Cups & Mugs

Drinking vessels which have special characteristics which for some people, make them easier to use.

People with relevant disabilities or physical conditions may have difficulty drinking from standard cups or mugs.

This may be because of diminished strength, coordination or motor skills, or because of certain learning difficulties.

In many cases, special drinking vessels like these promote independence in those who might otherwise struggle to drink unaided.

The method by which each special design may help, varies from person to person, depending on the characteristics of their condition.

The range is diverse, reflecting the differences between conditions and the physical restrictions they may impose on people living with them.

These are some of the more common:

Non-spill cups - there are various kinds of cups which have some sort of non-spill features.

This may be a lid with a closable aperture, or a lid with a straw which fits tightly enough to prevent liquid escaping.

Others have lids with spouts built in, guiding the liquid and reducing spillages.

Another design which is intended to reduce spillages uses a special plastic insert which sits within the liquid held in the cup.

It disrupts the wave motion which in turn makes spillages less likely.

Two-handled mugs - for people with a hand tremor or reduced strength, drinking vessels with two handles may be easier to control.

Large-handled mugs - having oversized handles helps give some people more control.

Angled cups - having an angled or slanted cylinder to hold the liquid means less head-tilt is required when drinking.

This is a useful feature for people with limited flexibility in the neck and shoulders.

Yes, there are numerous designs of cups or mugs with spouts.

In some cases spouts of different sizes and flow are available, so you should be able to find one to suit the individual concerned.

Spouted drinking vessels make spilling their contents much less likely.

Sometimes called 'nosey cups', these items have a lowered section of the rim.

This fits the user's nose and reduces the amount of head tilt required in order to drink from the cup.

Yes, 'thermo' mugs are available which are designed to keep their contents warm for longer than normal.

They are useful for people who may take some time to consume drinks.

Some of these mugs are available with two large handles to help improve control.