SoClean Class Action Lawsuit Claims CPAP Cleaning Machines Not Safe For Human Use

Case joins other SoClean class action lawsuit filings, alleging consumers were misled about the safety of the CPAP cleaning machines

Irvin Jackson

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A class action lawsuit filed earlier this week claims that SoClean CPAP cleaning machines are not safe, since they emit high levels of ozone gas that should not be used around by humans or animals.

Dale Vernon, Sr. filed the complaint (PDF) on Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, seeking class action status to pursue damages on behalf of himself and other purchasers of the CPAP cleaning machines.

SoClean has been marketed as a safe way to sterilize and deodorize CPAP machines, which are used by individuals with sleep apnea. However, to be effective at cleaning the CPAP machines, SoClean uses high levels of ozone gas, which may pose serious health risks for consumers, according to allegations raised by Vernon.

The lawsuit alleges that SoClean deceived consumers by claiming what the devices emitted was “activated oxygen.” In reality, which SoClean later admitted, the devices were emitting high levels of ozone, which is the principle ingredient of concern in smog.

“The SoClean devices work by generating ozone to sterilize and deodorize CPAP machines. Ozone (O3) is an unstable toxic gas with a pungent characteristic odor that can kill bacteria and viruses,” Vernon’s lawsuit notes. “To be effective as a germicide, ozone must be present in a concentration far greater than can be safely tolerated by humans or animals.”

Vernon indicates he purchased a SoClean 2 CPAP cleaning device in 2017, to clean his ResMed CPAP machine. He says he paid a premium price because of how SoClean presented “activated oxygen” as being safe and effective. Vernon’s complaint says he would not have purchased the device if he’d have known the truth about its ozone emissions and the potential health risks they represent.

The class action seeks to damages for all individuals nationwide who purchased SoClean CPAP machines, indicating that the manufacturer’s false representations have actually deceived and harmed individual consumers.

Concerns About SoClean CPAP Cleaning Devices

The complaint joints a growing number of SoClean lawsuits seeking class action status, which have been brought since concerns about the safety of the machines that emerged last year, in the wake of a massive Philips CPAP machine recalls.

Philips Respironics recalled millions of CPAP sleep apnea machines that contained a polyester-based polyethylene sound abatement foam, which has now been found to degrade and break down, releasing toxic particles directly in the users air pathways. This has been linked to a number of severe and potentially life-threatening side effects for users, including a potential risk of cancer from the Philips CPAP machines.

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At the time of the recall, Philips made several statements suggesting that ozone CPAP cleaners like SoClean may cause the sound abatement foam to break down. While SoClean has maintained that the foam problems were the result of poor design choices by Philips, and not their sanitizing machine, many lawsuits allege that SoClean withheld information about the side effects that result from the high levels of ozone gas necessary to clean a CPAP.

In January, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation centralized all SoClean CPAP sanitizing device lawsuits in the Western District of Pennsylvania for pretrial proceedings as part of a MDL, or multidistrict litigation. The cases are centralized before U.S. District Judge Joy Flowers Conti, who is also overseeing a MDL established for the growing number of Philips CPAP lawsuits filed over injuries and exposure to the toxic sound abatement foam.

Tags: Chemicals, CPAP, CPAP Recall, False Advertising, Ozone, Philips, Respiratory, SoClean

More Philips CPAP Recall Lawsuit Stories

133 Comments

  1. Angela

    I have had 2 machines now used so clean for years always wondered if they ozone smell was healthy for me now I know. Can you tell me if I can get a refund for the so clean machine I bought also what crap machine are healthy to use can you tell me ?

  2. Dean

    Been searching for information relating to use of Soclean and migraines. There doesn’t seem to be a lot out there but I spent a year suffering with migraines that blurred my vision and incapacitated me for an hour or two. I stopped using the CPAP for several months- migraines went away, tried CPAP for a night, had a migraine next day. I went to my portable machine with no Soclean and hadn’t had a problem . My neurologist hadn’t heard of anything clinically. Does anyone have anything I could read and share?

  3. Donald

    I have been using SoClean for over 2years
    And I’m having trouble with Asthma
    I just found out that the SoClean is a problem
    My Doctors office told me to stop using it.

  4. Lillian

    I’ve been using a Resmed CPAP AND the same SoClean Cleaner since 2018. I don’t have any trouble sleeping, but I have constant post nasal drip and rhinitis and cough. Could this be a result of the ozone issue?

