Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a major health problem in the United States and can result in excessive daytime sleepiness and cardiovascular problems. The primary treatment for OSA today is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Many patients however are unable to tolerate sleeping with a CPAP machine. Surgery is one of the main treatment options available today to these CPAP-intolerant patients. However, current methods of sleep surgery are painful, morbid, and/or lack decent effectiveness.