A method and apparatus for the treatment of OSA are disclosed which protrudes the tongue and hence enlarges the pharyngeal cross-sectional area by implanting a state changing actuator, one leg inserted helically directly into the root of the tongue near the hyoid bone, along and near the base of the tongue into the body of the tongue, the section leaving the root of the tongue providing a torque (tending to expand the V-shape of the implant), the other leg acting as a force distribution placed between the root of the tongue and the geniohyoid, or between geniohyoid and mylohyoid. Another embodiment shows placement of a passive implant to permanently compress the tongue by deforming it providing a force compressing the tongue, the force directed toward the axis of the helix, hence protruding the tongue to enlarge the pharyngeal cross-sectional passageway to prevent obstructions of the airway.