Adaptive and Hands-Free Cups, Mugs, and Other Drinking Devices

Consuming fluids throughout the day is vital for everyone, but can be challenging for people with different abilities. People with limited mobility, dexterity, or vision may have difficulty reaching for or holding a cup. Some people with tremors may accidently tip or spill their drinks. Fortunately, there are a variety of accessible drinking options available to help people remain independent with hydration. 

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Reduce Spills and Improve Access By Adapting Your Own Cups and Mugs: 3 Ways

1. Add a Lid

You may have to shop around to find the most accessible lid type and spout opening to fit your glass or cup. Some silicone options are designed to stretch over a wide variety of cups and glasses.

2. Place a Straw

Long straws can be added to any cup or mug to reduce lifting and leaning. Silicone straws are often preferred for people with disabilities to prevent pokes and injuries. If very limited in mobility, consider a long and bendable straw such as Freedom Distributors Extra Long Flexible Drinking Straw.

3. Add Your Own Handle

Various options exist on Amazon and other retailers. The uDrink by a company called uAdapt is made specifically for people with disabilities. Check out our post on Universal Cuffs, Clips, and Holders for more ideas.

Consider Integrated Handles for Drinking Accessibility

Mugs with integrated handles are less prone to tipping due to their weight and easier grasp around a handle versus grasping the whole mug. The Hand to Hand Mug is an example. Some specialty mugs like the Relaxus Double-Handled Mug offer a handle on each side for improved stability and access. 

Maximize Width and Weight to Prevent Tipping Your Mug

Wide, heavy mugs with handles resist tipping over. This can help people with tremors, ataxia, and coordination problems.

Accessible Cup and Mug Brands To Consider

Contigo Auto Seal

For a person with jerky or unpredictable movements, drinking through a lidded mug with a spout can reduce the risk of spills. Taken a step further, the Contigo Autoseal bottles and mugs requires the user to hold down the button to drink through the spout. When the button is released, the spout auto-seals shut. 

Mighty Mug

Mighty mugs are an innovative product. The base resists tipping when approached quickly from the side. The user must lift the mug straight up to use. They also have a 360 degree leak-proof drinking lid that allows the user to drink from anywhere on the lid with a push of a button. 

Rehabilitation Advantage

The Hand In Mug Adaptive Drinking Cup features a hand slot inside the mug aimed for people with limited hand control or grasp, tremors, spasticity, or arthritis.

Shaker Cups and Bottles

For thicker liquids such as shakes or smoothies, the circular spouts on shaker cups and bottles control the rate of flow, reducing the risk of spills. Blender Bottles and other shaker cups/bottles also lend themselves well to consuming milk and cereal, soup, or other liquidy foods in a alternative way. 

On The Go: Accessible Cups, Mugs, and Backpack Hydration

Wheelchair, walker, and scooter access

Cup holders designed for bikes or strollers can be mounted onto mobility devices. One particularly durable brand for a variety of implementations is Ram Mounts. Some medical device manufacturers such as Drive Medical and Quantum Rehab make their own mobility device compatible cup holders as well.

Backpack hydration

For individuals who have high hydration needs or forget to drink as often as they need, the convenience and easy access of backpack hydration may be a good solution. Everything from adventure grade options such as Osprey and Camelbak to department store brands exist.

Hands-Free Cups and Mugs

Giraffe hands-free water bottle

Giraffe Bottle water bottle system uses bendable modular hose to house a long drinking tube, bringing the straw close to the user’s mouth. The water bottle is placed in a holder mounted to a bed rail, wheelchair, or other location. 

Custom options

Creative individuals can DIY their own set up using long straws, cup holders, and modular hose; although this takes some technical know-how.

Looking for Mealtime Help?

Our other posts will lead you in the right direction!

• 12 Universal Cuffs, Clips, and Holders: Empowering Independence with Meals and Other Activities

• Steady Hands: Utensils and Other Eating Devices for Hand Tremors