Comparing the Best CPAP Cleaners of 2021 - SoClean, Lumin, or Sleep8
This post was originally posted on June 27, 2018, and updated on Jan 22, 2022.
If you are a regular CPAP user, cleaning your CPAP machine and accessories is a very important daily task. Here we discuss the major CPAP cleaners and sanitizers on the market and provide a complete overview of the best CPAP cleaners of 2021.
In this article we cover:
- Why is it Important to Clean Your CPAP
- How to Clean a CPAP Machine
- Types of CPAP Cleaners and Sanitizers
- The Best CPAP Cleaners Of 2021
- SoClean 2 CPAP Sanitizing Machine
- Lumin CPAP Mask and Accessories Cleaner
- Sleep8 CPAP Sanitizer and Cleaner
- Choosing The Right CPAP Cleaning Machine
How to Clean a CPAP Machine
Cleaning CPAP equipment is important to ensure healthy CPAP therapy. One easy way to clean your CPAP machine, mask, tubing, and other accessories are to use a CPAP sanitizer and cleaner. CPAP sanitizers use ozone gas or UV light to completely kill all germs in the machine. This has the added benefit of making CPAP therapy more comfortable.
Alternatively, you can also clean your CPAP accessories using warm water and soap with diluted vinegar. Always remember to dry your CPAP accessories before reassembling them for use.
For more information on how to clean your CPAP machine and equipment, read our blog.
Why It's Important to Clean Your CPAP
Regular daily cleanings of your CPAP machine is essential for preventing infection or illnesses like pneumonia. Oil, sweat, and dead skin can collect on your mask over time, and the moist conditions inside your CPAP machine can become a breeding ground for germs. Research by Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School1 found a bacterium count of over 2000 in CPAP masks in just a 48-hour period.
That’s why next to the actual machine itself, the CPAP sanitizer might be one of the more important parts of your overall CPAP therapy regime. With the right sanitizer, you can rest assured that each night your equipment will be fresh and hygienic.
Types of CPAP Cleaners & Sanitizer
CPAP cleaners completely sanitize all your CPAP accessories including mask, headgear, tubing, and the water chamber. The best CPAP cleaners use activated oxygen and ultraviolet light instead of water to destroy 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and mold. The three most popular CPAP sanitizer machines are the SoClean 2, Lumin, and Sleep8. Which one is right for you?
The Best CPAP Cleaners of 2021
Here is a detailed overview and review of the best CPAP machine cleaners and sanitizers of 2021:
SoClean 2 CPAP Sanitizing Machine
If you are new to CPAP and sanitizing equipment, there are many options available. The three most popular are the SoClean 2, the Lumin, and Sleep8. The SoClean 2 is an automated CPAP equipment cleaner and sanitizer that is extremely popular with our customers. Like the original SoClean, it sanitizes and disinfects CPAP accessories—such as your mask, hose and water reservoir. The best part is that the SoClean 2 does not require any water so your equipment stays dry. Plus, there is no CPAP disassembly necessary.
The SoClean 2 uses safe, natural, activated oxygen (also known as ozone) to sanitize the equipment. This method is capable of removing up to 99% of germs, bacteria, mold and viruses. The activated oxygen is pumped into the SoClean 2’s cleaning chamber holding your CPAP equipment, killing off any harmful organisms clinging onto your headgear. The help SoClean 2 sanitizer significantly reduces your risk of infection from harmful contaminants.
How does it work? Simply place your mask in the SoClean 2’s chamber and turn it on. The helpful cycle lights will indicate the progress of the cleaning cycle. In 10 minutes, your equipment will be fully clean and ready for use.
The SoClean requires the CPAP equipment to be prewashed prior to use. It also requires replacement filters at $30 every six months. The machine weighs 6 pounds and measures 7.5” L x 6.5” W x 8.5” H. Each machine comes with a pre-wash bottle, cartridge filters, check valve assembly, one-slot plug-in, and ac power adapter.
