CPAP Cleaners: Tips for a Wise Buyer
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine cleaners continue to grow in popularity because they effectively sanitize CPAP machines with little effort.
CPAP machines treat sleep apnea, and keeping them clean is essential to your health and the life of this expensive medical equipment.
There are several CPAP cleaners available, so we evaluated 14 and chose our top picks to help you narrow down your options. We researched sanitation technologies, features, warranties, and costs. Our best CPAP cleaners are LiViliti PAPTIZER LED Smart Sanitizer, Lumin, and Purify 03.
This guide explains the types of CPAP cleaners you can buy, how they work, technology, hidden costs, safety issues, and how the right CPAP cleaning device can keep you from getting sick. We also answered frequently asked questions about CPAP cleaners that may be helpful to you during your search.
Our Top CPAP Cleaner Buying Tips:
1. Look for a CPAP cleaner that fits your lifestyle
2. Make sure the cleaner has an adapter that fits your CPAP machine brand
3. If you choose an ozone-based CPAP sanitizer, use it in the morning to allow enough time for any residual odors to dissipate before your next use.
Do CPAP Machines Need To Be Cleaned?
A Journal of National Sleep Medicine study concluded that your CPAP could cause respiratory infections if improperly cleaned. Many CPAP machines use heated water to humidify the oxygen for the patient’s comfort. This water can become contaminated due to dirty filters or humidifying tanks. CPAP masks can quickly get grimy and are subject to mold without sufficient cleaning.
Our sleep apnea expert, Dr. Carleara Weiss, Clinician Scientist and behavioral sleep medicine and circadian rhythms & sleep science advisor at Aeroflow Sleep, says that if the humidification and the proper cleaning are done to the tubing, mask, and humidifier, you aren’t at risk for developing upper respiratory infections.
However, she warns that if you don’t keep it clean or forget to remove the distilled water, you run the risk of bacteria and fungi growth.
Your CPAP machine is not self-cleaning, and over time, bacteria can get into the water reservoir, and mold can grow on the mask, headgear, and CPAP tubing. A CPAP cleaner ensures the device stays free of contaminants.
Using one of these sanitizing systems is simple and much less time-consuming than disassembling and cleaning a CPAP by hand.
How CPAP Cleaners Work
A CPAP cleaner completely sanitizes your device quickly. Most CPAP cleaners ensure the parts are dry before you use them again, so there’s no concern about mold, mildew, or germs spreading. This reduces or eliminates the chances of developing an upper respiratory infection or other illness.
There are three types of CPAP cleaners:
Ultrasonic tanks use cleansing tablets dissolved in hot water, similar to denture cleanser tablets. The tank holds the CPAP accessories, and ultrasonic pulses work with the cleanser to remove particles. Ultrasonic tanks probably don’t work much better than hand-washing. You need to hang the tubing and mask to dry, and you may not be able to put the humidification chamber into the tank.
Activated oxygen (ozone) is used in many modern CPAP cleaning devices to remove contaminants effectively. One of our top picks in this category can clean your entire system without taking it apart. Most others require you to remove the mask, hose, and humidifier chamber from the CPAP for cleaning, but once the cycle is complete, there’s no trace of moisture.
UV light is the newest technology in CPAP therapy sanitation. You may have to clean the mask, hose, and water chamber separately, but UV light cleans faster than other methods. UV light has been used for medical disinfection for years, adding some extra assurance that these CPAP cleaners are reliable.
CPAP Cleaner Costs and Features
When choosing a CPAP cleaner, it’s important to weigh the costs and features of the different types available. Below is a breakdown of the most common options:
| Type | Pros | Cons |
| UV Light $250 to $350 | – Cleans without water – Fastest method | Separate cleaning products are required for the hose |
| Activated Oxygen $80 to $360 | – Keeps parts dry – Push a button to clean | Ozone smell takes two or more hours to disappear |
| Ultrasonic Tank $60 to $175 | – Less expensive – Effective if used daily | Uses water, so parts need time to completely dry |
Hidden CPAP Cleaner Costs
The cost of using a CPAP cleaner may not end when you take it home from the store or receive the shipment at your door. While these expenses are mostly minimal, they contribute to the total cost of a CPAP cleaner.
