Biden has begun using CPAP machine for sleep apnea

[TheProle]

Source: CNN

President Joe Biden has recently begun using a CPAP machine to treat sleep apnea, the White House says, after indentations from straps were seen on both sides of his face Wednesday morning.

“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,” White House spokesman Andrew Bates said.

An official familiar with the matter said Biden began using the device in recent weeks to improve sleep quality.

Marks could also be seen on the side of Biden’s face during a Monday event at the White House meant to promote an expansion of high-speed internet.

Biden, who, at 80, is the nation’s oldest president, has had a history of sleep apnea in the past.

Medical records released in 2008 indicated Biden had a recurring issue with sleep apnea.

A health record released by Biden’s doctor in 2019 said sleep apnea “has been considered, but his symptoms have improved significantly after his sinus and nasal passage surgeries.”

Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/28/politics/biden-cpap-sleep-apnea/index.html

[zuul]

1. I hope it works for him.

I tried one years ago and I woke up with intense migraines every night, so I couldn't stick with it.

[ificandream]

18. Sorry to hear this ... a suggestion ...

Go back to your health provider and see if they can give you a different mask. I'm using the Philips Dreamwear. Love it.

[James48]

2. I got one of those

A CPAP just like the President! Lucky me!

Mine works wonders . I can’t live without now.

[BlueKota]

12. Me too

It's helped a lot. The doctor who went over my initial test results from the home sleep study said at one point my oxygen level dipped to 60 when normal is 90. Glad my doctor recommended the test. I hope it helps President Biden too.

[TheBlackAdder]

60. Same here, it's great! Apnea trigger AFib in me.

[SunSeeker]

3. I hope it gives him relief. I don't know how people can sleep with those things on their faces.

I guess you can get used to anything.

[ificandream]

14. It took me a while to adjust, but I really like it now.

I guess it depends on what you're using. Mine equipment is very comfortable.

[BlueKota]

16. I thought I couldn't do it,

but by a day or two, it didn't bother me anymore

[Hekate]

41. I was *highly motivated* 18 years ago. Night after night of nightmares that I could not breathe...

…and could not wake up to save myself. The apnea would wait until I was in deepest sleep — and from there I could not awaken or call out. My snoring would wake my husband up — then my abrupt ceasing to breathe would scare him to death.

He saw an article in the newspaper and handed it to me, saying, this is what you do. An overnight sleep test confirmed it that it was bad.

The set-up, the mask and all, have improved greatly. But back then it was uncomfortable, and one way I trained myself was to set it all up and use it while I worked in the computer. Later when using it in bed there were more adjustments, as it sometimes blew air under my eyelids, sometimes dripped condensation onto my nostrils. I used a handkerchief tucked around the mask to take care of that.

As I say, headgear has improved a lot. But as with any new thing — motivation was key.

[SunSeeker]

59. Glad to hear things have improved so much! And yes, you had good motivation!

Holy cow, those nightmares must have been scary---and what was causing them was life threatening. So yes, some discomfort pales in comparison!

Glad you are doing better.

[Hekate]

66. Thank you so much

[Born Free]

51. 20+ years

We have been using them for 20+ years and admit there are times wearing a mask can become a nuisance. The newer mask are much better than 20 years ago. Sleep Apnea contributes to strokes, far better to have an occasional mark from the mask than increasing your chance of stroke.

[LudwigPastorius]

62. If it's the only way you can get some sleep, you find a way to tolerate the mask.

[Runningdawg]

4. If you live long enough, everything starts to sag, including your interior anatomy.

[ificandream]

13. It has nothing to do with age.

As others said in this thread, you can be young and have sleep apnea.

[jaxexpat]

28. So, one can be old enough at almost any age. Even a youngish one.

Nothing has nothing to do with age.

[ificandream]

29. I don't know anyone besides myself who uses a CPAP, but my understanding is yes, that's true.

[AZ8theist]

37. Well, welcome to the club!!

I've been using one for years and could not sleep without it.

My 20-something son uses one as well.

If you want an unscientific hypothesis on how many people in your area use a CPAP or BiPAP machine, just look at the "distilled water" section in your local market. It's usually sold out or nearly sold out.

CPAP users with humidifiers use distilled water to keep the air passage moisturized during sleep.

[madaboutharry]

5. This is a very common thing and not necessarily age related.

Watch how this is now going to be paraded out by the “Biden is old” crowd as being the end of the world.

[ificandream]

10. You're right, it's not.

I've had my machine two years. Granted, I'm over 70, but it could have happened sooner.

[BlueKota]

22. I am 19 years younger than the President and I have

sleep apnea. They said mine is likely related to my weight, and if I lost 70 pounds, I probably wouldn't need it anymore. So you are right, there are a lot of factors unrelated to age that cause it

[ificandream]

6. As someone who also uses a CPAP machine ...

It'd be nice if there is more of an understanding of what this is all about. I really hate the commercial for the internal CPAP treatment. Maybe it's my health care provider, but I actually look forward to putting it on at night. (I also have a sinus issue and the machine helps that.)

