US President Joe Biden has begun using a continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP) to address a problem with sleep apnea, White House officials confirmed on Wednesday, according to Reuters.
"He used a CPAP machine last night, which is common for people with that history," White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said.
A White House official who declined to be identified said Biden had begun using the CPAP machine in recent weeks to improve his sleep quality.
The White House provided no additional details on what specific complaints or diagnosis prompted use of the machine, how the President’s sleep apnea had been treated previously, or whether the President had undergone a sleep study.
The White House would not say why it had not disclosed the machine's use when it started.
Use of the machine was not disclosed in a February 16 summary of the President's health status, in which his physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, said Biden remains “healthy” and “vigorous” and is “fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency.”
O'Connor said in a 2019 report released by Biden's presidential campaign team that he looked into Biden having sleep apnea but that his symptoms improved after nasal passage and sinus surgeries, according to Reuters.
The White House confirmation came after Biden was seen by reporters on Wednesday with marks on his face indicating he had been wearing some type of wide strap. Many CPAP users wear a mask held on by a strap. Bloomberg News first reported Biden's use of the machine.
Biden, 80, is the oldest person to serve as US President, and both his age and health have been a focus of voters as he seeks a second, four-year term in the 2024 election.
Biden recently said that his decision to run for reelection in 2024 was not an automatic one, and added that it is legitimate to bring up his age as he seeks another term.
Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in May weighed in on concerns surrounding Biden's age, saying it's a legitimate issue and "people have every right to consider it".