a system for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes a body implantable in a soft palate , and a fastening element at a proximal end of the body for connecting the body with a hard palate . in one embodiment , the body is curved and has a convex top surface and a concave bottom surface . the curved body is adapted to support and / or change the shape of the soft palate for minimizing the likelihood of airway obstructions during sleep . the fastening element , secureable to the hard palate , includes at least one barb adapted to engage the hard palate for anchoring the body to the hard palate . in one embodiment , the body has a surface adapted to promote tissue in - growth . the implant body may be made of materials including nitinol , stainless steel , biocompatible polymers , temperature - sensitive materials , and shape memory materials .