- Many CPAP cleaners have filters that need replacing every three to six months. Filters typically cost from $10 to $40.
- All CPAP cleaners we researched directed users to cleanse face masks with special CPAP cleaner wipes. The wipes clean accumulated facial oils and other dirt and cost around $7 to $10 per container.
- You may want to use a special liquid detergent to remove odors and residues from your CPAP machine before using your cleaner device. This is only necessary if you’ve been washing the parts by hand and notice a lingering smell or buildup. These liquid cleaning detergents cost around $10.
- If you buy an ultrasonic CPAP cleaner, you’ll pay $4.50 to $6 monthly for cleaning tablets.
Do You Need a CPAP Cleaner?
A CPAP cleaner is not a necessity since you can wash the parts by hand. However, many people do not have the time or inclination to clean their CPAP daily, which increases the risk of contamination. Finding a way to dry the tubing thoroughly is a problem as well.
A CPAP cleaner saves a significant amount of time and ensures your CPAP is sanitary. Our top picks for CPAP cleaners all remove the guesswork involved with ensuring the equipment is completely dry before use.
Do-It-Yourself CPAP Cleaning
Ideally, you should have a cleaning schedule and regularly clean your CPAP machine to ensure you do not develop an upper respiratory illness. To clean your CPAP by hand, remove the mask, hose, and humidification chamber and soak them in hot, soapy water.
Some people use a vinegar or bleach and water solution instead of mild soap, but whatever method you use, you’ll need to rinse all components thoroughly. Then, all parts must hang to dry completely to ensure germs and mold have no breeding ground.
If your CPAP has a reusable filter, the manufacturer probably recommends a weekly cleaning. Filters need to air dry completely before being used again. Disposable filters get replaced monthly or sooner if you can see dirt.
Our Search for the Best CPAP Cleaners
1. We researched an extensive list of 14 CPAP cleaners.
2. We evaluated these products based on our expert-guided buying criteria: sanitation technologies, features, warranties, and costs.
3. We provide you with the best CPAP cleaners for consideration.
Our search began with 14 CPAP cleaners and concluded with three recommendations. Our assessment included the following steps:
We evaluated the retail marketplace for CPAP cleaners. We narrowed our search starting with customer and expert reviews. We removed companies rating three or fewer stars from consideration.
We considered convenience. We ruled out CPAP cleaners such as ultrasonic models because they do little to reduce the time it takes to clean and dry a CPAP by hand.
We shopped for CPAP cleaners following our own advice, using wise buyer standards. We evaluated the CPAP cleaners offered under each brand, the cost and other criteria. We excluded CPAP cleaners that made exaggerated claims about efficiency or effectiveness.
CPAP Cleaner Reviews
After our evaluation, we selected the best CPAP cleaners: SoClean 2, Lumin, Sleep8 and Purify 03. Each stood out above the competition.
LiViliti Paptizer LED Smart Sanitizer Review
Convenient Option
The LiViliti Paptizer LED Smart Sanitizer is a standout solution for maintaining hygiene in CPAP equipment and everyday items. Utilizing advanced UV-C LED technology, it eliminates 99.9% of bacteria in just three minutes, providing medical-grade sanitization without the use of harmful chemicals like ozone or mercury. Its spacious design accommodates a wide range of items, from CPAP masks and hoses to electronics, keys, and baby accessories, making it a versatile choice for both home and travel use.
Safety and ease of use are key features of the Paptizer. The automatic shutdown mechanism ensures safe operation by disabling the UV-C light when the lid is opened, while the simple one-button control makes it user-friendly. Backed by a 2-year warranty, this portable and maintenance-free device is not only reliable but also cost-effective, requiring no additional filters or adapters. Whether you’re looking to sanitize CPAP gear or everyday household items, the LiViliti Paptizer offers a fast, safe, and chemical-free solution.
Lumin Review
Great Time-Saver
Lumin Review
The Lumin CPAP cleaner from 3B Medical Inc. emits a high energy UV-C light to clean your CPAP mask and water chamber in minutes. This germicidal light kills most surface mold or bacteria in five minutes. To clean the hose, you’ll have to buy the Lumin Bullet separately, which disinfects in about one minute.
