A method and apparatus for the amelioration of sleep apnea and other obstructive breathing disorders in a patient includes a collar configured to encircle the patients neck, and a jaw-engagement mechanism carried by the collar. The jaw-engagement mechanism includes a pad configured to contact the underside of the patients lower jaw in the area of the anterior triangle behind the mandibular symphysis and to be received in a small hollow of the patients jaw. In use, the pad can apply force against a surface of the patients lower jaw in order to push it forwardly and upwardly. The pad preferably is secured to a movable post that can be positioned such that a desired amount of force is applied to the patients lower jaw.
