SturdyStraw Hands Free Drinking Straw, Bottle and Mug

Author: SturdyStraw Ltd
Published: 16 Aug 2018 - Updated: 8 Nov 2026
Publication Type: Product Release, Update

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content

Synopsis

This product is the SturdyStraw range from SturdyStraw Ltd in England, a set of hands free drinking aids built around a long, bendable straw held in place by a flexible support. The straw comes with a padded clamp that fixes to tables, bed rails, desks and wheelchairs, or as part of the SturdyBottle and SturdyMug, which sit on an anti-slip base. Three straw widths suit drinks from water and tea to soups and thickened fluids, and an optional low effort non-return valve stops liquid sliding back down. Drinking without needing someone to hold a cup supports dignity, hydration and independence for people with tetraplegia, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, weak arms or swallowing difficulties.*

At a Glance

• 1 - The standard straw is about 45 cm long and the long version about 65 cm.
• 2 - The felt-padded clamp is designed not to damage the surfaces it is fixed to.
• 3 - The bottle holds 750 ml and the mug 350 ml, and both come with a 65 cm straw.
• 4 - The anti-slip base grips smooth surfaces such as glass, plastic or painted wood using thousands of microscopic suction cups, without glue.

Topic Definition

Hands Free Drinking Aid

A hands free drinking aid is a cup, bottle or straw system that lets a person drink without lifting or holding a container. A long tube or straw is held near the mouth by a flexible arm or clip, often with a one-way valve so liquid stays at the top of the straw, which helps people with paralysis, weak arms, tremors or limited movement drink independently and stay hydrated.

Overview

The New SturdyStraw range of hands free bendable drinking aids are simple yet innovative, designed to maximize drinking independence for people with limited movement and mobility.

This SturdyStraw "Hands Free Bendable Drinking Straw" with clamp is available in two lengths (45cm and 65cm approx). Easily attached to most flat surfaces with a clamp that has a protective felt pad so it will not damage any surfaces.

• The standard SturdyStraw with clamp is 45cm long
• The long SturdyStraw with clamp is 65cm long (approx)

These can be customized to suit your specific requirements. The straw is also available in three different widths, making it perfect for any liquid from tea, coffee and juice to soups and thicker fluids. Its adjustable clamp means SturdyStraw can be fixed onto a variety of surfaces, worktops, bedside tables, desks, beds, picnic tables or even wheelchairs and strollers.

The 750ml SturdyBottle and 350ml SturdyMug both come with a 650mm straw and an optional low effort non-return valve, bendable support and an anti-slip base that sticks without glue to smooth surfaces such as glass, plastic, or painted wood by NANO TECHNOLOGY, which has thousands of microscopic craters in its surface, functioning like micro suction cups.

The straw can be positioned to any angle, making it highly adaptable.

The SturdyBottle can be connected or placed on to a variety of objects/surfaces, wheelchairs, bed cot sides, lap tray, worktops, bedside cabinets, tables, strollers and more.

Its flexible design allows the SturdyBottle, SturdyMug and SturdyStraw with clamp to be shaped and fixed into any position of your convenience, the straw is attached to a sturdy flexible mount with swivel clips, so the straw will not only stay in place, but it should not kink, minimizing the need for assistance when drinking.

The SturdyStraw is a simple yet innovative hands free bendable drinking aid designed to maximize drinking independence for people with limited movement and mobility. Ideal for:

• People with tetraplegia (quadriplegia)
• Multiple sclerosis
• Cerebral palsy
• People with swallowing difficulties

The Clamp

• The adjustable clamp means SturdyStraw can be fixed onto a variety of surfaces; worktops, bedside tables, desks, beds, picnic tables, even wheelchairs and strollers.

The Support

• Its flexible support allows the SturdyStraw to be shaped and fixed into any position of your convenience, the straw is attached to the sturdy flexible mount with swivel clips, so the straw will not only stay in place, but it should not kink, minimizing the need for assistance when drinking.
• There are two standard SturdyStraw lengths, 45cm long, and 65cm long (approx) these can be customized to suit your specific requirements.

The Straw

• The straw is available in three different widths, small-6mm, medium 8mm, large 12mm, making it perfect for any liquid from tea, coffee and juice to soups and thicker fluids.

Non-Return Valve

• The "non-return valve" will help stop liquid flowing back down the straw for people who find it difficult to suck or who have dysphagia (swallowing problems).

The SturdyBottle

• The 750ml bottle comes with a 650mm straw, bendable support and low effort non-return valve.
• The straw can be positioned to any angle, making it highly adaptable.
• The bottle can be connected or placed on to a variety of objects/surfaces.

The SturdyMug

• The 350ml mug comes with a 650mm bendable straw and support and low effort non-return valve.
• The straw can be positioned to any angle, making it highly adaptable.
• The mug can be placed on to a variety of surfaces, great for taking in the car or on vacation!

Contact and Ordering Information

• Worldwide Shipping!
• Phone: +44 (0)1392 58 1261

More on this topic: Assistive Home Products Publications - Assistive Technology Publications

Frequently Asked Questions

NOTE: Researched FAQs by Disabled World (DW)

Who can benefit from a hands free drinking straw?

People with tetraplegia, MS, ALS, cerebral palsy, stroke, arthritis or weak arms, as well as people recovering in bed, can benefit from drinking without holding a cup.

Is a straw safe for people with dysphagia?

Not always. Straws can make some swallowing problems worse, so a speech and language therapist should advise on whether a straw and valve are safe.

How do you clean a long drinking straw?

Rinse it right after use, then clean it with warm soapy water and a long straw brush, and let all parts dry fully before reassembling.

Can hot drinks be used with a hands free straw?

Warm drinks are usually fine, but very hot drinks can scald, so let them cool before use and check the maker guidance for the materials.

What does a non-return valve do?

A non-return valve stops liquid sliding back down the straw between sips, so the user needs less effort to start drinking again.

Can a drinking system be fitted to a wheelchair?

Yes. Many hands free drinking systems clamp to a wheelchair frame or armrest, or hang in a bag on the chair with a long tube.

How can caregivers help prevent dehydration?

Keep drinks within easy reach, offer fluids regularly through the day, and watch for signs such as dark urine, dry mouth, headaches and confusion.

Are there drinking aids for people who cannot suck through a straw?

Yes. Spouted cups, cut-out cups with a notched rim and squeeze bottles used by a caregiver can help people who cannot use a straw.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: Dehydration is a common and serious risk for people who cannot lift a cup, and it can lead to urinary tract infections, constipation, confusion and falls, especially in older adults. Hands free drinking systems let a person sip whenever they like rather than waiting for help, which also eases the load on caregivers. Anyone with dysphagia should ask a speech and language therapist which straw width, valve and drink thickness are safe for them, because using a straw is not suitable for everyone with swallowing problems. Straws and valves should be taken apart and cleaned after every use to prevent bacteria building up.*

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally issued as a press release by SturdyStraw Ltd and published on 16 Aug 2018. Last updated on 8 Nov 2026. This content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.

* Editorial additions by Ian C. Langtree.