The oldest serving US leader’s health has been a focus for voters as he campaigns for re-election in 2024
President Joe Biden is now using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to address his sleep apnea, the White House has said, offering clarification after he was spotted with markings on his face left by the device.
Sleep apnea is characterized by abnormal breathing patterns during sleep, which can wake patients, or in severe cases result in a dangerous lack of oxygen. CPAP machines are used to ensure the airway remains open, applying constant pressure to the upper respiratory tract through a face mask, which is attached to a small flow generator.
White House spokesman Andrew Bates confirmed Biden’s use of the apparatus. “He used a CPAP machine last night, which is common for people with that history,” Bates said, while another unnamed official told Reuters that Biden started using the device in recent weeks to improve his…