Drinking Aids
Special straw bottles with anti-reflux valves to keep the liquid on top or cups to allow physiological tongue movement can be found here.
ARK's Lip Blok®
From
€7.45*
Physiological Swallow Training for Straws and the Lip Blok®
The ARK Lip Blok® is a simple yet highly effective oral motor tool designed to improve lip strength, cheek tone, and sucking ability. Inserted directly into a straw, it limits how far the straw can enter the mouth and prevents biting – encouraging proper oral posture and tongue retraction during swallowing. Ideal for use in therapy or at home to promote better oral habits. 🎯 Application Areas Improves lip seal, cheek activity, suction strength, and tongue control Promotes physiological straw drinking: the straw should be held only between the lips while teeth stay closed during swallowing Effective for tongue retraction and oral-motor coordination Alternative: The TalkTools® Straw Hierarchy Set also supports these goals Best results are achieved when combined with myofunctional therapy guided by a speech-language pathologist ✅ Variants & Difficulty Levels (from easiest to hardest) Pink Lips: mouthpiece length approx. 1.9 cm / 0.75", width approx. 6.1 cm / 2.4", height approx. 3.8 cm / 1.5" Mustache: mouthpiece length approx. 1.9 cm / 0.75", width approx. 6.6 cm / 2.6", height approx. 4.1 cm / 1.6" Clear/Yellow: mouthpiece length approx. 1.9 cm / 0.75" – easiest, included in most ARK straw kits Blue: mouthpiece length approx. 1.3 cm / 0.5" – intermediate level Teal (Petrol): mouthpiece length approx. 0.6 cm / 0.25" – most challenging level 📐 Dimensions & Compatibility Fits most standard drinking straws with approx. 0.64 cm / 0.25" diameter Each Lip Blok® is sold individually or you can choose from 2 different Set-options (combo of 3 or combo of 5) Recommended progression: start with 1.9 cm, then move to 1.3 cm, and finally 0.6 cm The shorter the mouthpiece, the more intense the oral motor training becomes 🧼 Cleaning Dishwasher safe Boilable Can be cleaned with mild soap or aldehyde-free disinfectant 🌱 Material and Safety Made from medical-grade plastic CE-compliant Free from BPA, PVC, phthalates, lead, and latex Not a toy – use only under adult supervision
SASSCup
€24.95*
SassCup® – the drinking cup for people with Parkinson’s disease
The SassCup® was designed by and for people with Parkinson’s disease. People with severe hand tremors often find it difficult to drink liquids from a regular cup. The SassCup® is the solution – practical, safe, and dignified.
🎯 Application areas
Supports independent drinking despite hand tremors
Promotes safety and comfort in everyday life
Can also be used as a regular cup without the insert
✅ Features & functions
Special insert with side openings – prevents spilling
No straw or lid required
Lightweight, shock-resistant & durable
Elegant, normal cup design – no stigma when used
Flow rate 15–18 ml/s (water) – reduces risk of aspiration & spillage
Textured surface & ergonomic handle for a secure grip
Refillable without removing the insert
Available in 3 colors: Blue, Grey & Red
📐 Dimensions & details
Capacity: approx. 150 ml
Small tulip-shaped rim for comfortable drinking
Large opening – minimal head tilting required
🧼 Cleaning & material
Material: Polypropylene – dirt-repellent & 100% recyclable
Dishwasher safe & microwave safe
Packaging: FSC-Mix, recycled
Not suitable for oven or freezer use
🌱 Manufacturer
Manufacturer: Jonic Solutions
Developed with a focus on usability & sustainability
Spare Lids for ARK's Bear Bottle
€1.45*
🧢 Spare lids for ARK's Bear Bottle
These spare lids are perfect replacements if an original lid is lost or as an extra hygienic option. Designed for ARK’s Bear Bottle, they are sold individually. Please note: this listing is for lids only – other parts are sold separately.
🎯 Applications
Replacement or spare for ARK’s Bear Bottle
Convenient for therapy, daily use, or travel
Lids only – bottle and other accessories sold separately
📐 Features
Sold in packs of 1
Dishwasher-safe or aldehyde-free disinfectant
Compatible exclusively with ARK’s Bear Bottle
🌱 Material & Safety
Free of lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, and latex
Durable and reusable
Not a toy – use under supervision
ARK's Tubing Flexible Straws
€8.95*
Flexible, chewable drinking tube – reusable alternative
The ARK's flexible drinking tube is a durable, chewable and reusable alternative to conventional straws. It is compatible with Cip-Kup®, Bear Bottle, Lip Bloks® and ARK valves, and can be cut to any desired length.
