Frequently Asked Questions
How Genio Works
You will not feel the electrical stimulation.
After starting therapy, your clinician will help you gradually adjust the stimulation to optimize both treatment results and improve comfort.
After starting therapy, your clinician will help you gradually adjust the stimulation to optimize both treatment results and improve comfort.
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation has shown clinically significant improvements in the severity of obstructive sleep apnea, daytime sleepiness, and sleep-related quality of life. Results may vary from patient to patient.
Genio therapy feels like a mild muscle contraction. It should not be painful or uncomfortable. The stimulation is very gentle and designed to move the tongue forward without disturbing your sleep.
The Genio System
The implantable stimulator is designed to conform to the patient's anatomy and weighs only 3 grams. Because the implant is typically placed 2.5 cm under the skin, it is generally not palpable to the patient.
Daily Routine With Genio
Für eine optimale Signalübertragung zwischen der tragbaren Komponente und dem implantierten Neurostimulator ist es wichtig, dass das Pflaster auf der Haut haftet. Aus diesem Grund sollte der Bereich unter dem Kinn frei von Gesichtsbehaarung sein.
Get Started With Genio
Genio is suitable for patients who meet the following criteria:
- Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (AHI 15–65)
- PAP non-adherence (intolerance, failure or refusal must be documented)
- No significant overweight (BMI ≤ 35 kg/m²)
- Percentage of central sleep apnea ≤ 25%
- Other sleep disorders excluded or treated (e.g. RLS / PLM, insomnia)
Genio is contraindicated in patients with other active implantable medical devices (AIMD).
Genio is suitable for people with a body mass index ≤ 35.
First, complete the questionnaire on the Getting Started page to determine if you are a candidate for Genio therapy. If you're eligible, contact one of our medical advisors.
Genio is indicated for patients who meet the following criteria:
Our medical advisors can direct you to a Genio-qualified physician in your area.
- Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (AHI 15–65)
- PAP non-adherence (intolerance, failure or refusal must be documented)
- No significant overweight (BMI ≤ 35 kg/m²)
- Percentage of central sleep apnea ≤ 25%
- Other sleep disorders excluded or treated (e.g. RLS / PLM, insomnia)
Our medical advisors can direct you to a Genio-qualified physician in your area.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Yes, in Germany and Switzerland, the costs for Genio are covered by health insurance
companies if the following conditions are met:
- Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (AHI 15–65)
- PAP non-adherence (intolerance, failure or refusal must be documented)
- No significant overweight (BMI ≤ 35 kg/m²)
- Percentage of central sleep apnea ≤ 25%
- Other sleep disorders excluded or treated (e.g. RLS / PLM, insomnia)
The Implantation Procedure
The implantation of the Genio neurostimulator only requires a single incision in the chin fold. The localization of the scar at this point is very discreet, but also depends on the individual tendency to scarring.
Yes. The implantable stimulator is placed through a small incision under the chin during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Patients can usually go home after 3 days.
The system is activated in the clinic after 8 weeks and then periodically checked to optimize treatment results and improve comfort.
The system is activated in the clinic after 8 weeks and then periodically checked to optimize treatment results and improve comfort.
Miscellaneous
Yes. Genio received CE mark in March 2019 and is approved for use in Europe.
Tens of thousands of OSA patients worldwide have been treated with hypoglossal nerve stimulation.
The Genio system was approved in 2019 and has since been increasingly used in countries where hypoglossal nerve stimulation is covered by health insurance.
The Genio system was approved in 2019 and has since been increasingly used in countries where hypoglossal nerve stimulation is covered by health insurance.