SoClean 2 vs Lumin (2021): Reviewing Top CPAP Cleaners

Regular disinfection of CPAP machines is a must if you are undergoing CPAP therapy for your sleep apnea. If you fail to regularly sanitize your CPAP equipment, it can become a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms that may cause health issues in the long run. Individuals with a busy lifestyle who can’t maintain a habit of regular cleaning will find CPAP cleaners such as the SoClean 2 and Lumin by 3B Medical a worthy investment. While they are both recognizable CPAP cleaner brands, they differ in many ways. Keep reading our in-depth review of SoClean and Lumin so you can make a sound buying decision. 

SoClean 2 vs Lumin CPAP Cleaners Comparison Chart

Model	SoClean 2	Lumin
Price	Check Price on Walmart	Check Price on Walmart
Sanitization Method	activated oxygen (ozone)	UV Light
Dimensions	11″ x 11″ x 13″	12.2″ x 8.5″ x 7.75″
Weight	7 lbs	5.5 lbs
Cleaning Time	5 to 10 minutes	5 minutes
Air Hose Cleaning	Yes	No, but can be used to disinfect other items
Filter	Cartridge Filter	N/A
Adapter Required	Yes	No
Free Trial	30 days	N/A
Warranty	Up to 2 years	Up to 2 years

Design & Ease of Use

The SoClean 2 requires a hose adapter for cleaning, something the 3B Lumin doesn’t need as it’s not designed for sanitizing the CPAP hose

While their dimensions and weight are not too different, the design of SoClean and Lumin differ significantly. With SoClean, you won’t have to disassemble your CPAP equipment. You simply have to put the mask in its sanitizing chamber, connect the hose to your machine through a compatible adapter, and close the lid to start cleaning. The SoClean 2 comes with 3 of the most popular adapters while adapters for other models are also easily available online. 

Using Lumin is also a breeze, but it does require detaching your CPAP mask and other parts from the machine before you can sanitize them. The rest is straightforward and easy, though. You can put the CPAP accessories in the 3B Lumin’s spacious tray (make sure they’re facing the UV light) and start cleaning. It only takes 5 minutes for Lumin to complete the sanitization process, a little shorter than the 7 to 10 minutes that the SoClean 2 requires. 

Sanitizing Performance

The SoClean 2 uses activated oxygen while the 3B Lumin generates UV to sanitize CPAP gear and other items

While they are both effective at killing up to 99% of germs, SoClean and Lumin have different cleaning methods. The SoClean 2 uses ozone, or activated oxygen, to sanitize the mask, air tubing, and machine. It can effectively kill fungus and other harmful pathogens that can grow in your CPAP machine, but the caveat is it emits an unpleasant odor. Before you wear it again, you should wait it out for a couple of hours (a minimum of two) after cleaning to make sure the ozone has completely dissipated. This is why the SoClean 2 is programmed to clean in the morning in its factory setting the odor is gone by the time you need to use it again. 

The 3B Lumin, on the other hand, releases UV energy to disinfect your CPAP mask and water chamber. Unlike the SoClean 2, the 3B Lumin doesn’t emit a strong odor when used. On the occasion that you do smell something, it’s a smell that’s similar to “after tan odor,” but not as strong as the ozone emitted by the SoClean 2. Another advantage to the 3B Lumin is it’s not just meant for cleaning CPAP accessories. It doubles as a sanitizer for other items as well such as phones, toothbrushes, AirPods, smartwatch, and pretty much anything that can fit in its drawer.

The major downside to the 3B Lumin, however, is it’s not recommended for disinfecting the hose as doing so may cause corrosion. 3B Medical does offer a dedicated CPAP hose cleaner called the Lumin Bullet, which you may want to bundle with the 3B Lumin upon purchase. 

Maintenance & Warranty

Unlike the SoClean 2, the 3B Lumin doesn’t require a filter replacement 

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The SoClean 2 and the 3B Lumin cost about the same. If you add the Lumin Bullet to the equation, the Lumin CPAP cleaner becomes more expensive upfront. However, it’s still the more cost-effective option long term as its UV lamp doesn’t need replacement. In contrast, the SoClean 2 uses a cartridge filter that needs to be replaced after a certain period. Its replacement filters are around the $30-dollar range, although they last around 6 months or so, depending on how often you clean your CPAP machine. 

Both CPAP cleaners offer up to 2 years of warranty, but only SoClean lets you try the product for free for 30 days. If you want a refund, they will provide a free return label upon request. Something to keep in mind when choosing between Lumin and SoClean is that certain CPAP manufacturers like ResMed will not honor their warranty if the CPAP machine has been sanitized using ozone. This is because ozone can corrode the CPAP’s materials. It’s best to check with your CPAP manufacturer first before deciding to get the SoClean 2.  

Verdict

The 3B Lumin CPAP cleaner delivers better value for your money

SoClean 2

Lumin

While both CPAP cleaners are effective and have the same cleaning power, the 3B Lumin wins by a mile against the SoClean 2. Since Lumin uses UV light, its odor is not as pungent as the ozone that the SoClean 2 emits. The fact that it can clean a broad range of items and doesn’t have a filter that will need replacing every now and then are major pluses, too. With that said, we recommend getting the Lumin Bullet as well so you can also disinfect your CPAP hose regularly. 

Of course, the SoClean 2 is not without its advantages. Its programmable cleaning schedule and cleaning without disassembling your accessories are features that Lumin doesn’t offer. However, the fact that CPAP manufacturers claim that ozone can corrode its materials further tips the scales to Lumin’s favor. 

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