Daily Living Aids

ARK's One-Way Straws make drinking easier for individuals with a weak suck, oral motor difficulties, and/or problems generating and maintaining suction. Each straw features a built-in valve that controls the direction of fluid one-way - fluid flows up into the straw, but does not empty back into the cup. With fluid remaining at the top of the straw, less air is ingested and less effort is required to drink. Users therefore tend to experience less coughing and choking while consuming more fluids. Because the valves are built-in, these straws provide both convenience for the caregiver and discretion for the user. They save time and labor for the caregiver/therapist while increasing independence, dignity, and hydration for the individual.

• Made in the USA
• No lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, or latex
• Sold in packs of 10
• Can be used on their own, or with either the Cip-Kup® or Sip-Tip® to further assist drinking
• Not recommended for carbonated beverages
• Recommended for thin liquids (water, milk, juice without pulp, etc)

ARK's Select-Flow Valve makes drinking easier for beginners and/or individuals with oral motor difficulties. It's uniquely designed to control the direction of fluid - liquid flows up into the straw, but does not flow back down. Because fluid stays at the top of the straw, each subsequent sip requires less effort. It also reduces the air ingested, so users experience less coughing and choking while consuming more fluids. Highly recommended for individuals who tend to aspirate or have difficulties generating and maintaining suction (a weak suck). Simply push the tapered end of the valve into the bottom of a straw, and you're set to go!

For individuals who tend to take too much fluid at a time, the Select-Flow Valve also slows the flow of fluid, allowing for smaller, more manageable sips that lower the risk of coughing/choking. If a restricted flow is not necessary, simply trim the tapered end with a pair of scissors to increase the flow.

• Made in the USA
• FDA compliant
• NO lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, or latex
• Measures approximately 1.75" in length
• Dishwasher-safe
• Sold in packs of 3
• Not recommended for carbonated beverages
• Recommended for thin liquids (water, milk, juice without pulp, etc).  
• Fits in the bottom of most standard drinking straws measuring .25" in diameter
• Recommended for use with the Cip-Kup™, Sip-Tip®, or Bear Bottle, as these cup sets let you "help" fluid up the straw for the initial sip
• Caution: contains small parts that may pose a choking hazard; please directly supervise at all times

Also known as "Nosey" or "Cut-Out" cups, the Flexi Cup's innovative design allows individuals to drink without tilting their head back. The cut out for the nose also makes it easier to view lip and tongue movement. Because the "nosey" cut out cup is flexible, it can be squeezed to control and direct the flow of fluid. A popular favorite of feeding therapists, the "nosey" cut out Flexi Cup is a staple for feeding therapy, beginning cup-drinkers, and/or individuals with limited neck/head mobility or drinking difficulties.

•  Made in the USA, FDA compliant, no latex, lead, BPA, or phthalates
• Top rack dishwasher-safe
• Sold here in a combo pack that includes 1 small, 1 medium, and 1 large cup (also available separately)
• The small cup holds approximately 1 ounce, the medium 2 ounces, and the large 7 ounces

ARK's Bear Bottle Kit is a fun and friendly way to make drinking easier for beginners and/or children with oral motor difficulties. It's also an excellent way to transition babies straight from bottles to straw drinking - skipping sippy cups altogether! Many speech therapists believe that sippy cups can promote improper tongue positioning and an immature swallowing pattern, while straw drinking can help strengthen the mouth muscles and encourage tongue retraction, cheek tension, lip closure, and proper oral positioning.

The Bear Bottle features a unique valve that controls the direction of fluid - liquid flows up into the straw, but does not flow back down. Simply squeeze the bear's belly until fluid reaches the top of the straw and release. Fluid will stay at the top of the straw, thereby decreasing the effort required to drink. Highly recommended for individuals who tend to aspirate or have a weak suck with difficulties generating and maintaining suction.

Kit includes: 1 easy-to-squeeze Bear Bottle with a snap-close cap, 1 Select-Flow Valve, straws, 2 tubing straws, and 1 yellow Lip Blok® (3/4").  These tubing straws are durable alternative to traditional straws, and the Lip Blok prevents kids from biting on the straw or putting it too far into their mouths.

• Made in the USA
• Made out of non-toxic, food grade materials
• Dishwasher-safe
• Holds 8 ounces of fluid
• Bottle measures approximately 2 x 2.5 x 6"
• Colors may vary
• Not recommended for carbonated beverages
• Recommended for thin liquids (water, milk, juice without pulp, etc).  
• Compatible with most standard .25" diameter straws
• Lid colors may vary.