Abstract: The present invention provides a device for holding a tongue to hold a person's airway open, for example when a person is unconscious. The device comprises a chamber configured to snugly accommodate a tongue, and a resilient hollow bulb that is in fluid communication with the chamber. The chamber has an open end through which a person's tongue can project. The device is configured such that the deforming and releasing of the bulb creates a reduced pressure in the chamber, thereby retaining the tongue within the chamber. The device prevents the tongue from blocking the airway.