Health & Fitness
New Sleep Apnea Treatment
Bergen County Woman Gets Sweet Dreams Thanks to a Sleep Apnea Treatment
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For years, 56-year-old Bergen County resident Joanne C. struggled with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Unable to find relief using CPAP machines or mouth guards, her untreated condition caused her airway to collapse repeatedly during the night, which put her at a higher risk for stroke and heart failure.
Running out of options, Joanne consulted with pulmonologist Khaled Abu-Ihweij, M.D., and otolaryngologist Ahmad Mahmoud, M.D., at Hackensack Meridian Health. They recommended the Genio® system, a new, battery-free device implanted under the chin. During sleep, the device gently stimulates the nerves of the tongue, moving it forward to keep the airway open.
Dr. Mahmoud performed the two-hour outpatient procedure in November 2025. Joanne experienced a smooth, manageable recovery and activated the device in Dr. Abu-Ihweij’s office eight weeks later. Using a smartphone app, she is gradually increasing the device's settings to find the right level of symptom relief. Tests already show the implant is successfully keeping her airway open, giving Joanne the heart protection she needs and, finally, a good night’s rest.
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