An advice system employs a genetic analysis of a patient to identify one or more characteristics of the patient. The advice system employs the characteristics to identify one or more attributes of a medical device that would desirably exist in a medical device that is to be prescribed for the patient. The advice system then identifies from the one or more attributes one or more medical devices from among a plurality of medical devices whose features at least in part meet the one or more attributes. The advice system then outputs a recommendation of the one or more medical devices. The system employs known genes that are expressive of certain traits in a person, with the known traits being interpreted or evaluated in terms of characteristics that are relevant in selecting a medical device from among a plurality of medical devices, such as patient interface devices or other devices.