Daniela Brannon - Sleep Health Writer
Written and Edited by Daniela Brannon. Daniela is a Sleep Health Writer and CPAP Community Liaison with over 60 articles on sleep apnea. Her work combines meticulous research with insights from CPAP communities, covering various aspects of sleep apnea and CPAP therapy. Daniela's clear, accessible writing style makes complex medical concepts understandable to all readers, establishing her as a trusted voice in sleep health education.
Our content undergoes rigorous expert review, evidence-based research, and regular updates for accuracy.
With an estimated one billion people affected worldwide, it’s safe to say that sleep apnea impacts people from all walks of life. This includes some of the most famous people in the world! That’s why we want to highlight some of the most notable public figures, celebrities, and characters who have come forward with their own CPAP story.
Dan Conner, from Roseanne, wears a CPAP Mask
John Goodman’s character, Dan Conner, had been assumed dead by fans in the finale of the hit TV sitcom, Roseanne. However, the revival reintroduced Goodman’s character in a very humorous way. The revival begins with Dan being awoken by Roseanne and removing his CPAP mask from his face, revealing he has Sleep Apnea. Roseanne then goes on to explain that she was scared he had died because he looked so peaceful. Goes to show what a CPAP machine can do for a good night’s sleep!
Ryan Jensen, from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, loves his CPAP machine
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Image courtesy of Baltimore BeatDown
In the 2014 NFL season, Linebacker Ryan Jensen started to notice he was exhausted during practice and losing weight and muscle mass at an alarming rate. After a game against the San Francisco 49ers, Jensen decided it was time for a change and participated in a sleep study where he learned he had Sleep Apnea. He has since been using a Sleep Apnea device as treatment and has noticed significant improvements, stating in interviews, “It really has saved my life and it really did save my career.”
Mike Biggs, From Mike and Molly, Prevents Snoring with CPAP
In the episode “Mike Snores” from popular sitcom, Mike & Molly, main character Mike is revealed to have Sleep Apnea. After a romantic evening together, Mike and Molly are winding down for bed when Mike surprises her by putting on his Sleep Apnea Device. He explains that it prevents him from snoring and she replies, “which is what makes it so hot!” You decide if you think that’s sarcasm because we’re really on the fence.
Jimmy Shive-Overly, from You're the Worst, uses a CPAP machine
Image courtesy of FXX Network
This show reveals one of their main characters has Sleep Apnea in the very first episode! In the pilot episode of the raunchy FX show, You’re the Worst, Jimmy and Gretchen are wrapping up a romantic rendezvous and Jimmy is attempting to get Gretchen to leave. She is being stubborn, so Jimmy pulls out his Sleep Apnea device, attempting to scare her off. Unfortunately for Jimmy, Gretchen is not so easily scared.
Shaquille O’Neal helps raise awareness for Sleep Apnea
Image courtesy of ESPN via Getty Images
It’s no surprise, given his size, that Shaquille O’Neal was a candidate for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. However, it took his girlfriend at the time bringing his snoring and restless nights to his attention for Shaq to seek help. He visited the Harvard Division of Sleep Medicine, where he underwent a sleep study and was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea. After proceeding with CPAP therapy, Shaq claimed to have noticed an immediate difference, stating, “I feel good, the weight is good, got a lot of energy, the relationship is good at the house. Everything is working.” He even went on to help raise awareness for Sleep Apnea through a campaign called “Shaq Attacks Sleep Apnea” and promote seeking treatment. If Shaq can find a CPAP mask that fits, so can you!
President Joe Biden Treats His Sleep Apnea with CPAP
During the summer of 2023, President Joe Biden was seen at a White House event where people first noticed red marks on the sides of his face, leaving some to wonder if he’d been experiencing medical issues. A spokesperson soon addressed these concerns in a statement to the press: “He used a CPAP machine last night, which is common for people with that history.” Another official confirmed that the president had recently begun using a CPAP machine to improve his sleep quality. For more information on the president’s CPAP journey, check out Here’s Why Joe Biden Treating His Sleep Apnea with CPAP is a Good Thing!
Final Thoughts
No matter how famous (or fictional) you may be, sleep apnea can affect anyone! So, if you or someone you know is struggling with sleep apnea symptoms, we encourage you to visit a certified sleep specialist for a proper diagnosis. And if you’re looking for the right CPAP mask or need help adjusting to your current sleep apnea device, contact us!
