Embodiments of the invention include methods and devices to prevent or treatupper airway disorders in mammals re lated to impaired airflow. One aspect ofthis invention is a tongue retractor (LTR) that indirectly retracts tongue baseby its implant site in the frenulum area. This simplifies the insertion, adjustmentand maintenance of the device. Another aspect of this invention describes a highlylocalized and fully implantable LTR that is inserted into the base of tongue tostiffen lax surface mucosa or mechanically couple it to internal tongue structures.Another aspect of this invention is an LTR inserted in or around the pharyngoglossalfold. This site allows retraction and stiffening of tongue base tissue as wellas the soft palate and lateral pharyngeal wall.
