For many New Yorkers living with moderate to severe sleep apnea, the standard treatment—a CPAP mask—can feel like a nightly battle. But a new option is now available at a public hospital in Brooklyn, offering hope to those who have struggled to adapt to traditional therapies.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County has begun using the Genio system, a surgically implanted device that stimulates the hypoglossal nerve to keep the airway open during sleep. This makes Kings County the first public facility in the city to offer this innovative treatment, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in August 2025.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes a few hours. Patients can go home the same day, and after a follow-up visit about a week later, the device is activated roughly two months after surgery using an external patch and a mobile app.
Who qualifies for the Genio implant?
The Genio system is designed for adults aged 22 and older who have an apnea-hypopnea index between 15 and 65—meaning they experience 15 to 65 breathing interruptions per hour during sleep. Candidates must also have documented failure or intolerance to CPAP, BiPAP, oral appliances, or other lifestyle interventions, as required by FDA protocols.
Before surgery, each patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation, including a medication-induced sleep endoscopy, to ensure the implant will be effective. This follows guidelines from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Dr. Rahul Gulati, director of Microvascular Reconstruction at Kings County, says the technology offers effective care for carefully selected patients. Dr. Mahmoud I. Awad, chief of Otolaryngology, adds that the procedure allows the hospital to serve a broader range of Brooklyn residents who have not found relief with conventional treatments.
For those who have given up on CPAP, this surgical alternative represents a viable path to better sleep and long-term health. If you're considering your options, it's also worth checking how New York health plan changes might affect coverage for such procedures.
How the Genio system works
The implant is placed under the chin through a single incision and works by stimulating the hypoglossal nerve, which controls tongue movement. During sleep, the device helps move the tongue forward, reducing airway obstruction. Unlike older implants, the Genio system doesn't require a bulky internal battery—it's powered by an external patch worn on the chest while sleeping.
The hypoglossal nerve, also known as the twelfth cranial nerve, is a pure motor nerve that innervates the muscles of the tongue. It originates in the brainstem and travels down the neck to the tongue. Damage to this nerve can cause tongue weakness or paralysis, which is why precise surgical placement is critical.
Sleep apnea is more than just loud snoring. Repeated pauses in breathing during the night can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, according to the American Heart Association. If you or a loved one experiences choking sensations or breathing pauses during sleep, it's important to seek a medical evaluation.
The arrival of the Genio system at Kings County broadens the options available within the public hospital system. As with any medical procedure, individual assessment is key to ensuring that each patient meets the established criteria for treatment.
For those interested in learning more about how sleep and time changes affect health, you might also find our guide on the November 2026 time change and your sleep useful.
