Genio Sleep Apnea Treatment

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can repeatedly interrupt breathing during sleep, contributing to poor-quality rest and daytime fatigue. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is often a first-line treatment, but some people cannot tolerate it or do not receive adequate benefit. For eligible patients with moderate-to-severe OSA, Genio therapy offers a mask-free treatment option designed to keep the airway open during sleep.

What Is Genio Therapy?

Genio is an FDA-approved hypoglossal nerve stimulation system for eligible adults with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea. The system uses gentle stimulation to activate the nerves that control muscles on both sides of the tongue. This bilateral stimulation helps move the tongue forward and reduce airway blockage while you sleep.

Unlike systems that rely on an implanted battery or generator in the chest, Genio uses a small, battery-free stimulator placed under the chin. The implant is powered at night by an external activation chip worn over the implant with a disposable adhesive patch.

Benefits of Genio

• Mask-free therapy for eligible patients who cannot use CPAP successfully
• Bilateral stimulation that activates tongue muscles on both sides
• A single-incision implant procedure under the chin
• No implanted battery, which avoids surgery solely to replace an internal battery
• A discreet external wearable that fits into a nightly routine
• Patient controls and usage tracking through an optional smartphone app

How Does the Genio System Work?

• Battery-free implant: A small stimulator is placed under the chin near the hypoglossal nerves during an outpatient procedure.
• Sleep wearable: At bedtime, an external activation chip is attached beneath the chin with a disposable adhesive patch. The wearable powers the implant and delivers therapy while you sleep.
• Optional smartphone app: The app can start or pause therapy, allow adjustments within clinician-defined settings and track device use for follow-up conversations with your care team.

What To Expect

Evaluation

Your physician will review your sleep apnea diagnosis, previous sleep studies and prior treatments to determine whether hypoglossal nerve stimulation may be appropriate. Additional evaluation may be needed based on your health history and airway anatomy.

Outpatient Procedure

The battery-free stimulator is implanted through a single incision under the chin during an outpatient procedure performed under anesthesia. The implant is placed beneath the skin and is not typically visible.

Activation and Personalization

After the surgical area has healed, the care team activates the system and sets stimulation parameters to balance comfort and effectiveness. Settings may be optimized over time as part of follow-up care.

Nightly Routine

Before bed, connect the activation chip to a new adhesive patch and place it beneath the chin. Therapy is delivered during sleep and can be paused and restarted if needed. In the morning, remove the wearable, discard the patch and place the activation chip on its portable charger.

Who May Be a Candidate?

Our team will work with you to determine if Genio will be a good option for you. Ideally, candidates:

• Are 22 or older
• Have been diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 15 to 60
• Have a body mass index (BMI) up to 35
• Are unable to use CPAP therapy

Frequently Asked Questions about Genio

Will I feel the stimulation?

The manufacturer states that stimulation is typically mild and is not usually noticeable during sleep, although experiences vary. Your care team establishes and adjusts a comfortable therapeutic range.

Is Genio a surgical treatment?

Yes. Genio requires an outpatient procedure under anesthesia to place the battery-free stimulator through a single incision under the chin.

Is the implant visible?

The implant is placed beneath the skin under the chin and is not typically visible.

Can I have an MRI with the implant?

You may be eligible for full-body MRI scanning under certain conditions. Ask your physician to review the device-specific MRI requirements before any scan.

Is Genio covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by insurance plan and policy. Contact the practice and your insurer to review coverage requirements and possible out-of-pocket costs.

How is Genio different from CPAP?

CPAP uses pressurized air delivered through a mask to help keep the airway open. Genio is a surgically implanted, mask-free therapy that uses bilateral hypoglossal nerve stimulation and an externally powered wearable. Your physician can help you compare treatment options.

Take the Next Step

If CPAP is not working for you, Genio therapy may provide another way to manage moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. Schedule a consultation with Raleigh Capitol Ear, Nose & Throat to learn more and find out whether you are a candidate.