Airway implant sensors and methods of making and using the same

An airway implant device comprising:

• a substantially flat deformable element having a first end and a second end, said deformable element comprising an ionic electroactive polymer;
• an assembly including an anode, a cathode, a controller, and a first inductor configured to convert energy received from a proximally located second inductor into electricity, said anode and said cathode electrically connecting said first inductor with the substantially flat deformable element, and said controller being configured to regulate delivery of said electricity from the first inductor to energize said deformable element to modulate the shape or stiffness of the ionic electroactive polymer element;
• and
• a sensor that monitors a gap in an air passageway to detect the onset of an apneic event;
• wherein said assembly is attached to and extends from the first end of said deformable element, and said deformable element is configured to change its shape or stiffness when energized to modulate the gap in the air passageway and said sensor is adapted and configured to cause the controller to deliver electricity to said deformable element when the sensor detects the onset of an apneic event to cause the deformable element to modulate the gap.