An implantable tissue retractor fortreatment of a breathing disorder and related methods.The implantable tissue retractor comprises a shaftsized for insertion into a soft tissue located in apatient's oral cavity or pharynx. The implantable tissueretractor also comprises a retractor member at or neara first end of the shaft. The implantable tissueretractor also comprises a removable coupler connected ator near a second end of the shaft. At least one of aportion of the shaft or the retractor member ispositionable on a surface of the soft tissue. At least one ofthe shaft, retractor member, or removable coupler isadjustable to vary a force to prevent a deformation ofat least a portion of the soft tissue to preventobstruction of the patient's airway.
