Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment
Man treating his obstructive sleep apnea with Genio

Discover Genio

Genio is an alternative treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for patients who cannot tolerate, have failed or refused continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

Why Genio?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a very common sleep breathing disorder that affects more than 930 million people worldwide. It is associated with many comorbid diseases (especially cardiovascular diseases).

In most cases, sleep doctors recommend continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to treat obstructive sleep apnea. However, compliance with CPAP treatment is problematic. Many patients may feel uncomfortable sleeping with a cumbersome mask or worry about certain side effects of CPAP. As a result, many patients drop out of treatment.

That's why Nyxoah has developed Genio, an alternative treatment for all those who can't tolerate CPAP therapy, so they can continue to treat their sleep apnea and finally enjoy restful nights, as well as their bed partners.

Genio, an Effective Alternative to CPAP

Prof. Dr. med. Clemens Heiser
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation will be very important in the future for patients with OSA as alternative for PAP incompliance or non-adherence. Prof. Dr. med. Clemens Heiser, sleep physician, Head of the sleep medicine center of the Clinic for ear, nose and throat medicine, TU Munich, Germany

Genio uses hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) to treat obstructive sleep apnea.
This therapy works via direct neurostimulation of the hypoglossal nerve during sleep, which activates the genioglossus muscle, causing the tongue to protrude forward.

The effectiveness of hypoglossal nerve stimulation in treating obstructive sleep apnea has been scientifically proven in patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. Thousands of people worldwide use this type of therapy.

Data * demonstrate that treatment with the Genio system was safe and effective, and resulted in significant improvement in patients’ quality of life.

Improvement in the Severity of Sleep Apnea

Positive Impact on Snoring

Easy to Use and Comfortable

Thanks to Genio, you and your bed partner may finally enjoy restful nights, without noise and without the discomfort of a mask.

Is Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Suitable for You?

You may be eligible for Genio if you meet the following requirements:

  • You are adult
  • You have been diagnosed with moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea (AHI from 15 to 65)
  • You have failed, refused or cannot tolerate CPAP Therapy
  • You’re not significantly overweight (BMI < 35 kg/m2, BMI calculator )

If so, please contact one of our medical advisors to further assess the relevance of Genio Therapy in your specific case. They can confirm whether you or a loved one are eligible for Genio and also provide you with more personal information.

Sleep apnea doctor

Sleep Apnea Doctors In Your Area

There are more and more doctors who are familiar with new sleep apnea therapies like hypoglossal nerve stimulation.

How Does Genio Works?

The Genio system consists of a neurostimulator, an activation chip, a charging unit and adhesive patches.

The tiny neurostimulator is implanted under the chin. Its electrodes are put in contact with both branches of the hypoglossal nerve resulting in bilateral stimulation of the nerve.

The neurostimulator is driven by an external activation chip that is attached under the chin at night with an adhesive patch.

During sleep, stimulation triggers a small forward movement of the back of the tongue, preventing it from falling back and blocking the upper airway.

What Makes Genio Different?

Thanks to its unique design and the use of an extenal activation chip, the Genio system has several benefits.

Discreet Neurostimulator

The implantation of the Genio neurostimulator requires only one discreet incision under the chin. The procedure is minimally invasive. The result is aesthetic.

No Battery or Sensor Implanted Into Your Body

No additional surgery is required to replace parts of the neurostimulation system if they become worn or fail.

Upgradable

Genio can be easily upgraded to the latest version so that you benefit from the latest advances in stimulation and comfort.

MRI Compatible

Genio is compatible with full-body MRI scans.

How to Use Genio?

1. During the Day

You charge the activation chip using the charging unit.

2. Before Going to Bed

You connect the activation chip to a new adhesive patch and attach it under your chin.

3. When You Sleep

The stimulation starts when you fall asleep.

Your breathing frequency is used as a reference to adjust the stimulation cycle to ensure you enjoy a good sleep.

4. When You Wake Up

You detach the adhesive patch and disconnect the activation chip. Then, you plug the activation chip to the charging unit. It will be fully charged in a few hours.

The Genio Routine

Genio is easy to use and allows you to treat your sleep apnea more comfortably.

Genio User Stories


The patient testimonials included on this website are authentic and based on patients’ personal experience. Patients have not been paid for the testimonials other than for travel expenses. Only a healthcare professional can diagnose your obstructive sleep apnea and your eligibility for the Genio system. Note that the Genio system does not suit everyone, and every patient may respond differently to the Genio system. You can find more information about safety by clicking on the Safety Information link in the footer of the website.

Frequently Asked Questions

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)
Please consult your treating physician to assess your eligibility to Genio.
Yes. Genio received CE mark in March 2019 and is approved for use in Europe.
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)

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© 2024 Nyxoah. All rights reserved.

Genio is a registered trademark of Nyxoah.

The Genio system is CE-marked as a medical device.
The Genio system is an investigational device in the United States, limited by federal (or United States) law to investigational use.