Have you been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) but found that CPAP therapy just doesn’t work for you? There may be an alternative solution to help relieve your sleep apnea symptoms.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when the soft tissue in your airway collapses during sleep, blocking oxygen from reaching your brain. The brain detects the lack of oxygen and briefly wakes you up to breathe. This cycle repeats throughout the night, preventing you from getting the quality sleep you need. If left untreated, OSA can lead to serious health complications.
Genio® therapy for obstructive sleep apnea
Genio® is a cutting-edge, battery-free neurostimulation therapy designed specifically for individuals with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) who struggle with or cannot tolerate CPAP. Unlike traditional machines that use air pressure and bulky masks, Genio utilizes a tiny, externally powered implant placed under the chin that gently stimulates the hypoglossal nerve during sleep. This mild stimulation keeps the tongue from collapsing and blocking the airway, allowing for natural, unobstructed breathing. Controlled by a simple wearable chip placed on the skin each night, Genio offers a minimally invasive, leadless solution that restores restful sleep without the noise or restriction of tubes and headgear.
How Genio® therapy works
Genio therapy functions through a process called bilateral hypoglossal nerve stimulation, which targets the root cause of airway obstruction without the need for forced air. During a minimally invasive procedure, a tiny, leadless implant is placed beneath the chin, resting directly against the branches of the nerve responsible for tongue movement. Each night, the patient places a small Activation Chip onto a wearable patch under the chin; this chip wirelessly powers the implant and triggers gentle, rhythmic pulses. These impulses stimulate the tongue muscles to move slightly forward, keeping the upper airway open and clear throughout the night. By working in harmony with the body’s natural anatomy, Genio ensures unobstructed breathing and restorative sleep without the tubes, masks, or noise associated with traditional CPAP therapy.
Genio® therapy Effectiveness
Breakdown of the key effectiveness metrics:
- 71% Median AHI Reduction: Participants saw a dramatic decrease in their Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), the primary measure of sleep apnea severity.
- 82% Success Rate: The vast majority of patients achieved an AHI below 15 (moving from “severe/moderate” to “mild” or “normal”) by the 12-month mark.
- Consistent Supine Efficacy: Unlike some other treatments, Genio demonstrated a 66.6% median reduction even when patients were sleeping on their backs (the supine position), where apnea is typically most severe.
- 85% Nightly Adherence: Because there is no mask or hose, patients used the device consistently—exceeding the typical compliance rates seen with CPAP.
- 90% Patient Satisfaction: Nine out of ten patients reported they were satisfied with the therapy and would recommend it to others.
- Quality of Life Improvements: Patients reported a significant drop in daytime sleepiness (measured by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale) and a marked reduction in intense snoring reported by bed partners.
Insurance Coverage
Genio treatment is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare and major commercial carriers.
To be a candidate for Genio therapy, you must meet the following FDA indications:
- Age 20 or older
- Diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) between 15 and 65
- Have tried and struggled with CPAP
- Not significantly obese with a BMI below 35
- Patients with mixed sleep apnea with central events making up less than 25% of total AHI
- Not indicated for patients with central sleep apnea
- Not indicated for patients with a complete collapse of the soft palate
Ready to find out more?
To learn more about Genio and determine if it is appropriate for you, request a sleep consultation with Dr. Rajter today. Call our office at 954-906-6000 to get started.