Editor Review
The SoClean 2 CPAP Cleaner is one of the most popular CPAP cleaning machines. This machine cleans your water chamber, tubing, and mask in a matter of minutes.
Customer Reviews
“Great purchase. Really changed my sleeping experience. Easy to use, well worth the money!” - Review by RE
“I finally purchased a SoClean 2 machine after using sanitizer fluid for two years. This is a better clean of the hose and machine than trying to only clean with sanitizer.” - Review by Tonuch
Why Should I Buy the SoClean2 CPAP Cleaner?
If you are tired of handwashing your equipment, then the SoClean2 offers a more convenient approach to a complete clean. The SoClean2 destroys 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and molds automatically.
Lumin CPAP Mask and Accessories Cleaner
Like the SoClean 2, the Lumin does not use water or disinfectants to clean your CPAP equipment. However, instead of activated oxygen, the Lumin uses a high-powered ultraviolet light, which works as an efficient germicide and kills 99% any bacteria, mold, or fungus that comes in contact with your CPAP equipment.
The Lumin takes only five minutes to complete its clean cycle. It merely requires you to quickly wipe down your mask or water reservoir, place it into the Lumin’s cleaning chamber, and turn it on with a press of a button. Just a short time later, the Lumin will chime, indicating that your equipment is clean and ready for immediate use. Another great feature of the Lumin is that it can be used to disinfect other small household items—such as your toothbrush, hearing aids, dentures or glasses.
The Lumin sanitizer does not require any replacement parts or ongoing maintenance. The ultraviolet bulb can be replaced but is intended to last the lifetime of the Lumin. The machine weighs 5.5 pounds and measures 12.25” L x 8.5”.
Editor Review
The Lumin CPAP Cleaner offers extra cleaning protection using UV light to thoroughly sanitize your equipment. The Lumin kills 99.9% of harmful bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungus. It is completely ozone-free and the process takes only 5 minutes.
Customer Reviews
“Easy to use and fast cleaning. There is a slight odor after use but not as irritating as the ozone odor. If you pull a drawer out just a bit, lights go out, but I agree lights are very bright for bedroom use. I would recommend this product.” - Review by Patricia
“I have tested positive for coronavirus or COVID-19, so I am even more grateful to have the Lumin which can quickly sanitize a number of objects. I'm using it daily for my humidifier so I am not breathing in my old COVID-19 particles each night.” - Review by ClaireWithLove
“Much faster than washing at the sink in a warm soapy cleaner and drip-drying in the bathtub for hours. Just pop in a drawer, push the button and clean in a matter of minutes, both hose and mask.” - Review by Jo
Why Should I Buy the Lumin CPAP Cleaner?
If you wish to clean your CPAP equipment without using activated oxygen or soap and water, then the Lumin CPAP cleaner offers you the best option. Using UV light, the Lumin sanitizes your CPAP mask and water chamber quickly and efficiently.
Sleep8 CPAP Sanitizer
Similar to the SoClean, Sleep8 uses ozone or activated oxygen instead of water to kill 99% of mold, bacteria, and virus germs preventing sinus issues and sickness. However, because the Sleep8 has a smaller profile, it completes the task in an hour.
How does it work? Simply place your mask, heated or non-heated tubing, headgear, and humidifier chamber into the Sleep8’s Filter Sanitizing Bag. Press the start button and the Sleep8 will sanitize your equipment and turn off automatically. The Sleep8 does not attach directly to the CPAP machine so requires no special adaptors or connectors.
The Sleep8 is lightweight, portable, cordless, and waterless—making it drop into your carry-on bag on your next trip!
This unit includes multiple safety features including a one-way flapper valve to ensure ozone is captured within the Filter Sanitizing Bag and an auto shut-off that prevents the unit from running when not properly connected.
The Sleep8 connects to a micro USB charger and takes 90 minutes to fully charge. Each fully-charged battery provides two full cleanings.
Editor Review
The Sleep8 provides a portable option for CPAP equipment cleaning. The compact design is easy to pack with your CPAP equipment when you travel.
