
The impact of OSA
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is not only disruptive to your life and that of your partner, but it also has many other health implications, such as higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. If you suspect that you’re suffering from OSA, visit your physician as there are many treatments to help.


Normal breathing

Hypopnea

Apnea
What is OSA?
OSA is the most common sleep disordered breathing condition, affecting globally around 936 million people between 30 and 69 years of age, of whom 425 million suffer from moderate to severe OSA, requiring treatment*.
OSA occurs when the throat and tongue muscles and soft tissues relax and collapse. It makes a person stop breathing during sleep, while the airway repeatedly becomes partially (hypopnea) or completely (apnea) blocked, limiting the amount of air that reaches the lungs. During an episode of apnea or hypopnea, the patient's oxygen level drops, which leads to sleep interruptions.
The degree of severity is measured by the Apnea Hypopnea Index or AHI. This index reflects the number of apneas and hypopneas per hour. Moderate and severe OSA patients require a dedicated therapy according to guidelines published by sleep doctors’ scientific societies.
OSA is a chronic disease, which affects the patient's health and quality of life. OSA prevalence is increasing due to the ageing population and rise in obesity: prevalence exceeds 70% in morbidly obese and diabetic patients*.
Still, OSA remains significantly underdiagnosed: in 2010, the diagnosis rate for OSA in the United States was estimated to be 15-20%*.
OSA Severity
The degree of severity is measured by the Apnea Hypopnea Index or AHI. This index reflects the number of apneas and hypopneas per hour. Moderate and severe OSA patients require a dedicated therapy according to guidelines published by sleep doctors’ scientific societies.
OSA and health risks
Left untreated, OSA is associated with increased mortality risk and comorbidities, including cardiovascular diseases, depression and stroke.
Clinical studies have shown that the mortality rate of non-treated patients suffering from OSA increases significantly over time*. Untreated OSA is associated with a two-times higher risk of stroke* and a five-times higher risk of cardiovascular mortality*. OSA increases the risk of heart failure by 140%*.
Furthermore, there is an elevated prevalence of having OSA with depression, stroke, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation or any drug-resistant hypertension. If you think that you’re suffering from OSA, visit your physician as there are many sleep apnea treatments to help you.

Do you have sleep apnea?
Common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea*
Your partner complains about your snoring
The first and most common sign of sleep apnea is usually notice by your partner: snoring. Your bed partner can also notice that you stop breathing for a moment, before gasping for air.
You wake up tired
Patients with OSA can stop breathing for more than 30 times per hour during the night. This triggers regular micro arousals and can leave you feeling exhausted in your daily life.
You feel sleepy during the day
Besides feeling unrefreshed in the morning, other symptoms can be:
- Sleepiness during the day
- Constant fatigue
- Elevated daytime irritability
- Lack of concentration and energy
- Weight gain
- Feeling depressed
- Sexual dysfunction
*These symptoms are not always reflective of obstructive sleep apnea. Talk with your physician in order to conduct the proper diagnosis.

OSA and Genio®
Genio® will keep your airway open during the night, without hose, noise or machinery. It is the number one sleep apnea treatment without any restrictions. With Genio®, you will sleep freely and peacefully again.
Questions?
Visit the FAQ
Frequently asked questions
about the Genio® system




