Devices are disclosed for manipulating the tongue (9). An implant (500) is positioned within at least a portion of the tongue (9) and may be secured to other surrounding structures such as the mandible (13) and/or hyoid bone (15). In general, the implant (500) is manipulated to displace at least a portion of the posterior tongue (410) in an anterior or lateral direction, or to alter the tissue tension or compliance of the tongue (9). Devices are also disclosed for manipulating other soft tissue structures, including the soft palate (4) and pharyngeal airway.
