishing the water for 20 to 30 seconds is another efficient method to clean your CPAP tubing.
You can also use a CPAP Tube and Mask Cleaning Brush Set to clean your CPAP equipment thoroughly. With the aid of this brush set, you can thoroughly clean the pipe by reaching deep inside it. You can also use it to sanitize the padding on your CPAP mask.
Some people advise allowing the diffuser to soak for 30 minutes in a solution that contains 20% vinegar and 80% water.
Use scalding, detergent water when handwashing your tools to avoid damaging them. They suggest using Dawn dish detergent because it is a mild cleanser. The heated, clean water will eliminate germs that might eventually cause the equipment harm.
Even though handwashing is inexpensive to keep your CPAP apparatus clean, only some people adhere to this cleanliness standard.
Your CPAP machine’s hand cleaning can turn into a burden. You might also have additional illnesses like gout that make it challenging to carry out everyday activities. How can you maintain your CPAP machine clean if you want to only manually sanitize it once a week? A CPAP cleansing device can help in this situation.
Why Ozone Cleaning Products Should Not Be Part Of Your CPAP Cleaning Routine: Insights From Experts
We do not recommend ozone cleaning products, also known as activated oxygen cleaning products, such as the SoClean 2 and SoClean 3.For people with certain breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea and asthma, contact with ozone can be hazardous.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), different ozone exposure levels can lead to wheezing, discomfort when inhaling deeply, swollen lungs, and a rise in the frequency of asthma episodes.
Additionally, ozone is a harmful vapor with no known beneficial medicinal applications, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to the FDA, ozone must be present in concentrations much higher than what humans and animals can comfortably endure for it to succeed as a germicide.
It’s also important to note that ResMed stated in February 2020 that any harm brought on by exposure to ozone or activated oxygen would not be protected by the company’s included limited guarantee after learning that ozone cleansers could lead to internal CPAP device deterioration. The Paptizer or regular detergent and water are the best CPAP cleaners for ResMed AirSense 10 and other devices.
We do not suggest SoClean or other ozone-cleaning tools because of the information given, nor do we believe SoClean to be a secure or efficient way to clean and keep your CPAP supplies and machine or other devices.
Final thoughts
Our top choice is the LiViliti Paptizer, but the best CPAP cleaning is the one that works best for your CPAP setup, money, timetable, and personal requirements.
Throughout the year, but particularly in the winter, it’s essential to keep your tools clean and disinfected to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. UV CPAP sanitizers like the Paptizer and Pro Sanitizer Bag are excellent choices for those who want to ensure their apparatus is spotless and wholly disinfected.
Ready to find the perfect CPAP cleaning solution for you? Visit our Amazon store now and choose from a wide range of quality CPAP accessories tailored to your needs.”
