Genio | What is OSA?

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

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.

Find out more about Genio^®

Are you ready
to improve your sleep?

Discuss Genio^{^®} with your doctor

Ready to take the step to restful nights? Genio^{^®} is the innovative obstructive sleep apnea solution that will improve your sleep and enlighten your life. Plan your first visit to discuss the the advantages and start using this revolutionary solution.

Make sure to take our leaflet with you to check with your doctor where, when and how you can start your treatment.

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