VirtuClean 2 ~
Update On A CPAP Cleaner That’s
Economical, Clinically Efficient and Easy to Use….
©
2020 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
In my April 2018 column, I featured the VirtuCLEAN 1 by VirtuOx, a CPAP
cleaning system that Cleans your CPAP device’s water tank, hose and associated
mask, https://bit.ly/2WEs9RN. Like
all products there is always room for improvements. The VirtuCLEAN 2 is their latest model available.
First, let’s talk about the need for cleaning your
CPAP’s mask, hose and water tank. There are different theories on the frequency
of such cleaning, so we’ll leave that subject up to you and your pulmonologist.
Manual cleaning is one form of cleaning that’s
recommended by most manufacturers of CPAP systems. Another form of a cleaning
process would be a CPAP cleaning device. The VirtuCLEAN 2 is one of many
devices on the market for this purpose. Our body, both internally and
externally, as well as room surroundings, can expose your device to various
bacteria and germs that are passed on in the breathing process and into your
lungs because they tend to cling on to the equipment. Perhaps the most common
germs are E Coli, Staphylococcus Aureus and Candida Albicans just to name a
few. These enemies tend to adhere to your equipment and therefore some form of
routine cleaning becomes mandatory.
In my April 2018 column I tested and reviewed the VirtuCLEAN version 1. Recently I’ve
been testing VirtuCLEAN’s version 2 of the VirtuCLEANER system. This model has been available for a while. It
comes with a large bag used as a cleaning chamber with an attached filter
requiring semi-annual replacement. It incorporates several innovations that
include a digital screen displaying: Total Time Cleaned, Total Hours Used,
Times Cleaned Last Week, Battery Charge Status, and a Countdown Timer during
the use cycle. A finger “touch sensor icon” power switch is also part of the
screen’s display. If desired, you can hold your finger on this icon for a few additional
seconds while the unit is on and it will shut down.
The VirtuCLEAN
2 takes thirty minutes of cleaning time to emit OZONE and then an
additional five minutes to dispense a clean airflow into the supplied bag that
contains your mask and when needed, your empty water tank. A short beep sound
indicates the cleaning process is complete. Connection to the bag from the VirtuCLEAN 2 device utilizes the same
push-on connections used for normal operation. Charging via the supplied USB
charger is typically required after every four uses and is also indicated by
the digital status indicator displayed upon startup. Charging takes about two
hours to complete. The battery is replaceable.
(TIP: After several cleaning cycles I hold the
hose and associated mask under a shower and run cold water back and fourth thru
both pieces followed by hanging them to up to dry. It’s important not to touch any of the hose or mask pieces to any other
surface during this process so you avoid any new contamination.)
(TIP: After a cleaning cycle I reconnect
everything back to normal and turn the VirtuCLEAN 2 on, without adding water to
the tank, for about an hour. This allows any lingering Ozone odor to dissipate.
When this is complete I shut off the device, add my distilled water and we’re
ready for future use.)
VirtuClean 2 is a revolutionary cleaning device. It is a
fifteen-year-old brand that is used by over five million patients worldwide.
It’s as much as 99.9% effective in killing germs and bacteria in many brands of
sleep equipment preventing many potential health scenarios. VirtuCLEAN 2 is also ideal for homecare
and can be used to clean multiple masks at home or in a hospital setting. I’ve
used both versions for several years and find it to be so much easier and faster
that the old baby-soap/hot water method. It comes complete with a replaceable,
rechargeable lithium battery, replaceable bi-annual filter and an annually
replaceable pouch.
GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★
MSRP: $279 (Available retail and on line from various
vendors.)
Semi-annually replaced filter $9.99
Annually replaced round bag with an included new
filter $19.99
Graphic credits:
VirtuCLEAN; THE GADGETEER; Google
Images
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.
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