🎯 Application areas
For drinking training and oral motor exercises
Reusable alternative to disposable straws
Can be combined with various ARK drinking systems
📐 Dimensions
Length: 3 ft (approx. 0.91 m) – cuttable
Inner diameter: 4.76 mm
Outer diameter: 6.35 mm
🧼 Cleaning
Dishwasher-safe
Boilable
Clean with mild soap or aldehyde-free disinfectant
🌱 Material & Safety
Made in the USA, medical grade
BPA-, PVC-, phthalate-, lead- and latex-free
Not a toy – use under adult supervision
Replacement Straws for ARK's Drinking Cups
€8.45*
These are the replacement straws for ARK's Sip-Tip, Cip-Kup, and Bear Bottle. They're also compatible with all of our Lip Bloks and drinking Select-Flow Valves or Premium One-Way Valve. CAUTION: Sold in a pack of 24 straws!All other accessories sold separately.
CamoCup
€15.95*
CamoCup® – the learning cup for all ages
The CamoCup® was developed for infants, children, and adults with sensory motor skill challenges. In addition to supporting therapy, it is also ideal for anyone learning to drink independently from a cup. The unique design includes a wide opening, making it easy to see the liquid inside, and multiple features that facilitate safe and successful drinking.
🎯 Features
Grooved lip prevents spillage
Textured rim stimulates swallowing
Nubs in the lip area activate the swallowing reflex
No handles – grasping relaxes facial muscles
Wide base for stability
Easy-grip grooves & measuring lines
Food safe, unbreakable, dishwasher safe, sterilizable
Developed & recommended by speech therapists
Used in teaching at Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, Idstein (Germany)
Made in Germany
📐 Specifications
Material: Plastic, free from PVC, phthalates & BPA
Dishwasher safe, sterilizable
Approx. 10 cm high, capacity 20–120 ml (scale in 20 ml steps)
TalkTools® Recessed Lid Cup
€19.95*
Drinking cup for Therapy and Home with two lid options
This cup is a practical alternative to conventional “sippy cups” or learner cups and suitable for all age groups. The two sturdy handles make it easy to hold with both hands, supporting drinking at midline, encouraging physiological swallowing mechanisms and independence.
🎯 Use cases
Encourages independent drinking for children, teenagers, and adults
Supports physiological tongue movement, upright head posture, and improved lip closure
Useful in therapy & daily life – ideal for speech therapy, occupational therapy, and care
📐 Measurements
Height: 9cm (3.54")
Diameter: 7,5cm (2.95")
✅ Lid options
Lid with two small holes: promotes controlled drinking with physiological tongue movement
Lid with larger opening: can be used with a straw
🧼 Cleaning
Not dishwasher-safe
Hand wash only in warm water
🌱 Material & Safety
BPA-, phthalate- and lead-free
Safe design for therapeutic use
Not a toy – use only under supervision
ARK Flexi Cups
From
€11.95*
🥤 Drinking without tilting the head – Flexible Nosey Cup
The Flexi Cup by ARK Therapeutic allows drinking without having to tilt the head back. It is especially useful for individuals with limited mobility, swallowing difficulties, or for children learning to drink independently.
