Blogs > Sleeping with CPAP

Assistant News Editor Lee Dryden was diagnosed with sleep apnea and uses a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine to assist with breathing while sleeping. From a layman’s point of view, he will discuss the benefits, issues, challenges and frustrations of sleeping while wearing a mask.

Friday, August 15, 2014

Homer Simpson has sleep apnea

  D'oh!
  Sorry I couldn't resist but it appears as though cartoon icon Homer Simpson has sleep apnea, as shown in previews for the Season 26 (!) premiere on Sept. 28.
  The clip posted on Sleep Education's website shows Homer, uh, struggling a bit with his CPAP. The slapstick nature of it is funny to anyone but it is especially relatable to those of us in apnea land when we recall our early days with the treatment.
  FOX has teased that a character will die in the season's first episode and the Internet is abuzz with speculation that Homer is a goner based on his CPAP debacle and general unhealthy lifestyle.
  I haven't seen the show in a few years but they aren't going to kill the most popular character (sorry Bart) on one of television's most enduring franchises of all time.
  Besides, Homer's health will improve as he gets used to his CPAP.
  Even though it's a cartoon, apnea awareness landing on the pop culture radar is a good thing.