Optim 1 Wipes vs CaviWipes – A Heads-Up Comparison Leave a comment
In this article, we’ll go over what sets the Optim1 Wipes and Caviwipes apart. And if you just want to talk to someone, call our Free Tech Support at 704-966-1650 Option 3.
Why Optim 1 Wipes vs CaviWipes?
Optim 1 Wipes and CaviWipes are both disinfecting wipes that claim to be a cleaner and disinfectant in one.
Aren’t they the exact same thing?
Actually they are not. Yes they are both disinfectant wipes and come in plastic containers. But really that is where most of the similarities stop. Both have active ingredients that have vastly different properties and also work in very different ways.
Safety First!
Let’s start our Optim 1 Wipes vs CaviWipes comparison with the safety aspect. Both wipes are deemed safe for office use by EPA standards. However, there is quite a difference in their active ingredients, properties, and cleaning abilities.
First up is Optim 1 Wipes manufactured by Scican.
Optim1 wipes main ingredient is AHP… or Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide. AHP is composed of Hydrogen Peroxide, Surfactants – or surface acting agents, wetting agents which cause the liquid to spread across and penetrate surfaces better, & chelating agents which help reduce the hardness of the water. All these ingredients are listed on the EPA inert lists and the FDA Generally Regarded as Safe List.
OPTIM1 is nontoxic and nonirritating to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. It is listed as a category IV, which is the EPA’s lowest toxicity category and therefore requires no precautionary or hazard warnings.
The MSDS shows there are no special first aid precautions to be taken because it is a non toxic formula. And of course there are no fire fighting measures for this non-combustible product.
Next is CaviWipes manufactured by Metrex.
Caviwipes main ingredient is Quaternary Ammonium. That is the chemical that often allows a product to claim the “antibacterial” label and is certified by the EPA as a pesticide.
CaviWipes also contain Isopropanol which is a colorless and highly flammable alcohol also known as isopropyl or rubbing alcohol, it contains Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether, and Diisobutyl Phenoxyethoxy Ethyl Dimethylbenzyl-ammonium chloride which is a surfactant and disinfectant.
CaviWipes use a combustible liquid and are an eye irritant. Because of these they have a hazards Hazcom classification for Flammable Liquid as a 4, and Eye Irritation as Category 2B.
The MSDS for this product shows the multiple first aid measures to be taken for inhalation, Skin Contact, Eye Contact, or Ingestion
The MSDS also shows the multiple precautions to be taken because it is a flammable product. There are special conditions for storage, special procedures for fire fighters, and even hazardous conditions that can be produced by this product burning.
Next Up is Disinfection.
Disinfectants for medical surfaces must kill rapidly and thoroughly. There are two extremely important factors concerning environmental surface disinfection.
The first is the contact time… that is the amount of time it takes for a virus/bacteria to be eradicated by a disinfectant.
The second is the length of time surfaces remain wet after application. In order for a disinfectant to achieve germicidal efficacy, the product must remain wet for its entire contact time. Failing to do so may result in pathogen transmission which can cause harm to both patients and staff.
Both Optim1 and CaviWipes contain chemicals that will disinfect surfaces if used properly. The question here is are either one or both of them able to remain wet on a contact surface for the duration needed to properly disinfect.
In clinical studies of several disinfectants including both Optim1 Wipes and CaviWipes, only the Optim1 Wipes were able to cover the entire surface with 1 wipe and remain stable for the duration needed in all tests. CaviWipes were able to disinfect but it took at least double the amount of wipes to complete the task.
Last but Not Least is Cleaning Ability
Optim 1 Wipes
Optim1 Wipes main ingredient as stated earlier is AHP or Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide. AHP removes organic debris while disinfecting and delivering faster results on “ALL SURFACES”.
Optim1 Wipes can be used on anything from hard non-porous surfaces like tables, walls, and instruments. But it can also clean porous surfaces like upholstery, hoses, and instruments with plastic or rubber fittings.
CaviWipes
CaviWipes on the other hand contain many alcohol based ingredients. And studies show that when you are using an alcohol based disinfectant the surface actually needs to be cleaned prior to their application.
Alcohols are poor cleaning agents in the presence of bioburden. In fact once the alcohol is used on bioburen it becomes insoluble and stubbornly adheres to most surfaces. Because of this the cleaning before disinfecting with Caviwipes does not happen. And it actually makes the residual bioburden stronger against the destructive effects of other chemicals.
The CaviWipes formulation is only made for “Hard Non-Porous Inanimate Surfaces”. Alcohol is known to slowly break down porous surfaces like rubber, plastic, and upholstery. So all your other equipment is not only being improperly cleaned, but it is also slowly being destroyed.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion it seems pretty straight forward that Optim 1 Wipes are non-toxic and are able to properly clean and disinfect everything in your practice with maximum efficiency and minimal cost.
On the other hand it’s unfortunate that even though CaviWipes are a good disinfectant, they are toxic, do not clean properly, and are in no way as cost effective.
Where safety, efficiency, and cost are the main concerns it would stand to reason that of these two products Optim 1 wipes would be the product of choice.
Optim 1 Wipes and Liquid are available many ways…
Single Container of Wipes Here
Spray Bottles by the Pallet Here
Gallon Bottles by the Case Here
Gallon Bottles by the Pallet Here
Check out all our Scican Optim Products Available Here
As always if you have any questions about this process or anything else please feel free to contact us and take advantage of our “FREE TECH SUPPORT.”
We also offer FREE VIRTUAL TECH SUPPORT to “See and Talk” with a “Real Time Live Technician” for any problems you may be in need of help with.
You can also use our “FREE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM”. Take the guesswork and worrying about what unit is due for maintenance and which maintenance cycle it is time for. We will keep track of all your autoclaves and let you know when it’s time for anything.