Introduction: 

Caring for a loved one with dysphagia can be a challenging and often overwhelming responsibility, especially in the home setting where resources may be limited. However, with the right tools and strategies, it is possible to significantly enhance swallowing safety and improve the quality of life for those affected. 

 

Among these tools, adaptive drinking aids like nosey cups play a crucial role. These specially designed cups can reduce the risk of aspiration and choking for certain populations. 

 

In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of nosey cups and which populations of people may find them useful in managing their dysphagia. 

 

What are nosey cups?

 Nosey cups are otherwise known as “Cut-Out” cups. Their distinctive feature is a cut out , or a U-shaped cut out on the non-drinking side of a cup rim.  This cut out is for the nose to allow drinking without bending the neck or tilting the head.  

 

This cut out design on these cups provides safer swallowing for the individual with dysphagia or for persons who have restricted head and neck movement.  It enables one to keep their head in neutral position or in an upright alignment while tipping the cup up when drinking.  The U-shaped cut out allows an opening for the nose so it does not hit the opposite rim when drinking.  

 

When using this cup, the individual keeps their head in a neutral position or downward, then simply tilts the cup.  

 

The Benefits of Nosey Cups: 

 

#1 Nosey cups facilitate safer swallowing by reducing head tilt when drinking:  Many individuals with dysphagia are recommended to follow a safe swallowing strategy to not tip their head back when drinking for a variety of reasons.

 

  Another very common safe swallowing strategy for dysphagia is to use a chin tuck when drinking or keep your head in a downward position during or after taking a sip until after the swallow.  Nosey cups are beneficial for these folks. 

 

#2 Nosey cups allow better control of liquids when drinking: Individuals with weak oral muscles, specifically tongue weakness;  or individuals with delayed swallow reflexes may need to keep their head forward or chin tucked until after the swallow.  This keeps the liquid to the front of the oral cavity until after the swallow is triggered.   Drinking from a nosey cup allows them to use this position with their head.  

 

Caregivers will find Nosey cups promote more control of the flow of liquids when they are assisting a person at mealtimes. The cut out allows a visual for the feeder to view the lips and tongue movements and regulate rate of flow. 

 

#3 Nosey cups aid individuals with limited head and neck mobility: There are many individuals that have issues with mobility of their head or neck.  Anyone who has to wear a soft or hard collar around their neck  may have issues with drinking.  Individuals that have halos around their heads may benefit from this adaptive cup

 

.  People with cervical fusions may have difficulty drinking from regular cups.  Other individuals with curvatures of their spines and not able to achieve an upright position, therefore may have trouble when drinking. 

 

 Some individuals with contractures or restricted positioning in some manner may limit their head and neck movements to drink from a regular cup. 

 

 People who drink when in bed can have reduced head and neck mobility to drink safely from this position without an adaptive cup.  

 

There are some diseases or with advanced age when people lose strength or ability to hold their head up.  These individuals will benefit from an adaptive cup such as a nosey cup.

 

 

#4 Nosey cups can minimize the risk of aspiration for certain individuals: Reducing the risk of aspiration for individuals with dysphagia is often key to help them manage liquids safely and modify their position when drinking. Drinking can be a high risk factor for aspiration and nosey cups may be what your loved one needs to lower this risk.  

 

When and Why to Use a Nosey Cup?

 

If you are caring for a loved one that has these identifying signs then your loved one may benefit from a nosey cup: poor  head/neck control or no head /neck control; limited movement or restricted movement  in the head or neck; poor control of liquids in their mouth; oral weakness; requires feeding assistance; and/or delayed swallow reflexes. 

 

The following diagnoses or diseases are common populations that may find nosey cups useful:  

 

 

Dysphagia	ALS	Head or neck injuries	Advanced age
Strokes	Multiple Sclerosis	Arthritis	Developmental Disabilities
Parkinson’s Disease	Oral motor deficits	Curvature of the spine	Head, neck and throat cancers

 

 

A very important note I would like to make is to discuss with your healthcare providers, specifically a speech therapist or occupational therapist, about the use of a nosey cup for your loved one before purchasing one.  It is important when making these decisions and  the understanding of “why” your loved one would benefit from an adaptation or modification before it is made to ensure your loved ones safety.  

 

Choosing the Right Nosey Cup: 

 

Once you have consulted with your healthcare providers and/or have received recommendations for use of a nosey cup for your loved one there are some factors to consider when ordering one. 

 

Luckily, nosey cups are very affordable.  They often come in a multipack with a range of sizes. You will need to order them at a medical supply store or they are easily found online.  

 

• Material

• Look for cups that are FDA approved, latex and PBA- free.  Most are made from a durable polypropylene plastic

• Dishwasher safe 
• Flexible if you are going to be assisting or feeding your loved one
• translucent or clear ones are useful when you are assisting or feeding a person

• Sizes

• Available in 1 ounce up to 16 ounces
• Consider the size of your loved one’s hand to hold the cup and their grip strength, as some of these larger size cups have a big diameter 

                    

• Special Features – additional features to consider useful

• two handles for easier grip or holding

• volume markings for tracking fluid intake 
• translucent 
• spillproof 

 

CONCLUSION:

 In closing, I would like to encourage caregivers of loved ones with dysphagia to explore online adaptive aids for feeding and eating ; such as adaptive cups, dishware and utensils.  There are many helpful tools and aids on the market to help in  managing dysphagia.  

 

Before purchasing, please consult with a speech therapist or occupational therapist.  We want to make life easier and safer for our loved ones and many people make the mistake of purchasing unnecessary items.  When it comes to dysphagia, we can make mealtimes unsafe and increase the risk of aspiration unknowingly.  

 

It is wonderful when we can find useful aids, and in the case of the nosey cups, an inexpensive one too!  

Please share your experience  using nosey cups in the comments.  If you have any further questions regarding use of a nosey cup please ask them below, as well.