A
CPAP Cleaner That’s Economical, Clinically Efficient and
Easy to Use….
Easy to Use….
© 2018 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
The USA has over 19 million Americans with some form
of sleep apnea. The most popular treatment, prescribed by a physician, is a
CPAP machine. CPAP machines have greatly improved over the years and the latest
models are compact, quiet and generally feature a humidifier. Also required is
a hose and some form of facial mask. For those using oxygen as well, the addition
of a small tube adapter connecting the system to an oxygen source mixes the O2 with the forced
room air produced by the machine. Such equipment and its accessories require
periodically scheduled cleaning, a process that can become a nuisance and a serious
potential health hazard if not performed in a proper and timely fashion.
After researching several cleaning methods and
products I am most impressed with the VirtuClean,
palm size, Ozone cleaner. Now, before discussing the virtues of the VirtuClean, let’s review what is the
most common cleaning method. Most users opt to simply wash the tubing and
facial mask in warm water with a mild soap. The problem with this is that your
kitchen, bathroom sink or tub are probably the most germ prone containers you
could use. There’s more E. Coli in a kitchen sink than a toilet after you flush
it. Remember you’re breathing air thru the hose and mask and this air is all
going into your lungs. This is the main reason why routine cleaning with a
sanitary system is vital to your respiratory health. Need I say more….
There are many CPAP cleaning machines available. While
most will do the job, many are bulky, require periodic and costly filter
replacements that are way over priced. The VirtuClean
is a palm size ½ ounce device that is powered by a Lithium rechargeable
battery. It uses Ozone that is electrically generated within the unit by
passing normal air over an electrical field. This causes a breakdown of some of
the oxygen molecules creating the sanitizing effect when released into the
airflow and thus into the mask, tubing and CPAP machine itself. The cleaner
produces this reaction for thirty minutes and then runs for five minutes
circulating fresh air into the mask, tubing and device completing a cycle. The
FDA approved VirtuClean cleaner, is
therefore a two-cycle process. First you detach your hose from the CPAP machine
and attach it to the cleaner. The other end of the hose with the facemask still
attached is placed in the special supplied cleaning bag and zipped shut.
Press
the red start button and the thirty-minute cleaning cycle starts followed
automatically by a five-minute fresh air cycle. Once completed an alarm sounds
and you detach the hose from the VirtuClean
and empty the bag. Since Ozone can exhibit an unpopular odor, it is suggested
you allow everything to air out prior to further use. Cleaning the actual CPAP
machine is just as easy. Detach the hose from the mask and attach to the VirtuClean device while leaving the
hose attached to the CPAP machine. The same 35-minute process takes place. The VirtuClean claims to kill 99.99% of
germs and bacteria during the cleaning cycle.
(TIP: Weekly
cleaning of the CPAP machine itself is recommended, while daily or bi-daily
cleaning is suggested for the hose and facemask.)
(TIP: If
you inject oxygen into your CPAP machine you’ll need to first remove the oxygen
hose from the CPAP machine. You can either also detach the little plastic
adapter that accommodate the O2
hose, or leave the adapter in place and plug it as shown in the photo.
I cut
off the hose fitting from an old cannula, taped over the open end thus making a
cap. This is probably the preferred method as it cleans the adapter as well.)
(TIP: Always
use the supplied bag when possible. If size is an issue, use a tight nylon or
silky liner inside a different bag as this is the component that encapsulates
the environment and allows the Ozone to do its work.)
I’ve used
this product extensively and found it to be the ultimate CPAP cleaning
solution. No expensive parts to replace and its compact size is great for
travel too. A battery-charging indicator would be a nice plus. I added a simple
one, see photo below, to remind me when to charge it.
Adding one is easy ~ a
Dymo label with a modified removable page reminder sticker shaped like a
pointer. A fully charged battery will complete three complete cycles. A green
light indicates at least one charging cycle remains. Charging time is two
hours.
(TIP: It
is possible to use the unit while charging, however, this can reduce the
overall life span of the Lithium battery. Avoid charging the unit until you
have completed three cycles since partial charges will also reduce the battery
life of this and other such batteries.)
The VirtuClean comes with a 10-year battery,
perfect for worldwide use, and an 18-month device warranty. No on-going device maintenance
is required. It is suggested that the user flush out the hose and mask with cold-water
under a tap and not submersing in a sink, bi-weekly and without using soap.
• Update: The
manufacturer is working on a possible optional add-on accessory that would
allow for all components to be cleaned in one thirty-five minute cycle. Check
the web site below for further updates.
GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★
MSRP: $279.95 (Available on
line from various vendors.)
Graphic
credits: VirtuClean
Bob
Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent,
or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his
points of view and not those of the manufacturer. Your doctor, prior to using
any product or procedure, should always first approve medical devices and
procedures for your specific use. The manufacturer generally supplies products and
press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is
received. THE GADGETEER is highly
selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the
reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings.
##
