I have the DrinkAide ($48.50) which allows hands free drinking. The straw can be positioned anywhere near the users mouth. The price includes the mounting bracket for the wheelchair. I don't like the straw included with it-- it is too large in diameter and too stiff to get a good lip seal around it, but if you can find other straws that are long enough, it can be replaced. I use small gauge tubing bought by the foot from Lowes or similar store. I am not crazy about drinking from a plastic bottle, but it does provide a little insulation to keep a drink cold. Hot drinks are not recommended in it which is a big negative for me -- as is the plastic cup.
For use at my desk I have a modified homemade version of the DrinkAide.
ftp://[email protected]/public_html/cupholder.jpg
It begins with a suction pad cup holder. It prevents it from being tipped over, but unlike what you would expect for a typical suction cup, it releases easily by lifting a corner of the soft suction square. Your cup can be nearly any type or size, including thermal mugs. Excellent for hot drinks.
Freedom Standard Non-Skid Suction Pad Cupholder :: no slip base $24.95
To make it hands free I added the same type of positional plastic gooseneck as the DrinkAide has.
The Original Modular Hose System | Loc-Line You only need two lengths of the blue hose -- none of the orange connects-- but you will need the special pliers to connect the segments or adjust the length.
1/2" Hose Segment Pack - Pack of 2, product id 51801, $7.20
1/2" Hose Assembly Pliers, product id 78002, $11.85
I used simple brackets to attach it to the back of the cup holder. I put a long straw or plastic tubing in the cup and use a rubber band or tie wrap to hold it at the top of the goose neck. The gooseneck is light weight and completely flexibile so it can be positioned exactly where I can reach it.
Because the holder can be folded down flat it is portable even though the hose gooseneck has to remain attached. I am sure that a way to make that removable could be found, but knowing how forgetful we are, we would probably forget to take the cup, cupholder, or the gooseneck!
Another option is a Camel Bak drink holder, available many places. These are used by bicyclists, climbers and other who want hands free drinking. They can be mounted on the back of a chair with the tubing positioned near your mouth. The positioning is not as accurate as with the gooseneck so some neck strength is needed. They are excellent for people who have difficulty sucking liquids up a long staw because they are mounted high enough to make the water flow easier. A small bite tip keeps it from running until you bite the hose tip. I don't know if these are insulated or how easy if would be to clean, especially if you switch drinks.
