CPAP product reviews and other helpful tips for CPAP users!

CPAP Sanitizer & Cleaner Machine Review: The Lumin™

Today we will be reviewing the Lumin™ CPAP cleaner & sanitizer, providing our pros and cons of this unit from our own experiences, including feedback from our clients across North America. 

Earlier this year, we started carrying a relatively new sanitizing device called the Lumin™ (made by 3B Medical) as an alternative to the very popular SoClean 2 CPAP sanitizing device. The Lumin™ is a sanitizer for everyday household objects like toothbrushes, baby bottles, smartphones, dentures etc... but is also marketed as a CPAP equipment cleaner.   

According to the manufacturer, the Lumin™ CPAP Cleaner & Personal Sanitizer is a waterless sanitizing device that operates by emitting a high energy light within a narrow spectrum referred to as UV-C. They claim this UV light will disinfect up to 99% of detrimental bacteria, pathogens and fungi that can cause infection and illness on items placed inside the chamber.

Simply place household items you wish to sanitize into the chamber, close it and press start and the special UV bulb does all the dirty work.  The manufacturer describes this method as the safest disinfection option on the market. 

Lumin CPAP Cleaner Review: Here’s What We Think 

What Are The Pros Of The Lumin™? 

• It's a quick 5-minute cycle to kill most bacteria and mould on a surface: It takes the same amount of time to brush your teeth in the morning so you can easily sanitize items while you get ready for work or while you are giving your children breakfast. 
• Minimal set-up: It took a couple of minutes from taking it out of the box to our very first sanitizing cycle. The instructions are easy to follow and self-explanatory. 
• Versatile device: You can clean and sanitize almost anything you have around the house - sunglasses, headphones, baby bottles, cell phones etc. 
• It is competitively priced compared to the SoClean 2: Besides the bulb, there are no replacement parts, such as filters and adapters.
• No lasting smell: There is no odour associated with the usage of the Lumin™. 

 What Are The Cons Of This CPAP Cleaning Machine? 

• Cleaning is limited: The Lumin™ CPAP Cleaner and Personal Sanitizer cannot disinfect the inside of your CPAP machine because the UV light cannot reach the inside.  You can use the device to sanitize your mask, standard hose and water chamber.
• The drawer opening to the chamber is not very big: There are limits to what you can and cannot fit into the chamber. This can be frustrating for some users.
• Metallic lining can cause scratches: We found that, if you're not careful, you can scratch yourself or your stuff on the drawer's metallic lining.  As long as you're not rushing, this shouldn't be an issue.

Our Honest Verdict: What We Really Think Of The Lumin™ CPAP Cleaner & Personal Sanitizing Device 

Overall, we think the Lumin™ is a great cleaning product for CPAP equipment but is it right for you? Well, that depends.

In our opinion, if you have little children or elderly family members who are susceptible to getting sick, it is a handy device to have in the house to keep bacteria at bay.  The Lumin™ will help keep you healthy and keep your mask from smelling like an old running shoe. But if you're looking to disinfect your CPAP machine inside and out -- motor and all -- you might want to consider an alternative like the SoClean 2.

SoClean 2 CPAP Equipment Cleaner Review

One of our very best sellers to keep our client's CPAP equipment in tip-top shape would hands down be the SoClean 2 CPAP Cleaner made by BetterRest Solutions. Whether you're using a ResMed or Respironics CPAP machine, this specially designed apparatus is compatible with most CPAP manufacturers. The SoClean 2 uses an activated oxygen technology to keep your CPAP equipment safe and germ-free. The activated oxygen technology, also known as ozone eliminates 99% of germs and bacteria that may be lingering in your CPAP equipment. 

The SoClean 2 is a waterless one-step cleaning system for your CPAP's main unit, water chamber, hoses and CPAP masks. The filter and check valve in the unit requires replacement approximately every 6 months.

SoClean 2: What Are The Pros And Cons?

As with all CPAP cleaning equipment, there are advantages and disadvantages. Below, we list the highlighted pros and cons of the SoClean 2 CPAP Sanitizer.

List Of Pros:

• QUICK: A sufficient 10-minute cycle is all that’s needed to destroy most bacteria and mould in and around your CPAP equipment after usage.
• SMART: Auto-Start function is available for users to set a specific time where the unit will start automatically. Simply wake up, put accessories in the SoClean 2 and go.
• COMPLETE SANITIZATION: SoClean 2 not only sanitizes your mask, tubing and water chamber, but the ozone also penetrates deep into your CPAP machine (all the crevices)  to kill 99% germs that are trapped inside the machine motor.

List Of Cons:

• REPLACEMENT: It is required to replace the filter and check valve approximately every 6 months. This is an added cost to maintaining the unit.
• EXTRA PARTS: You can only sanitize the water chamber if you purchase the appropriate adapter for your model of CPAP machine.
• LAG TIME: If using SoClean 2 prior to CPAP therapy, it’s required to wait 4-6 hours following sanitizing to using your CPAP equipment for the ozone to dissipate.
• ODOUR: Clients report there is a mild ozone scent that quickly dissipates once the cycle has completed.

Our Final Verdict: What We Really Think Of This CPAP Cleaner

The SoClean 2 delivers on its promises - it's reliable and easy to use. We highly recommend the unit. Many of us are unaware CPAP equipment is a breeding ground for microorganisms. Water and soap are effective for cleaning facial oils and dirt, but won’t suffice for germs and bacteria. 

If you find you’re getting sick frequently or suffer from a lingering sickness, contaminated CPAP equipment could be the source. Weigh the pros and cons and consider investing in a CPAP sanitizer to keep germs at bay. A CPAP sanitizer will ultimately improve your experience with CPAP therapy and enhance your overall sleep health.