[Jilly_in_VA]

7. So the f*ck what?

I know a lot younger people who use one. Is this meant to be critical, or just informative?

[TheProle]

19. It's f*cking informational and it's f*cking news

You're coming in pretty hot...

It may be pushed as a criticism from the right, which is all the more reason to have an informed (and civilized) discussion about it here.

[Jilly_in_VA]

25. Well lah de dah

Don't accuse others of "coming in hot" if you don't know them. Got it? The same point was made by other posters here. Back off.

Secondarily, the reich wing will use whatever they want, true or not, conveniently ignoring the fact that there's nobody on their side who smells like a rose. (Most of their folks, in general, are generally skunklike, and that's an insult to skunks.)

[TheProle]

26. The other posters

demonstrated the basic ability to acknowledge, criticize or possibly even condemn the posting of the article without "So the fuck what" as their introduction.

I don't need to "know you" to recognize a mean-spirited person. Got it?

[Hekate]

48. Hey, Prole, in my experience, Jilly is not a mean-spirited person. Anyone can be momentarily...

…misunderstood through a screen.

[TheProle]

50. It's not something I had experienced with them before either.

So thank you for saying that.

[Skittles]

63. it's always news when it involves a president

and being open about issues helps other people facing the same issues - there's nothing wrong with reporting on it, at all.....

[marble falls]

8. Oh no! BFD. I hope nobody finds out about the Rolaids and Musinez.

[ColinC]

9. That's too bad. I hear those things suck to have to use

[ificandream]

20. I'm very happy with mine.

Guess it depends on who you talk to. It took a while to adjust but I'm perfectly fine with it.

[ColinC]

40. That's great to hear!

I've heard a lot of people complain about it, but the people who I know use it the most don't seem to have too much of a problem.

[Kali]

34. beats the hell out of

High blood pressure
Heart disease
Heart failure
Stroke
Type 2 diabetes
Weight gain
Metabolic syndrome
Adult asthma
Acid reflux
Brain fog
Daytime sleepiness
Car accidents
Memory loss
Depression

https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea-conditions

[ColinC]

38. Yeah I suppose the minor discomfort that can come from it absolutely is better than those things

Also I had no idea it can help prevent so many disorders!

[AZ8theist]

39. Well put. And those things can happen AT ANY AGE when you have sleep apnea.

[FarPoint]

11. Very common and therapeutic tool...

Millions and millions use a C-Pap...

[Kali]

15. good. hope it makes a fraction of the difference it makes for me

yeah not romantic and takes getting used to, but the benefits are so many and so important. he can contact me for mask advice.

[lamp_shade]

17. My sister and BIL use them because they both snore.

[Onthefly]

21. Very commonly used

I got a CPAP. Hopefully it’s helpful to him.

[Marthe48]

23. He sleeps?

Wherever does he find the time!

Hope the CPAP machine helps President Biden and keeps him healthy. I know two people younger than President Biden who have used CPAP machines for several years.

[ificandream]

24. :)

[miss-nasty]

27. So....my 15yr old grandson

Wears one….

[madamesilverspurs]

30. Got my first CPAP 22 years ago,

and slept through the night for the first time in years. I was amazed at how much more energy I had, along with an increased level of alertness; nowadays I wouldn't even try to sleep without one. Personally, it's reassuring that Biden doesn't hesitate to take care of himself. Those strap marks on his face are certainly far more comforting than dayglow orange makeup.


.

[TheProle]

31. "Those strap marks on his face are certainly far more comforting than dayglow orange makeup."

Ain't that the truth!

[NoMoreRepugs]

32. My 41 year old son is in phenomenal shape and he uses one - it's no biggie.

[Greybnk48]

33. I've used one since my mid 50's

not because it was critical (I was borderline), but because it helps with my allergies. I love it!

[nowforever]

35. Good news

Better sleep and oxygenation of the body is essential to maintaining good health. I think Biden will feel a pickup in energy and mental alertness from utilizing CPAP. it is estimated that 8 million people in USA utilize CPAP to treat their sleep apnea.

[jaxexpat]

36. Been using a CPAP for over 18 years.

Tried several types of masks. some leave marks while others don't. What I found early on is that the whole sleep apnea thing, medically speaking, has been co-opted by the health insurance people. My insurer changed after I started with Medicare. When I contacted my primary doctor about new parts for my unit, he looked into it and found that my new insurer wouldn't provide without a new sleep study. The outfit that did my study initially had changed hands and all their records from a couple years after I'd gone to them had been "destroyed". The new study was through an in-network provider approved by my new insurance carrier. It was done without any in-person consultation. I had to wire myself for the study and send the data collector back by USPS to them to get the results. I didn't mind it too much except that there is no face-with-the-name and if I wanted to meet with this guy, I'd need to drive 200 miles for the privilege. It all meant I had to educate my MD as to what I needed when it came to replacements and his staff doesn't consider it their job that they have to order my replacement masks and hoses and filters etc.

