CouchCoaster and TableCoaster: Best Drink Holders for Independent Living
It’s important for everyone to drink enough. But for disabled people, especially those who use wheelchairs or have trouble moving, it can be harder to stay hydrated. Problems like spilling drinks, holding a cup, or reaching for a drink can make it tough to drink without help.
| Key Takeaways | Details |
|---|---|
| CouchCoaster | A drink holder designed to wrap over the arm of a sofa, offering stability and reducing the risk of spills for people with limited mobility. |
| TableCoaster | A stable, anti-spill cup holder for flat surfaces, ideal for wheelchair users and those with hand tremors. |
| Key Features | Non-slip base, adjustable holder, and spill prevention for both products. |
| Benefits for Disabled People | Promotes independence by keeping drinks secure and within easy reach, reducing the need for assistance. |
| Adaptability | Both products can be used with additional aids like the Trabasack, HandSteady, and Hydrant water bottles for enhanced usability. |
| Hydration Importance | Ensuring easy access to drinks is critical for disabled people to maintain good health and regulate body temperature. |
| Additional Features | Both products blend into home décor, providing non-stigmatising, practical solutions for everyday use. |
This is where helpful inventions like the CouchCoaster and TableCoaster come in. These are special drink holders that make it easier for people to keep their drinks close and safe from spills.
-
CouchCoaster: This holder fits on the arm of a sofa, keeping your drink steady while you relax.
-
TableCoaster: This one works on flat surfaces, like a desk or table, holding your drink in place.
The TableCoaster and CouchCoaster are great examples of products that show how universal design can help everyone. These clever drink holders were not made just for people with disabilities. But their smart designs have been really useful for people who have difficulties with holding drinks.
The inventor, Barry Freeder, made it because he wanted to enjoy a drink without spilling it. This simple idea led to a product that has helped many people, especially those with trouble moving their hands or arms.
See all of Barry’s designs on his website ‘Hit Products’ here
Both of these holders help people with disabilities drink more easily without worrying about spills or knocking over cups. They make it possible to keep your drink close whether you’re sitting on the couch, working at a desk, or using a wheelchair tray.
By using these products, you can live more independently. They keep your drinks safe and easy to reach, without making it obvious that they are designed for accessibility.
The CouchCoaster: Stability on the Sofa
The CouchCoaster is a unique drink holder that wraps securely over the arm of your sofa, providing a stable place to hold a cup or mug. Its clever design means that it fits a wide range of armrest shapes and sizes, making it an ideal solution for people with limited mobility who spend a lot of time seated.
Key Features:
- Non-slip, weighted base: The CouchCoaster’s non-slip base and weighted band ensure that your drink stays stable, even on fabric or leather surfaces.
- Adjustable Holder: This feature allows it to hold various sizes of cups, cans, water bottles and mugs, making it adaptable for different types of beverages, including hot drinks.
- Spill Prevention: By keeping your drink at hand and preventing accidental tipping, it significantly reduces the risk of spilling, making it ideal for people who struggle with tremors.
How it Helps Disabled People:
The CouchCoaster is especially useful for those who might struggle with balance or hand strength, as it holds the drink securely in place, reducing the need for frequent adjustments. This product is not only practical but also blends into any living room setup, because it is available in a range of colours, providing an accessible solution without being conspicuous.
The Coachcoaster is available on Amazon here
The TableCoaster: Anti-Spill Technology for Desks and Flat Surfaces
The TableCoaster offers a perfect solution for people who need a stable, anti-spill cup holder for desks, tables, or any flat surface. It’s a fantastic option for wheelchair users, people with limited mobility, or anyone who struggles with accidental spills while working or resting or using a wheelchair tray or overbed table.
Key Features:
- Clever Suction/Adhesion Design: The TableCoaster features a special tacky (non-adhesive) base that attaches securely to flat surfaces without leaving any residue, ensuring that the drink stays in place even when bumped. It’s reusable and can be moved to new surface easily, just wipe clean to restore the stickiness!
