Brain fog from CPAP tubing plastic?

I have been lax in replacing my components at the recommended intervals (tubing and humidifier at 6 months, air filters and nasal cushions every month). I am increasingly waking up with brain fog and headaches which takes all day to resolve. The humidifier changer and tubing "looks clean" and I soak them in soapy water but I wonder. Anyone else have this problem? (I use a Phillips Respironics System One with nasal cushions with pressure set at 4 cm. H2O). HELP!!!

Winston2 wrote:I have been lax in replacing my components at the recommended intervals (tubing and humidifier at 6 months, air filters and nasal cushions every month). I am increasingly waking up with brain fog and headaches which takes all day to resolve. The humidifier changer and tubing "looks clean" and I soak them in soapy water but I wonder. Anyone else have this problem? (I use a Phillips Respironics System One with nasal cushions with pressure set at 4 cm. H2O). HELP!!!

There are several System One models. Take the water out of the humidifier and look on the bottom of the blower unit for a REF#. A setting of 4CM is as low as the machine can go. Is this a starting Ramp pressure or the minimum pressure in auto mode with another maximum setting?
I would think the change may be more related to your settings than with your tubing. What is your AHI running? Do you know what type of events make up your AHI?
Did you have a Sleep Study and what was your AHI on diagnosis?
Once we get more information we may be able to help you better.

Winston2 wrote:I have been lax in replacing my components at the recommended intervals (tubing and humidifier at 6 months, air filters and nasal cushions every month). I am increasingly waking up with brain fog and headaches which takes all day to resolve. The humidifier changer and tubing "looks clean" and I soak them in soapy water but I wonder. Anyone else have this problem? (I use a Phillips Respironics System One with nasal cushions with pressure set at 4 cm. H2O). HELP!!!

the only reason for the "recommended replacement intervals" is for the DME to sell more product.

tubing, humidifiers, mask frames, even nasal cushions, can last years, as long as you don't tear 'em or wear holes in 'em.

Brain fog is spontaneous, (NOT caused by your cpap plastics) and culminates in you believing LIES told by your DME.
Get some fresh air, and tell them to pound sand.

Winston2 wrote:I have been lax in replacing my components at the recommended intervals (tubing and humidifier at 6 months, air filters and nasal cushions every month). I am increasingly waking up with brain fog and headaches which takes all day to resolve. The humidifier changer and tubing "looks clean" and I soak them in soapy water but I wonder. Anyone else have this problem? (I use a Phillips Respironics System One with nasal cushions with pressure set at 4 cm. H2O). HELP!!!

Your brain fog may be because you are using such a low pressure. I can't believe anyone can breath properly at a setting of 4. It's NOT because you haven't replaced your supplies.

Yes, your equipment has nothing to do (specifically) with how well you do as such - obviously decent equipment is important, certainly masks, and auto vs plain Cpap machines that give lots of data vs only compliance are very important, but their condition, as long as they're in one piece, not falling apart, should not matter much otherwise. Your pressure settings are the important parts of therapy, not e.g. which hose you use.

Maybe you are Allergic to Soap, more likely than plastic, ever been in a new car? Jim

Brain fog is from treatment not set correct usually.

Winston2 wrote: ...I soak them in soapy water...

When you say "soapy," what kind of soap? If it contains aromatics, perfumes, etc. that is not a good thing. Generally speaking, common dishwashing liquids such as Dawn is recommended. Just make certain it has no anti-bacterial or aromatic components. Also, I have seen several masks where a time limit of ten minutes was specified for "soaking."
Finally, all tubing and mask interfaces I am aware of are made from medical grade silicone - no out-gassing at all.