Nasal Cutout Cup with Handles – Adaptive Mug for Swallowing Difficulties

Drink safely, without tilting your head

For people with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), drinking a simple glass of water can become dangerous. Tilting the head back to drink increases the risk of aspiration, when liquid enters the airways instead of the oesophagus. The Healvian nasal cutout cup solves the problem elegantly: a special notch lets you drink while keeping your head straight and your chin slightly tucked — the position recommended by speech therapists.

With its two wide handles and removable base, this cup is designed to offer maximum stability, even with tremors.

Essential for people with dysphagia

Dysphagia affects nearly 30% of older people living in care homes, and many people with neurological conditions. The seemingly simple act of drinking becomes a complex coordination exercise. The nasal cutout changes everything: it lets you drink without extending your neck, keeping the airways protected. Speech therapists recommend this type of cup for learning safe swallowing.

A valuable aid for Parkinson’s disease

The tremors and rigidity typical of Parkinson’s make a standard glass hard to handle. The double handle offers a bilateral grip: you can hold it with both hands for extra stability, or use whichever handle is most comfortable for your dominant side. The widened base stops the cup from tipping over, even if your hand shakes.

Technical specifications

✅ Pros

• Nasal cutout for drinking without tilting your head — reduces aspiration risk
• Wide double handle, easy to grip even with arthritis
• Removable base for extra stability
• Dishwasher safe for perfect hygiene
• Lightweight (under 150 g) and easy to handle
• Ideal for swallowing rehabilitation

⚠️ Things to consider

• Capacity limited to about 200 ml: needs refilling more often
• The removable base must be clipped in properly for stability

Our verdict

This nasal cutout cup is an excellent balance of function and price. The cutout is well sized — even with a prominent nose, there’s no discomfort. The handles are wide enough for three fingers, giving a very good grip. I’d have liked a slightly larger capacity (300 ml would have been ideal), but speech therapists often recommend small amounts for people with dysphagia, so it’s consistent. A good buy for safer daily hydration.

— Anaïs Lotton, Healthcare Assistant

About the author

Anaïs Lotton

Healthcare Assistant (AMP and AES), I’ve dedicated my career to improving the daily lives of people with disabilities.

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