The White House has verified that President Joe Biden is presently utilizing a continuous positive airway pressure apparatus, commonly referred to as CPAP, owing to his enduring chronicle of sleep apnea. “Since 2008, the president has openly disclosed his battle with sleep apnea in detailed medical reports,” stated White House spokesman Andrew Bates on Wednesday. “It’s common for individuals with such history to use a CPAP machine during their sleep.” But what exactly is sleep apnea, and how is it treated? Let’s delve into the details of this potentially serious sleep disorder, which the American Medical Association estimates affects over 30 million people in the United States.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is defined as “a common disorder in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep,” as explained by Melissa Lipford, M.D., a neurologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, in an interview with USA TODAY.
As per the estimation provided by the American Medical Association in 2022, around 30 million individuals in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, yet only 6 million have received an official diagnosis for this condition.
President Biden’s use of a CPAP machine comes at a time when concerns about his age are on the rise, given that he is the nation’s oldest president. According to a recent USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll, 37% of Democratic and Independent voters expressed that the president’s age (80 years old) makes them less likely to vote for him, while only 3% feel it makes them more likely to vote for him.
In February, Biden underwent a physical exam, and his physician, Kevin O’Connor, stated in a subsequent letter that the president remains “healthy,” “vigorous,” and “fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency.”
Understanding CPAP Machines
Although there is no cure for sleep apnea, effective treatments are available. One of the most common and effective forms of treatment is the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. A CPAP device delivers a steady airflow to the nose and mouth through a face mask or nasal cushion. This continuous airflow keeps the upper airway passages open, preventing interruptions in breathing during sleep. Other treatment options include oral appliances worn throughout the night and surgical treatments. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol in the evening, and not sleeping on one’s back have shown to be helpful in managing sleep apnea.
