President Biden has been using a CPAP machine to treat sleep apnea, a potentially serious condition in which breathing can stop during sleep, the White House confirmed Wednesday.
Officials acknowledged Biden’s condition and use of the device after journalists asked about strap lines visible on the president’s face while he spoke on the White House lawn in the morning.
Biden, 80, is the oldest-ever US president and is seeking a second term in next year’s election, despite widespread voter concerns about his physical and mental fitness.
CPAP machines ensure that sleep apnea sufferers get enough oxygen at night to prevent serious illness or death.
White House photographers had noticed subtle lines on Biden’s face during other recent events, but the clear marks Wednesday triggered social media speculation, with many CPAP users sharing that they wake up with similar impressions on their faces.
Two White House officials confirmed Biden’s use of a CPAP machine to Bloomberg News, which first reported the information.
White House spokesperson Andrew Bates later told Reuters, “Since 2008, the president has disclosed his history with sleep apnea in thorough medical reports. He used a CPAP machine last night, which is common for people with that history.”
Although Biden acknowledged issues with sleep apnea in 2008, a 2019 report on his health by physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor described Biden as “healthy” and “vigorous” and gave the impression that sleep apnea was no longer a concern.
“Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) has been considered, but his symptoms have improved significantly after his sinus and nasal passage surgeries,” O’Connor wrote at the time.
O’Connor, who remains Biden’s physician, has never been allowed to take questions from journalists, in a break from custom.
The doctor has not mentioned sleep apnea in public disclosures since Biden took office and his latest report, released in February after a presidential physical, described Biden as “fit for duty.”
Sleep apnea causes about 38,000 US deaths annually, the National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research estimated in a 2008 academic paper.
The latest health news from Biden follows a series of verbal gaffes — including mixing up “Iraq” and “Ukraine” on Tuesday night and then again on Wednesday morning.
Polling indicates that questions about Biden’s health are a major election liability.
He would be 86 if he completes a full second term.
An NBC poll conducted June 16-20 found that 68% of voters had moderate or major concerns about Biden “not having the necessary mental and physical health to be president” — while 55% said the same of former President Donald Trump, 77, who is the 2024 Republican frontrunner.
An ABC/Washington Post poll conducted April 28-May 3 found 32% of Americans believe Biden has “mental sharpness it takes to serve effectively as president” — while 54% said the same of Trump.
The poll found just 33% believe Biden was “in good enough physical health” to serve, compared to 64% who said Trump was healthy enough to be president.
https://nypost.com/2023/06/28/biden-using-cpap-machine-for-sleep-apnea-white-house-admits/
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