ARK Sip-Tip Adaptive Cup with Select-Flow Valve

The ARK Sip-Tip is an adaptive drinking cup for people who find it hard to create and keep up suction through a straw. A one-way Select-Flow Valve keeps the straw full of fluid between sips, so each sip takes less effort and less air is swallowed. The design is more discreet than ARK's Cip-Kup and Bear Bottle, and ARK describes it as geared towards teenagers through to older adults, making it a good fit for secondary schools, post-16 settings and home.

How it helps

Because the valve holds liquid in the straw, the drinker does not have to draw the fluid all the way up from the bottom of the cup each time. The valve also slows the flow, giving more control over how much is taken in each sip. The cup can be used in two ways: the drinker sucks from the straw, or a supporting adult gently presses the flexible lid to "pump" fluid up the straw. ARK reports that users tend to cough and choke less and drink more fluids. A free yellow Lip Blok fits on the straw to help stop the straw being bitten or placed too far into the mouth, and can help with tongue and lip positioning.

For schools

• Supports pupils who need help with drinking during break and lunchtimes.
• Graduated marks on the side of the tumbler make it easy for staff to monitor fluid intake.
• A discreet tumbler design suits older pupils in KS3, KS4 and post-16 provision.
• Dishwasher safe for straightforward cleaning in a school kitchen.

For parents and home use

• Helps make everyday drinks of water, milk or smooth juice more manageable.
• The lid can be pressed to help prime the straw while your child is learning.
• The 8 oz (about 237 ml) tumbler is a practical size for mealtimes.
• Made from non-toxic, food-grade materials.

Supporting SEND and learning differences

Many young people with special educational needs and disabilities have differences in oral motor skills that affect drinking. Tools like the Sip-Tip reduce the physical effort of each sip, so drinking can become calmer and more independent at school and at home.

Why reducing effort matters

Drinking through a straw relies on lip closure and steady suction. When either is difficult, drinking can be tiring and slow, and people may drink less than they need. A valve that keeps the straw primed removes part of that workload. Always follow any advice from your speech and language therapist about drinks and textures.

If you are unsure whether the Sip-Tip is the right drinking aid, our team is happy to help you choose.

• Select-Flow Valve: keeps the straw full of fluid and slows the flow for more controlled sips.
• Flexible lid: can be pressed to pump fluid up the straw when extra support is needed.
• Free Lip Blok: yellow 3/4 inch (about 1.9 cm) Lip Blok helps prevent biting the straw or placing it too far into the mouth.
• Size: about 11.4 cm (4.5 inches) tall, with a base of about 5.1 cm (2 inches) and top of about 7.6 cm (3 inches).
• Capacity: 8 oz (about 237 ml), with graduated marks to monitor intake.
• Materials: non-toxic, food-grade materials; dishwasher safe.
• Age: designed for teenagers through to older adults.
• Made in: ARK's own factory in Columbia, South Carolina, USA.

• Less effort per sip. The valve keeps the straw full, so drinkers with SEND do not have to rebuild suction each time.
• More control. Slower flow helps manage how much liquid is taken in each sip.
• Practical at school and home. Graduated marks help staff and parents keep track of fluid intake.
• Trusted quality. Made by ARK Therapeutic in the USA and supplied by UK specialist The Dyslexia Shop.

What's in the Box

• 1 x 8 oz tumbler
• 1 x Select-Flow Valve
• 1 x Lip Blok (yellow, 3/4 inch)

Care and Cleaning

Dishwasher safe.

Compatibility

Replacement straws for the Sip-Tip are available separately (ARK Replacement Straws, 24 pack).

Delivery and Returns

Standard UK delivery applies. See our Delivery and Returns page for full details.

Safety and Age Suitability

Recommended for thin liquids such as water, milk and juice without pulp. Not recommended for fizzy drinks. Designed for teenagers through to older adults. To increase flow, the tapered end of the valve can be trimmed by about 0.6 cm (1/4 inch) with scissors.

• What is the ARK Sip-Tip?
  The Sip-Tip is an adaptive cup with a valve that keeps the straw full of fluid. This means each sip takes less suction and less air is swallowed. The valve also slows the flow, so drinkers have more control over how much they take in, and the flexible lid can be pressed to pump fluid up the straw.
• Who is the Sip-Tip designed for?
  ARK designed it for teenagers through to older adults. It suits people who find it hard to generate and maintain suction through a straw. Its discreet tumbler shape makes it a good choice for older pupils in secondary school and post-16 settings, as well as for use at home.
• Can it help young people with SEND?
  Yes, it can help young people with SEND who find straw drinking tiring or difficult. By keeping the straw primed, it reduces the effort of each sip. ARK reports that users tend to cough and choke less and drink more fluids. Please follow any guidance from your speech and language therapist.
• Can the Sip-Tip be used in school?
  Yes, it works well in school at break and lunchtimes. Graduated marks on the side of the tumbler help staff monitor how much a pupil has drunk, and the cup is dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning simple in a busy school kitchen or classroom.
• What drinks can I use in it?
  It is recommended for thin liquids such as water, milk and juice without pulp. ARK does not recommend it for fizzy (carbonated) drinks. Thicker drinks are not listed as suitable, so check with your therapist if you need to use thickened fluids.
• How big is the Sip-Tip?
  It holds 8 oz (about 237 ml) and stands about 11.4 cm (4.5 inches) tall. The base is about 5.1 cm (2 inches) across and the top is about 7.6 cm (3 inches) across, so it is easy to hold and fits on a standard table or tray.
• Can I adjust the flow?
  Yes, you can increase the flow by trimming the valve. The tapered end of the valve can be cut by about 0.6 cm (1/4 inch) with scissors. Trim only a little at a time, as a slower flow gives more control over each sip.
• How do I clean it and can I replace the straws?
  The Sip-Tip is dishwasher safe. Replacement straws are sold separately in a 24 pack, and a thin ARK cleaning brush is also available for cleaning inside tubing straws and Lip Bloks, which helps keep everything hygienic between uses. Please contact us if you need help choosing replacements.