  5. David

    In June of 2018 I got a new CPAP machine and decided to also get a So clean machine as it was advertised as the best method for sanatizing the CPAP machine,, within weeks of using this machine I developed a sinus and ear infection,in October of 2018 I developed high blood pressure and started bleeding internally ,went to doctors got medication for high blood pressure,had a colonoscopy to determine cause of bleeding was told I had an internal hemorrhoid,,the bleeding sometimes severe continued until late August,went for a physical and blood pressure was extremely high ,,and this whole year felt extremely fatigued Dr said to monitor BP and report back in 2 weeks ,, started to wonder if since I started the So clean machine my problems began ,I sanatized my CPAP mask hose and water reservoir in hot water and cleaning solution,and stopped using the So clean machine,,my blood pressure returned to a more normal slightly elevated level in 2 weeks and bleeding has stopped completely for over a month now ,,,I feel great with energy I haven’t had in 4 years ,and getting over my 4th sinus and ear infection in 4 years that I haven’t experienced before in my life,,sad to think a company could mislead people ,

  6. Bert

    Gave up on SoClean 3 unit.

  7. Kurt

    I’m outraged to find this out. I’ve been using soclean machine faithfully. Well my facial mask broke so I had to order a new one today. As I was completing my order the customer service representative said not to use it due to it being defective. I quite upset about this and would like to know if I can be part of the lawsuit. Thank you.

  8. Tina

    I bought the original so clean Machine and would like to be apart of the lawsuit

  9. Brian

    Hi I am from Canada. The So Clean device was recommended to me by Philips and by Complete CPAP Care. I used it fir a while and then when I registered my Dream Station CPAP for the recall I was told not to use it anymore as it was dangerous. I paid $400.00 for this cleaner and then found out that my Family and our pets were at risk if we continued to use the cleaning Device. My Wife went on CPAP and we were told that if she used this cleaner all Warranty would be VOID. This is not right and I want my money refunded.

  10. Jill

    I have the same issues as Lillian. I never had a cough and post nasal drip before using Soclean with my Resmed system.

  11. Steve

    I’ve been using the so-clean for at least 2 or 3 years. Can’t say I’m having issues but I don’t want to come down with lung cancer. I’ve stopped using the machine when I heard it could be dangerous.

  12. Mike

    I have used a CPAP machine for 4 years now and about a year ago I bought the highly recommended SoClean device to clean my CPAP.

    I have been dealing with shortness of breath, ear aches and a nagging cough. There has been no explanation as to why I have had these persistent issues until Now!

    I would like to be added to the list of people that have been mislead by the false adds and claims of the best way to sanitize and clean a CPAP machine.

  13. Ken

    Please contact me I’m interested in this law suit, I brought my SoClean about 5 years ago and was always .wondering if it really working

  14. Mary

    I have had continuous problems coughing, dry, scratchy throat.

  15. Jeff

    I purchased the SoClean cleaner in early 2016 for my Resmed 10 based upon the company’s marketing about its effectiveness and that it used “activated oxygen”. I had no idea that the “activated oxygen” was actually harmful ozone. I have now quit using my SoClean. In 2018 I was diagnosed with leukemia (CLL), although I have no idea if there is any connection with using SoClean.

  16. Yvonne

    I bought a So Clean 2 machine in mid fall of 2021. Had been using it and ran across varied articles regarding its safety and possible side effects of this machine. I cannot believe that the Coap Store still even Carrie’s this hazard!!

  17. Ruth

    I’ve used So Clean 2 for years. My medical provider, Kaiser Permanente, informed me that I needed to stop using my So Clean with my Res Med Cpap to clean the parts immediately because the ozone is destroying the inner workings of the Cpap and my warranty will be voided. Also, I have asthma so ozone is not helpful, and a couple of years ago I started telling my doctors (and they noticed it too), that I was losing my voice. It’s completely different now. They couldn’t find an explanation.

  18. Lula

    I have this machine didn’t know it was emitting ozone.

  19. James

    I bought my Soclean 2 in 2016. I am legally blind so it is not easy for me to clean my bipap properly. After hearing about the “active oxygen “ way of cleaning my bipartisan, I felt like this would be the best thing I could do. Not only have I used it every day since, I also recommend it to my fellow blinded Veterans. I don’t know about what others are going through, but not only do I cough continuously with wheezing and difficulty breathing, but I also feel very guilty recommending this poisoning machine to my fellow veterans.

  20. Mark

    Using product for over two years and developed a constant coughing

  21. Steven

    I have used my So Clean for 6:or 6 years. I have experience d shortness of breath for awhile now. Could this be part of the cause. I would like answers and to be included in the class action lawsuit

  22. Bill

    Been using a soclean machine for a couple of years. Had no idea of this lawsuit. May explain my shortness of breath, thought maybe it was lingering from Covid but now maybe it’s because of the soclean. Please keep us posted on any updates. Has there been any recalls or hearings?

