The White House confirmed President Joe Biden has begun using a prescription medical device to relieve his sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder that affects breathing.
Deputy press secretary Andrew Bates gave a statement to reporters on Wednesday after members of the press noted there were visible lines and imprints on Biden’s face as he took questions before departing the White House for a fundraiser in Chicago.
“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,” said Bates.
Sleep apnea is a condition in which airways are obstructed at night during sleep.
This causes the person to wake throughout the night and manifests in a variety of symptoms, including difficulty paying attention during the day, excessive daytime sleepiness, and even episodes where breathing completely stops at night.
Continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machines are used to treat moderate to severe cases of sleep apnea. The device provides continuous pressurized air through tubing into a mask that is worn during sleep, which explains the imprints on Biden’s face.
A person familiar with the president’s health told Bloomberg that Biden’s use of the machine is recent, but it is not related to any new conditions.
Biden’s History of Breathing Issues
Biden has a long history of breathing-related issues. His sleep apnea was first disclosed publicly in 2008 when he ran for vice president on the Democratic ticket in 2008.
But a White House report released in February disclosed that he has undergone multiple sinus nasal passage surgeries and has struggled with congested airways throughout his entire life.
Last year, the White House also disclosed the Biden experiences frequent coughing fits and bouts of asthma for which he carries an inhaler.
His evidently worsening condition will surely alarm voters, who are already concerned about Biden’s age and fitness to run again for president.
