Joe Biden has started using a device commonly used to address sleep apnea, the White House confirmed Wednesday. The CPAP machine pushes a steady stream of air into the mouth and nose, helping keep an individual’s airways open while sleeping. The revelation came after reporters noticed indentations on the president’s face as he emerged from the White House earlier this week before leaving for Chicago.
The White House spokesperson said that Biden started using the CPAP machine as it is “common for people with that history to use it.” The official did not provide additional details about his diagnosis or how long he struggled with sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a common condition that prevents your body from getting enough oxygen, leading to loud snoring. It can also lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. The condition can affect people of all ages but is most often seen in those who suffer from hypothyroidism, obesity, or diabetes. Sleep apnea can sometimes be cured by treating the underlying cause, such as thyroxine treatment in thyroid patients. In other cases, the apnea can be improved by losing weight or avoiding alcohol and caffeine in the hours before bed.
If you’re interested in buying a CPAP machine, you should know a few things. First, ensure you have the correct size mask for your face and mouth. You’ll also need to ensure the fit is comfortable so that you can get a good night’s sleep. It’s a good idea to start with a low-pressure setting to get used to how the machine feels. Then, you can gradually increase the pressure to your prescribed setting.
There are many different types of CPAP machines, so you must decide which one is best for you. If you need more clarification, consult a physician who specializes in sleep medicine.
In addition to addressing snoring and improving sleep, CPAP therapy can improve your mood, energy levels, and work productivity. Ultimately, following your doctor’s advice regarding frequency and duration of use is essential.
Those with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing OSA, and regular use of CPAP can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes two-fold. Moreover, OSA is associated with obesity and is linked to cardiovascular disease.
A recent study found that using CPAP was associated with reduced cardiovascular events and improved metabolic control. They also found that a higher rate of CPAP use was associated with a lower HbA1c level. The authors conclude: “These results support the hypothesis that the use of CPAP is associated with better glycemic control and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in diabetics.” They note that more research is needed on this topic.