  23. Ronald

    I have used a SoClean for over two years. I have had bad dizzy spells in the last two months. Today I have scratchy throat coughing and a sinus headache some sneezing . November 6th.
    I have not caught covid and do not believe in Untested Immunizations from entities that are exempt from liability.

  24. James

    I have a So clean machine. I live in Michigan. How do I join the correct class action?

  25. James

    How do I join this class action lawsuit?

  26. Johnnie

    I purchased a SoClean2 on 10/6/18 and started using it. I stopped using it today 11/8/22. Based on what I’ve read here.
    I have all but lost my voice. I have chronic rhinitis, and my ears have a recurring dark scaly mass that refuses to heal. My current ENT Doctor is treating it with Mometisone since Feb/2022, but it continues to return. I’m going to share this with my primary doctor today. Its plausible to me, my symptoms could have more systemic causes. The threat of cancer scares me. I hope I have not waited too late.

  27. Joyce

    I have a soClean machine. Before I used it. I was informed there was a problem. I called and was informed it was only if you had a Phillips cpap.. I have never felt comfortable using the SoClean on our ResMed bipap. Aprina suggestion not to use SoClean. I bought a different brand. I called SoClean to try to return it but, they told me it was fine that nothing was wrong with the SoClean Machines. Am I just stuck with this $200+ . Your input would be appreciated.

  28. Candice

    I purchased and started using the so clean daily from Oct 24, 2020 until Oct 30, 2022. Since I cannot recoup my purchase price I too would like to join the suit. I started having an unusual cough that was getting worse in mid 2021. I was waking up every morning with sometimes uncontrollable coughing. I decided to stop using the cleaner to see if it would get better and came across the similar problems others were having. The so clean is now boxed up in my garage.

  29. Tyrone

    I’ve been using a SoClean machine for the last 5 or so yrs and I’m experiencing the same complications !

  30. Barb

    I just happened to stumble upon this sight as I was looking for an article about the So Clean Machine and Black Particles in Lungs. Needless to say, I need to keep searching. I have had a ResMed C-Pap Machine for about 6 years and a So Clean Machine for about 4 years. I must admit, I had no idea there was a lawsuit pending against So Clean. I would also like to be added to this lawsuit. Last year, I developed a chronic cough that started in April and finally went away the end of November. I thought it was just seasonal allergies, but it wasn’t. I was taking “Pearls”, Tessalon, for months to keep it under control. My Pulmonologist sent me for a CT Scan and it came back showing little black flecks all over in my lungs. She couldn’t figure it out. I have never smoked and I try to stay away from people who do. We did have a lot of fires around our area the year before, so she thought maybe that was it. This is why I am desperately trying to find that article. My friend sent it to me months ago and it is somewhere in my thousands of emails. She tried to find it at her end, but hasn’t so far. If any of you find it, please send it to my email above. Thank you, I will be seeing my Doctor here again in the next month or so after I have another CT Scan. Some of you mentioned getting another cleaning machine for your C-Pap. Could you please list some suggestions? Thank you. I am sorry so many of you have suffered these terrible side effects and will keep you in my thoughts. Now that I know this sight is here, I will check back to see updates and hopefully good news as well. Take care.

  31. Robyne

    I have been using a So Clean Machine to sanitize my BiPAP machine for over 5 years. Resource Medical Group sold it to me when they set me up with my BiPAP machine. I was assured that it was safe and would sanitize my BiPAP machine and keep me from getting infections which it did not. No one from the So Clean Company or Resource Medical Group ever contacted me to inform me that the So Clean machine was dangerous to my health and that I should stop using it

  32. Gregory

    I have been using So Clean for about 5 a years and found black particles in the water chamber. Now I have a blood clot in my lung no one can tell me where it came from

  33. Nolan

    I’ve had the so clean about five years, maybe even more. I never heard about the lawsuit until I got a new machine and needed to get a new adapter. I’m now worried about using it all time and assuming it was safe like they stated. How do I join the lawsuit?

  34. Timothy

    I have had a Soclean machine for years and also paid a premium price. There was always a strong odor and slight burning sensation after cleaning my CPAP machine. I did develop shortness of breath and wheezing and my pulmonary Dr was treating me for asthma. I didn’t know anything about problems with the so clean until I upgraded my CPAP through the VA.
    I do feel that the Soclean company should have informed purchasers about any possible problems.
    Please include me in any class action lawsuits.

