Fixed Water Access System for ALS Patients
This is a flexible tubing system that uses a Camelbak brand of water tubing with water reservoir. As you can see in Picture 1 below, the blue Camelbak brand of tube (Product A) is secured by a narrower plastic-covered bendable wire (Product B), bundled side by side with a couple of cable ties (Product C).
Here are references to Amazon pages for each of the products:
Product (A): Camelbak Antidote Insulated Tube by Camelbak http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00437RREI/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_SzKktb05DXPEJ
Product (B): Gear Tie 24 Twist Tie by Nite Ize http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005QHM4J2/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_bCKktb1RVKKTF
Product (C): TEKTON 6235 Assorted Cable Ties, 200-Piece by TEKTON http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NQ16NG/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_mEKktb1C3RYF5
Here are references to Amazon pages for each of the products:
Product (A): Camelbak Antidote Insulated Tube by Camelbak http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00437RREI/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_SzKktb05DXPEJ
Product (B): Gear Tie 24 Twist Tie by Nite Ize http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005QHM4J2/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_bCKktb1RVKKTF
Product (C): TEKTON 6235 Assorted Cable Ties, 200-Piece by TEKTON http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NQ16NG/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_mEKktb1C3RYF5
The tubing system is then connected to the hydration pack, and it comes in many different styles and capacities. The following are just a couple of examples:
1) Camelbak HyderoBak 50 oz Hydration Pack
http://www.amazon.com/Camelbak-Products-HydroBak-Hydration-Backpack/dp/B008Z6WPJU/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1395283375&sr=1-2&keywords=camelbak
2) Camelbak UnBottle 100 oz. Pack
http://www.fuelforadventure.com/Camelbak-UnBottle-Hydration-Frost-Turkish/dp/B00437VDQQ?traffic_src=pads&utm_medium=paid&utm_source=padsn
These water packs come with their own tubing, and it may work for you fine, but the Product (A) that I suggested has an insulation tube which has some stiffness, and this will greatly assist in keeping the Bite Valve oriented correctly towards your mouth and not constantly rotating out of reach (in Picture 1, See the Bite Valve in my mouth).
In Picture 2 below, you can see that the water pack is hanging from a hook-like part of the headrest.
1) Camelbak HyderoBak 50 oz Hydration Pack
http://www.amazon.com/Camelbak-Products-HydroBak-Hydration-Backpack/dp/B008Z6WPJU/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1395283375&sr=1-2&keywords=camelbak
2) Camelbak UnBottle 100 oz. Pack
http://www.fuelforadventure.com/Camelbak-UnBottle-Hydration-Frost-Turkish/dp/B00437VDQQ?traffic_src=pads&utm_medium=paid&utm_source=padsn
These water packs come with their own tubing, and it may work for you fine, but the Product (A) that I suggested has an insulation tube which has some stiffness, and this will greatly assist in keeping the Bite Valve oriented correctly towards your mouth and not constantly rotating out of reach (in Picture 1, See the Bite Valve in my mouth).
In Picture 2 below, you can see that the water pack is hanging from a hook-like part of the headrest.
In my personal experience, it is easier to sip from this Camelbak Bite Valve than it is to sip using regular straws (it takes less energy). This has been an absolute saver in staying well hydrated, as I consider hydration to be one of the essential aspects of staying well and also to help out with decreasing the thickness of phlegm or secretions. This is also a wonderful way to stay independent for your water-drinking needs, as you will not have to be asking for help with a glass of water when you are feeling thirsty. This special Bite Valve makes the water flow out through a slit that opens as you apply a small biting pressure with your teeth. There is a small yellow bar-like mechanical switch for the valve which can be turned off or on. You will want to keep the switch to the "On" position to allow water to flow freely as you suck on the valve. It is important to hang the water pack higher than lower on the wheelchair to make the water flow easier.
Note: I like to also note that when using this system, it is important to change out the water and clean the system just like you will do with any other drinking cup. It is also important to secure the hydration pack well to avoid loose straps snagging on things like a door knob when you are cruising around the house. One time my loose shoulder strap got caught on to a door handle, taking off the whole door from the door jam. Make sure to hang the water pack where it will not affect the operation of your wheelchair. Also please note that it is important to have your swallowing abilities assessed by your ALS Clinic staff prior to using this drinking aid to avoid aspiration.
Note: I like to also note that when using this system, it is important to change out the water and clean the system just like you will do with any other drinking cup. It is also important to secure the hydration pack well to avoid loose straps snagging on things like a door knob when you are cruising around the house. One time my loose shoulder strap got caught on to a door handle, taking off the whole door from the door jam. Make sure to hang the water pack where it will not affect the operation of your wheelchair. Also please note that it is important to have your swallowing abilities assessed by your ALS Clinic staff prior to using this drinking aid to avoid aspiration.