Customer Reviews
“The unit is very quiet while running and doesn’t leave too much of an odor. The Sleep 8 is portable also and can run on the charged battery or a standard electrical home outlet. I have used my Sleep 8 since early March of 2021 with no problems.” - Review by Red Razor
“I love the Sleep 8 cleaner for my CPAP equipment! I'm new to my diagnosis of sleep apnea but I hand-cleaned my equipment for just a couple of days and decided to buy this device. Wow it was so much easier and so far I haven’t felt sick so I know this device is doing its job!” - Review by AD
“I really like that the Sleep8 is small enough to pack for travel. It works great although there is a slight odor when I first put on the mask after being sanitized. I’ve worked around this by simply turning on my CPAP for a few minutes before putting it on. Love knowing that my equipment is really clean after using it.” - Review by Karen
Why Should I Buy the Sleep8 CPAP Cleaner?
If you travel frequently with CPAP therapy, you will want the peace of mind that your equipment will stay clean even while on the road. The unit is lightweight and designed for easy packing, providing many of the same benefits of home CPAP cleaners in a reduced size.
Side-by-side Comparison Of The Best CPAP Cleaners Of 2021
Here is a side-by-side comparison and overview of the best CPAP Cleaners and Sanitizers of 2021
| Features | SoClean2 CPAP Cleaner | Sleep8 CPAP Cleaner | Lumin CPAP Cleaner |
| Cost | $348.00 | $328.00 | $299.00 |
| Size | 7.5″L x 6.5″w x 8.5″h | NA | 12.25″ L x 8.5″ W x 7.75″ H |
| Weight | 6 pounds | NA | 5.5 pounds |
| Cleaning Type | Activated oxygen | Activated oxygen | Ultraviolet light |
| Machine Compatibility | Compatible with most CPAP machines | Compatible with most CPAP machines | Compatible with most CPAP machines |
| Filters | Cartridge filter | Sanitizing filter bag | None |
| Average Customer Rating | 4 out of 5 stars | 5 out of 5 stars | 4 out of 5 stars |
User Choice
Users prefer the SoClean2 as a home cleaner. Some users also take the Sleep8 when they travel.
Most Popular – SoClean2 CPAP Cleaner
SoClean2 offers comprehensive cleaning for all of your CPAP equipment including water chamber, mask, headgear, and hose. The best part is that you do not have to disassemble your equipment to clean the parts. The SoClean2 lets you simply drop in your accessories for a complete clean without detachment. Please note: The SoClean 2 is not recommended for use with certain machines including the Philips DreamStation Auto, DreamStation Go Auto or DreamStation BiPAP.
Best Travel Cleaner – Sleep8 CPAP Cleaner
The smaller, more compact Sleep8 utilizes a bag rather than a plastic unit to clean equipment. You get the same sanitizing cleaning power as most other CPAP cleaners without the size. The reduced footprint makes the Sleep8 ideal for both home and travel use.
Best UV Cleaner – Lumin CPAP Cleaner
Many CPAP users prefer the peace of mind of ultraviolet light for sanitizing. The Lumin delivers safe, effective cleaning for masks and water chambers without using activated oxygen. While the unit does not clean hoses, it does provide 99.9% removal of bacteria on the accessories where germs are most likely to grow. The Lumin can also be used to sanitize other household objects, like keys or cell phones.
Choosing the Right CPAP Cleaning Machine
Sanitizers are important devices for CPAP users. They protect you from unhealthy particles and pathogens. With the right sanitizer, you can focus more on getting a good night’s sleep rather than worrying about the cleanliness of your equipment. Consider trying the SoClean 2, Lumin or Sleep8 today and start enjoying a healthier, more hygienic sleep!
Should you need any assistance or more information, give our helpful staff at The CPAP Shop a call at 866-414-9700.
References
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School CPAP Masks are Sources of Microbial Contamination http://www.pureflowhealthcare.ca/pdf/Horowitz_APSS_poster_2009_mask_microbes.pdf
