SoClean 2 and ResMed AirSense 11: A Complete Guide to Compatibility
One of the most popular CPAP sanitizers on the market is the SoClean 2. Many sleep apnea patients use it to clean their equipment at home. With the release of the long-awaited ResMed AirSense 11, the logical question is: Can we use the SoClean to clean the new machine, the tubing, or the humidifier?
Many of our customers even ask about a specific SoClean hose adapter for AirSense 11 to connect the two devices. That’s why we decided to write this brief guide to clarify the situation once and for all.
SoClean CPAP Cleaning Device
What is SoClean and How Does It Clean CPAP Machines?
SoClean is a popular sanitizer designed for CPAP equipment, including machines, humidifiers, hoses, masks, and headgear. It is compatible with most CPAP and BiPAPs on the market, as well as most masks.
What is the Difference Between SoClean, SoClean 2, and SoClean 3?
The difference between the original SoClean and the SoClean 2 is that the latter is designed for home use and includes automatic features that start the sanitizing process on a schedule. There is also a SoClean Go model, which is smaller and intended primarily for travel but lacks the automatic start features. The newest addition to the ozonator line is the SoClean 3.
Exactly How Does SoClean Work?
SoClean is marketed as a device that uses “activated oxygen” to clean. By “activated oxygen,” they mean ozone gas. The sanitizer pushes ozone gas through the tubing and adapter, all the way into the internal parts of the CPAP machine and back. During this process, the ozone reacts with bacteria, fungi, and mold inside the mask, tubing, and reservoir, destroying them.
How to Use SoClean and SoClean 2 to Clean the AirSense 11?
SoClean devices are ozone sanitizers. While CPAP cleaning devices using ozone technically can be used with ResMed devices, doing so will void the manufacturer’s 2-year warranty.
If your AirSense 11 breaks or exhibits structural defects in its internal mechanisms due to ozone, you will have to cover the repair costs yourself or purchase a new machine. According to ResMed, ozone cleaners can cause damage to their CPAP devices. The company issued an official warning to customers in 2020:
You can read ResMed’s full statement here.
However, if you insist on using an ozonator for other purposes, one of the good choices on the market is the full-featured Resfit mini-cleaning device.
What Does Philips Say About SoClean-Type Ozonators and Warranty?
Like ResMed, Philips Respironics has also addressed the issue. In an official letter, the company states that using SoClean on their DreamStation devices does not automatically void the warranty.
However, Philips “reserves the right to void the warranty if it is determined that the use of SoClean caused the defect for which the device was returned.”
So... Should You Clean with SoClean or Not?
The decision is entirely yours as a patient. You must weigh the convenience of using an ozone device against the risk of potential damage to your ResMed equipment and losing the warranty. Technically, SoClean can clean the AirSense 11, but the risk is yours to take.
Is There a Device That Can Clean the AirSense 11 Without Voiding the Warranty?
Yes, there is. A safe alternative is another popular sanitizer—the 3B Lumin. The Lumin device uses UV-C light for sanitizing at home and does not use ozone or “activated oxygen.” This makes it completely safe for your machine.
How to Correctly Clean and Care for the AirSense 11?
It is actually very easy. The Air 11 housing can be cleaned with simple wipes. The humidifier, tubing, masks, and accessories can be washed with mild soap and warm water, or automatically in just five minutes using the proper (UV-C) equipment.
Read our Quick Guide to Cleaning the AirSense 11 to learn the correct maintenance methods.
