My boyfriend is 22 a little over weight and snores and stops breathing for sometimes 20 or more sec at a time. could this be sleep apneak?

Probably: What you describe sounds like sleep apnea, a condition where one stops breathing intermittently during sleep. See your doctor or sleep specialist to confirm the diagnosis.

Yes: He should definitely be checked for this. If he has insurance getting a referral to a sleep lab is the best way. If he does not have insurance many of the local CPAP supply stores will do a nocturnal sleep study in the home with the order of the family physician. The machines to treat this run about $500 refurbished and $5000 new. Sleep apnea really must be treated.