🎯 Applications
For individuals who cannot tilt their head backwards
Supports children in learning how to drink
Beneficial for people with dysphagia or mobility limitations
✅ Features
Made of flexible material – liquid flow can be controlled by gently squeezing
Available in three sizes – also as a 3-cup combo set (1 of each size)
Sold in packs of 2 cups
📐 Sizes & Dimensions
Small: Ø approx. 4.5 cm · short side: approx. 3.1 cm · long side: approx. 6.5 cm · volume approx. 30 ml · color: pink
Medium: Ø approx. 5 cm · short side: approx. 4.5 cm · long side: approx. 8.2 cm · volume approx. 60 ml · color: blue
Large: Ø approx. 6 cm · short side: approx. 8 cm · long side: approx. 12.4 cm · volume approx. 240 ml · color: green
🌱 Material & Safety
Durable, flexible plastic material, CE conform
Easy to clean with mild soap or aldehyde-free disinfectant
Not dishwasher safe, not boilable
Not a toy – use under supervision
ARK Sip-Tip®
€20.95*
Drinking support with suction aid and flow control
The ARK Sip-Tip® makes drinking easier for individuals who have difficulty creating or maintaining suction. Similar to the Cip-Kup™, this cup system includes a flexible lid and a Select-Flow Valve to support safe and efficient drinking with reduced effort. 🎯 Application Areas Ideal for individuals with oral-motor difficulties or low suction strengthMinimizes air intake – less risk of coughing or chokingEncourages front-of-mouth fluid delivery for easier oral control ✅ Function & Use Supports independent or assisted drinkingFinger-controlled flexible lid allows manual fluid advancementSelect-Flow Valve slows liquid flow and keeps straw pre-filledValve can be trimmed to adjust flow intensity as neededLid fits tightly to minimize spills 📐 Dimensions Holds approx. 236 ml (8 oz)Height: approx. 11.4 cm (4.5")Diameter at base: approx. 5 cm (2")Diameter at top: approx. 7.6 cm (3")Straw compatibility: standard 0.63 cm (0.25") diameter straws 🧼 Cleaning All parts are dishwasher-safeBoilableCan be cleaned with mild soap or aldehyde-free disinfectant 🌱 Material and Safety Made in the USAMedical grade, FDA- and CE-compliantFree from BPA, PVC, lead, phthalates, and latexIncludes: 1 cup, 1 spill-resistant lid, 1 Select-Flow Valve, 10 straws, 1 yellow Lip Blok® (1.9 cm / 0.75")Replacement Available: One-Way-Straws, regular Straws, flexible drinking tube, select-flow valve or premium valveNot suitable for carbonated beveragesUse only under adult supervision
ARK's Select-Flow Valves (3 Pack)
€8.95*
One-Way Valve for Safer & Controlled Drinking
ARK's One-Way Valve makes drinking easier for beginners and individuals with oral motor challenges.
Specifically designed to control fluid direction, the valve keeps liquid at the top of the straw – preventing it from flowing back into the cup. This reduces the effort needed to initiate suction and minimizes the risk of air intake, coughing, or choking – especially beneficial for individuals with aspiration concerns or weak sucking ability.
🎯 Applications
Helps individuals with poor suction or swallowing difficultiesKeeps liquid at the top of the straw – less effort per sipReduces risk of aspiration, air intake, and chokingCan slow down flow rate for better control of liquid intakeRecommended for use with or without Cip-Kup™, Sip-Tip® or Bear BottleSuitable for ARK's Straws
📐 Dimensions
Size: approx. 4.5 cm long, 0.6 cm diameter
Fits most standard drinking straws (Ø 0.6 cm)
🧼 Cleaning
Hand-wash recommendedClean thoroughly after each use with mild soap or aldehyde-free disinfectant
🌱 Material & Safety
Made in the USA
Medical-grade material – BPA-, PVC-, phthalate-, latex-, and lead-free
Not suitable for carbonated beverages
Recommended for thin liquids (e.g. water, milk, pulp-free juice)
Contains small parts – use only under adult supervision
ARK's Bear Bottle Kit
€18.95*
Drinking with one-way valve – ideal for oral-motor support
The ARK’s Bear Bottle Kit is a fun, therapist-recommended drinking system designed to support beginners and individuals with oral-motor difficulties. The bottle includes a one-way valve that keeps liquid at the top of the straw—reducing the effort required to suck and helping prevent aspiration. A gentle squeeze brings the liquid up; the valve holds it there.