Although Lumin is designed specifically to clean CPAP equipment, you can clean any item that fits into the unit. People clean hearing aids, cell phones, toothbrushes and other items in their Lumin CPAP cleaner. Lumin’s benefits are that the cleaning process leaves no residue, uses no chemicals and is environmentally friendly.
Purify O3 Review
Affordable Option
Purify O3 Review
While the Purify 03 from Responsive Respiratory, Inc. is not as compact as the Sleep8, this CPAP cleaner can easily be used on the road as well as at home. The cleaning components fit into a storage bag which doubles as the cleaning chamber. Your CPAP hose, mask and humidification chamber get cleaned in about 35 minutes.
Purify 03 uses activated oxygen, has a two-year warranty and costs under $200. This CPAP cleaner is quiet, and there are no filters or other parts requiring frequent replacement.
Sleeplay Review
Great Marketplace
Sleeplay Review
In addition to providing CPAP machines and masks, Sleeplay also offers essential cleaning solutions to maintain the hygiene and longevity of CPAP machines, masks, and accessories. Recognizing the importance of proper maintenance, Sleeplay connects users with innovative CPAP cleaners and sanitizers, including advanced options like ozone and UV-based cleaning devices. These solutions make it easy to ensure equipment stays free of harmful bacteria, mold, and allergens.
With Sleeplay, users can explore a range of cleaning products tailored to their needs, from portable sanitizers for on-the-go use to comprehensive cleaning kits for home maintenance. The platform simplifies the process with user-friendly tools, expert recommendations, and troubleshooting support. It empowers users to prioritize their health and ensure their CPAP equipment remains in top condition for effective therapy.
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Frequently Asked Questions About CPAP Cleaners
Does Medicare pay for CPAP cleaners?
While Medicare and health insurance cover the cost of a CPAP, neither pay for CPAP cleaners. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check to see if you have coverage for a cleaner. Medicare Supplement insurance may pay for a CPAP cleaner depending on your policy.
Are Ozone CPAP Cleaners Safe?
As you research CPAP cleaners, you will find information that says using ozone, also called activated oxygen, is unsafe and not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
These claims are primarily from brands that use other technologies to sanitize CPAP machines.
Ozone safely cleans and, as a gas, does not stay in the CPAP components.
Ozone leaves a smell that some people compare to fresh laundry. This scent doesn’t sound bad, but you wouldn’t want to try to sleep with the aroma permeating through your CPAP. Daily cleaning your CPAP with one of these devices in the morning, then allowing the parts to sit in fresh air throughout the day eliminates the smell by the time you use your CPAP again.
We also found claims that ozone can break down CPAP masks and other parts. However, the National Ozone/Oxidation Association reports that ozone does not damage parts when used as intended by the manufacturer.
Are the low-cost CPAP cleaner filters and parts sold online safe to use?
If you find bargain-basement-priced filters or other parts online, proceed with caution. There have been reports of counterfeit CPAP cleaner parts and filters sold on Amazon and eBay. These cheap CPAP parts can damage your cleaner or disrupt the seal on ozone machines.
You may find sales and discounts on legitimate filters and parts. Just remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Is there any way to finance a CPAP cleaner?
CPAP cleaner companies that sell directly to the consumer usually offer financing deals with six to 12 months to pay. Some retailers provide financing from time to time. If paying upfront is difficult, ask the seller about financing.
Do all CPAP machines work with each CPAP cleaner?
UV and ozone-based cleaners may not be compatible with all CPAP machines. We found compatibility problems with some ResMed CPAPs and tubing on mini CPAP machines. Ask a manufacturer’s representative if the model you’re considering works with your CPAP if you have any doubts.
Concluding Thoughts about CPAP Cleaners
A CPAP cleaner will extend the life of your CPAP machine.
A CPAP cleaner saves hours weekly, but these devices also ensure your CPAP gets sanitized.
Using a CPAP cleaner can help you stay healthy and avoid mold and bacteria from contaminating your machine.
Consider your needs, budget, and CPAP machine model to choose the best CPAP cleaner for your lifestyle.
The Best CPAP Cleaners
| CPAP Cleaner | Best For | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LiViliti PAPTIZER LED Smart Sanitizer | Convenient Option |
| 2 | Lumin | Great Time-Saver |
| 3 | Purify O3 | Affordable Option |