  35. Carolyn

    I would like to join the law suit.

  36. Joseph

    I’d like to be apart of this class action suit as I have a so clean machine and paid premium price and like others developed a bad cough and chest congestion feeling for many months.

  37. Cindy

    I bought a soclean machine and the gal at medical supply told me about a problem with the soclean when I went to get the attachment for my bipap machine. She said I could use it for the mask but not the machine. After reading this, I’m not sure about that. Now I wish I hadn’t bought it at all. I have burning in my sinuses every morning.

  38. Carlos

    Every since purchasing So Clean’s CPAP
    Cleaning machine I have noticed a harsh smell. I have struggled with coughing and respiratory issues for quite a while. Never realized what I hoped was disinfecting my CPAP was causing my health issues.

  39. Susan

    I use a Resmed Aircurve 10.
    I bought a SoClean 1 machine and used it for several years. One day I noticed a bunch of dark floating substances in my water chamber. This was after Phillips Respironics disclosed a recall. I took photographs and sent them to my CPAP supply company. They contacted Resmed & they stated they weren’t having any issues similar to Phillips. My Sleep Medicine Dr. suggested I discontinue using So Clean.

  40. Matthew

    I purchased the SoClean 2 in 2019 to clean my Resmed Cpap. I’ve had sinus issues and recently developed a rash on my torso that would not go away. Doctors kept telling me it was contact dermatitis but changing laundry detergents and soap products didn’t help. I recently saw an article about issues with the So Clean 2 and stopped using the machine. My sinus issues improved and my rash went away completely. I also suspect my Cpap machine has been damaged. Why was I never informed by SoClean about the issues with their product? How do I get compensation?

  41. Scott

    We are experiencing the same issues such as sinus infections etc and why no correspondence from SoClean? Please include us in the lawsuit as well as our fellow SoClean users who feel we have been taken advantage of or scammed.

  42. Doug

    I purchaced the SoClean in2022 shortly after i started using it i had gotten one of the worst sinus infections ear infection and what felt like broncitus and ever sence that time I have lost all sense if smell i can’t even smell a skunk even if I’m on top of one like under my houses window and so far as up to date
    Ihave taken 4 ten day treatments of anibiotics in the last two and a half months and the pain is at a 9-10 most of the time when this acts upmy right side of my head burns most of the time this thing has caused alot of aggony i had to get a new c-pap acording to respitarory therapist its no longer safe to use

  43. Michael

    When I use the soclean machine illusion awful smell, like a gas, smell of burning something Burt and I end up coughing every day I was told by my Sleep Center there’s a lawsuit going on for this machine do not use it only wash it with warm water and soap could using the machine to contact you people for the lawsuit I’m going

  44. Rich

    I would like to be part of the class action suit. I purchases a SoClean unit 4 yrs ago

  45. George

    I wold like to be compensated for my soclean2 machine bought it this and never used it

  46. Roy

    I also have a soclean machine I have been suffering from severe sinus infection that I can not get rid of.

  47. Ricky

    I bought a So Clean machine and used it for a good while. I have had my CPAP machine recalled and have not used the So Clean machine since. It would be nice to get my money back for the machine. Have tried to contact So Clean but they refuse to speak to you on this matter.

  48. Sylvia

    Paid a lot of money for my SoClean. Had to quit using it when Phillips recalled my DreamStation. Kept waking up congested and tired. Never thought it could have been the cleaning machine. Now that I clean it with soap and water, congestion is gone and I have more energy as I can breathe better. The SoClean just sits there now as I’m afraid to use it. Such a waste of money!!

  49. William

    I bought mine about 3 years ago. Made by so clean.
    First year went well but nasty smell. My nose kept running all summer and winter.
    2nd year same thing. Nose running still no stoping it.
    3rd year. Recall on the machine that supplys the air to the mask ( C-pap ) No more parts came like the two years before, filters, hoses maskes ect. Took me three trys with our family doctor and several months before I was sent any replacement parts, mask, hose, filters. And not much of that. Had no idea the SoClean was causing trouble. Never was contacted about it. It always had a strong smell and alot of noise. My nose
    Still runs day and night, summer and winter. Been to the doctor two times with no let up. Now I see why by all these reports.
    My SoClean just now stopped working saying no hose detected. What do we do ?

  50. LARRY

    My wife uses so clean. We smell odor when used. She has chronic cough runny nose and tired. What can we do to join class action and get relief for at least cost of machine if not more for damages to her respiratory system

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