A biomedical device of a smart elastomer, more particularly relating to a class of low modulus elastomers with dispersed, aligned magnetic nanoparticles therein that allow for controlling the flexural modulus of the device and engaged tissue in response to an applied magnetic field. An exemplary embodiment is used for treating obstructive airway syndrome wherein one or more implants including an elastomer magnetic nanocomposite are placed in a patient's soft palate. During sleep, a source of magnetic flux is applied to stiffen the implants to dampen vibrations in tissue which occur in snoring and sleep apnea episodes. The magnetic flux is provided by a permanent magnet or by a magnetic field source coupled to a controller for modulating the stiffness of the implant(s). In similar embodiments, the controlled modulus implants can be used to treat various anatomic structures such as upper airway tissue, oral cavity tissue, gastrointestinal tract tissue, urinary tract tissue, cardiovascular tissue, muscle tissue, penile tissue, sphincters and skin.