President Biden's utilization of a CPAP machine to address his sleep apnea, a potentially serious condition characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, was officially confirmed by the White House on Wednesday.
Administration officials made this acknowledgment to Bloomberg News after journalists inquired about visible strap lines on the president's face during his morning interaction with reporters on the White House lawn.
At 80 years old, President Biden is the oldest-ever US president and is currently seeking a second term in next year's election, despite ongoing concerns regarding his physical and mental fitness for office.
White House photojournalists had previously noticed subtle lines on Biden's face during other recent public appearances. However, the distinct markings witnessed on Wednesday triggered a flurry of speculation on social media.
Many CPAP users themselves noted their familiarity with the strap lines and joined the conversation.
Notably, there has been a departure from tradition as President Biden's physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, has never been permitted to address questions from journalists directly. Instead, he has issued concise annual reports following the president's physical examinations.
Although Biden disclosed his sleep apnea struggles during the 2008 campaign, a 2019 medical report indicated improvement in his condition following surgeries on his sinuses and nasal passages.
Notably, official medical disclosures during his presidency have not mentioned the condition thus far.