Then it gets weirder:
The MD is all-in on getting my stuff as he prescribes it except that it creates a bad vibe among the MAGA on his staff. You know, I live in a state where the professionals I deal with are likely people of different skin color than their lazier, less skilled and less educated staff. My wife, he and I have talked openly about this. He says it's a thing wherever he goes. He says he can fire them, but their replacements are usually no better. We've been with him for about 10 years, and I expect some day to find he's moved back to Puerto Rico. Just as I'm getting able to interpret his accent enough to overcome communications issues.

[Born Free]

52. We avoid insurance and DME

We get generic prescriptions at every checkup, basically it lists masks,hoses,supplies etc as needed. We then can buy on line and avoid using insurance. We do not go through a DME as their prices are that high the deductible is almost as much as buying it on line without insurance and we need to jump through too many hoops.

[Duppers]

65. Where do you order your machine/ supplies?

My son uses one and his insurance pays for it. He tells me that I need one, But every time I've tried to do a sleep study, I cannot sleep.
And Insurance will not pay for equipment w/o a study. It's a catch22 situation & therefore, I'd just like to order & pay for my own equipment.
Heck with the lab & ins.

You can PM me. And Thanks in advance!

[jaxexpat]

68. I considered that but ........

>my insurance pays all but $125.00 for the CPAP and mask/hoses, etc.
>my cost for replacement expendables is less than $20.00

So, I hassle with them a bit, unnecessarily I think, to save a few bucks. I pay the premiums. They win if I pay my own way rather than hassle with them to get what I paid for. They always cave when you hassle back with reasonable authority. I even got an apologetic letter from the management group once. These days they just send questionnaires about my experience with them. They're staffed with the usual underpaid and mis/uninformed personnel who make stuff up when put on the spot.

I'll look into your suggestion. Though I'm not understanding the usefulness of a prescription if you're buying on line. I thought a prescription was only necessary when using a DME provider. You'd think I'd know more about it than I do but alas, 'tis true.

[Ligyron]

42. No privacy for Presidents I guess.

Chris Christie should do the big reveal of Trump's incontinence and use of Depends at the GOP debates.

[Paladin]

43. I've used one for decades.

Plenty of my old school friends use them, as well. Once you get used to it, it really helps you sleep. No big deal.

[TheProle]

44. It's been recommended

and I am going to do the sleep study and will likely need it for apnea.

It's actually comforting to see how many folks here have gotten used to them and gleaned the benefits.

[Paladin]

46. Best of luck to you. (nt)

[TheProle]

47. Thank you

Mrs. Prole will be thrilled and her sleep should improve as well.

[Hekate]

49. Same with my husband. My snoring used to wake him up, then my lack of breathing scared him

He totally approves of my CPAP, as he sleeps much better.

[Oopsie Daisy]

45. My husband uses one. Best night's sleep *I'd* had in a long time! IYKWIM!

[pnwmom]

53. He's joined the club. Glad the President and Jill are both getting a good night's sleep. nt

[MontanaMama]

54. Glad President Biden is taking care of his health.

Sleep apnea is hard on all body systems. More power to him. He could already run circles around TFG. This will only help him stay fit.

[truthisfreedom]

55. Good. He needs a clear head to

catch t**** fucking up at every turn.

[Johnny Noshoes]

56. I use one.

It isn't the full mask. It is a nasal mask - covers just the nose. It took a little time to get used to but now I like using it.

[Beartracks]

57. Anyone else using the CPAP alternative, which is like a mouthguard?

I know a couple people who use that in lieu of a CPAP. It's similar to the mouthguard an athlete might wear, but it holds your lower jaw out a bit while you sleep so that you don't snore and your throat/tonsils/uvula/whatever can't close off your windpipe.

It's a great alternative for people who don't want to use a CPAP machine. But I think it's only recommended for people with "mild" sleep apnea (as measured by number of apnea events per unit of time).

=========

[mvd]

58. Cool, I use one also

I have severe sleep apnea in fact. I can hardly sleep without a CPAP.

[mahina]

61. Good luck Joe. Hope it makes you feel better.

Whatever helps!

[halfulglas]

64. It might even be familial.

My sister has used one for like 15 years or more and now my son has sleep apnea. Even takes his on trips.

In retrospect I wish many many years ago my ex would have been tested. His snoring was intolerable to me. I could hear it in another room. Who knows, it may have helped our marriage.

[GenThePerservering]

67. And reporting on this very common condition is important...why?

CNN has nothing else to do?