🎯 Use CasesIdeal for individuals with weak suction or oral-motor delaysSupports transition from bottle to straw without sippy cupsPromotes tongue retraction, cheek strength, and lip closureRecommended for clients with risk of aspiration or poor oral control
✅ InstructionsSqueeze the bottle gently until liquid reaches the top of the strawThe one-way valve prevents liquid from flowing back down (can also be used without the valve)Straw should always be held between the lips—not the teethThe included Lip Blok® helps guide proper straw placement and prevents bitingFor shorter sizes, see our other Lip BloksReplace the straw if necessary with the ARK's Tubing flexible Straws, One-Way Straws or replacement Straws
📐 DimensionsHolds up to 236 ml of liquidApprox. 5 cm × 6.3 cm × 15.2 cm
🧼 CleaningHand washing recommendedClean with mild soap or aldehyde-free disinfectantFlush valve and straw thoroughly after useUse the cleaning brush for the straw
🌱 Material and SafetyFree from BPA, PVC, phthalates, lead, and latexUse only under adult supervision – not a toyDesigned for use with thin liquids (water, milk, pulp-free juice, etc.)Not recommended for carbonated beverages
ARK's Cip-Kup™ Assembly
€24.95*
Drinking bottle with one-way valve and straw assistance
The ARK® S Cip‑Kup Set makes drinking easier for beginners or individuals with oral-motor challenges. A special one-way valve keeps the liquid at the top of the straw once drawn up – a gentle squeeze is enough to initiate flow and maintain the liquid position, reducing suction effort and minimizing coughing or aspiration.
🎯 Use CasesFor weak sucking patterns or swallowing difficultiesSupports transition from bottle to straw without sippy cupsReduces aerophagia (air swallowing) – ideal for minimizing coughing and aspiration
✅ Instructions
Squeeze the bottle until the liquid reaches the straw tip
The valve prevents backflow – simplifies the drinking process (can also be used without the valve)
Straw should be held between the lips – not bitten
The included Lip Blok® helps prevent over-insertion of the straw
📐 DimensionsBottle: approx. 5 × 6.3 × 15.2 cm • Capacity: 236 mlIncludes: 10 standard straws, 1 flexible tube straw (20 cm), and 1 Lip Blok®
🧼 CleaningTop-rack dishwasher safeClean thoroughly with mild soap or aldehyde-free disinfectantUse a straw cleaning brush for thorough internal cleaning
🌱 Material and SafetyFDA- and CE-compliant, free from BPA, PVC, phthalates, lead, and latexStraw compatible with standard Ø 0.63 cmRecommended for use with thin liquids only (water, juice without pulp)Not recommended for carbonated beveragesNot a toy – use only under adult supervision and inspect regularly
👌🏼 Replacement PartsStraws with one-way valveStraws without one-way valveTubing flexible Straws (cut to individual length)
ARK's One-Way Straws
€15.95*
One-Way Straws for Easier & Safer Drinking
ARK's One-Way Straws simplify drinking for individuals with weak oral motor skills or difficulty maintaining suction.
Each straw features a built-in valve that allows fluid to travel up but not back down. This one-way flow keeps liquid at the top of the straw, reducing air intake and effort while improving hydration efficiency.
Less coughing, less choking – and more independence. These straws offer practical benefits for both users and caregivers, with built-in valves that save setup time and offer discreet, hygienic support.
🎯 Applications
Ideal for individuals with a weak suck or swallowing difficulties
Reduces air intake and effort when drinking
Improves fluid intake while minimizing coughing or choking
Can be used standalone or with Cip-Kup® / Sip-Tip® / Bear-Bottle (sold separately)
📐 Dimensions
Standard straw size – compatible with most drinking cups
Sold in packs of 10
🧼 Cleaning
Hand-wash recommended
Do not boil
Rinse thoroughly after each use
🌱 Material & Safety
Made in the USA
Free from lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, and latex
Not recommended for carbonated beverages
Best used with thin liquids (e.g., water, milk, pulp-free juice)
Learn to drink through straw
Between the ages of 12 and 24 months, oral development is on the absolute rise. At this age, children learn to use their cheeks and lips together to drink from a straw, or blow bubbles. They can chew and move increasingly challenging foods in their mouths. The tongue reflex (which is used to support the sucking reflex to suck on the breast, bottle, or a pacifier) becomes integrated around the first birthday and progressively disappears. The transverse tongue reflex (the baby moves the tongue to the side where it perceives a touch, taste or food) is also integrated between the 9th and 24th month of life.
The jaw, lip and tongue dissociation continues to develop so that the individual body parts can be moved separately. The first molars and lower canines erupt. In addition, the calming effect of sucking is replaced by the calming effect of chewing and swallowing, which emphasizes the importance of the bite ring even for older children! Normally, children manage to drink from the straw as if by themselves. However, if for various reasons it does not work, then here is a way that you can do well at home.
What you need:
Applesauce, yogurt or other porridge, which is best filled immediately in
- drinking cup
- sturdy straw
- Some water