Paul Alexander, ‘the man in the iron lung’, has died

Life, Technology, and Adaptation

• Commenters are struck by how much Paul did: law degree, career, romance, air travel, social life, daily TikTok streams, and a memoir typed with a mouth stick and via dictation.
• Several link a long 2020 profile describing his use of glossopharyngeal “frog-breathing” to spend many waking hours outside the iron lung while still needing it to sleep.
• Some note he continued using the iron lung partly out of habit and comfort, even after positive-pressure ventilators were available.

Iron Lungs vs Modern Respiratory Support

• Multiple posts argue negative-pressure ventilation (iron lungs) is more comfortable and physiologically closer to “normal” breathing than modern positive-pressure ventilators or CPAP.
• Others recall ventilator-related barotrauma and how modern modes and alarms attempt to mitigate it.
• A CPAP user questions whether iron lungs are truly “obsolete,” citing mask discomfort, maintenance, and safety recalls.

Living with Disability and Human Adaptability

• A recurring theme is how people “get used to” chronic medical interventions or disabilities and may choose familiar options over “better” ones.
• Comparisons are made to being born blind or with other lifelong conditions; many describe it as easier than losing a function later.
• Some note the darker side of adaptability: people also “get used to” harmful situations (toxic relationships, coercive control).

COVID, Risk, and Cause of Death

• Several note that he reportedly died after a COVID diagnosis and wonder why the BBC article doesn’t emphasize this.
• Debate over whether COVID exposure was avoidable for someone in his condition: some argue rigorous masking and air filtration could have protected him; others claim infection is nearly inevitable over time.
• There’s extensive, contentious discussion on:
  • Effectiveness of masks (especially N95) at individual vs population level.
  • Quality and interpretation of mask studies and a prominent meta-analysis.
  • Lockdown costs/benefits, excess deaths, and whether interventions “did more harm than good.”
  • Vaccine safety vs COVID risk, with links to large safety studies and conflicting interpretations.

Emotional Responses and Legacy

• Many express admiration for his determination and positive attitude, calling his life story inspiring and perspective-changing.
• Several plan to read or recommend his autobiography and interviews.
• Overall tone: respect, sadness at his passing, and awe at how fully he lived despite extreme constraints.