- Low Centre of Gravity: Its design keeps the drink stable, making it easier for people with hand tremors or limited dexterity to place their drinking cup down safely without fear of tipping it over.
- Non-slip and adjustable holder: Like the CouchCoaster, the TableCoaster can hold different sized cups and mugs, providing extra stability.
Why It’s Ideal for Disabled People:
The TableCoaster is designed to reduce spills on workstations, dining tables, or even bedside tables, helping people maintain independence in their daily routines. Its non-slip surface and anti-spill technology make it perfect for those who need reliable drink placement, especially if they experience hand tremors or limited control over hand movements.
Both products help reduce spills and keep drinks close at hand, making them ideal for people who struggle with hand control or mobility. They also blend into home décor without drawing attention, providing an accessible, non-stigmatising solution for everyday challenges. It can also be used as a wheelchair cup holder on armrests and wheelchair trays.
The TableCoaster is also available on Amazon here.
The Importance of Hydration for Disabled People
Hydration is critical to everyone’s health, but certain factors make it even more important for disabled people. Adequate hydration supports the body in regulating temperature, maintaining circulation, and preventing issues like constipation . However, many disabled people face barriers to proper hydration. Limited access to drinks, difficulties with balance, and even medications can complicate fluid intake.
Some of the common challenges include:
- Accessing Water: People in wheelchairs or with limited mobility may find it hard to reach for water or carry drinks from one location to another .
- Managing Spills: For people with tremors or hand mobility issues, holding a drink can often result in spillage, leading to frustration and discouragement.
- Monitoring Fluid Intake: Certain medications or conditions may affect fluid balance, making it essential to carefully monitor how much fluid is consumed throughout the day .
Addressing these issues is essential for maintaining good health and ensuring that you stay hydrated.
Temperature Regulation and Hydration
For disabled people, maintaining body temperature is closely linked to hydration. Cold drinks help regulate body temperature during hot weather, reducing the risk of dehydration . For those who may have difficulty sweating or adjusting to high temperatures, staying hydrated with cold beverages is crucial.
In contrast, hot drinks in cold weather can provide warmth and comfort. People with limited mobility may struggle to keep warm, making hot drinks an effective and enjoyable way to help regulate body temperature indoors during winter.
Managing Spills and Safety
One of the biggest risks disabled people face when drinking is the potential for spills, which can lead to burns, messes, or even injury. CouchCoaster and TableCoaster are great at resisting knocks. Their stable, anti-spill designs ensure that drinks remain upright, even when accidentally bumped. This feature makes these products especially useful for those with hand tremors or those who might unintentionally knock their drink over while reaching for it and protecting clothes and furnishings.
By reducing the likelihood of spills, these drink holders also reduce the need for assistance, promoting independence and confidence.
Hydration Tips for Disabled People
Maintaining good hydration requires more than just drinking water when thirsty. Disabled people, especially those with limited mobility or communication issues, may need additional strategies to ensure they stay hydrated.
Regular Fluid Intake: Encourage consistent fluid intake throughout the day. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink.
Hydrating Foods: Include foods that are naturally high in water content, like watermelon, cucumbers, or soups, to supplement hydration.
Monitor Hydration: Pay attention to the colour of your urine—light yellow indicates good hydration. You can also use hydration charts to track your daily fluid intake.
Additional Adaptive Drinking Aids Compatible with CouchCoaster and TableCoaster
While the CouchCoaster and TableCoaster provide excellent solutions for home use, there are other adaptive drinking aids designed to complement these products, offering further assistance to people with disabilities. These additional aids can be easily used in combination with the CouchCoaster or TableCoaster, enhancing independence and comfort.
- Trabasack: The Trabasack lap tray is an innovative and versatile accessory that provides a flat, stable surface for placing the TableCoaster. Designed for wheelchair users, it attaches to the lap and can be used as a portable desk or dining surface, ensuring that drinks are always within reach and stable when moving around. Trabasack trays also come with clip-on straps which attach to the wheelchair frame or armrests to assist with stability.
- HandSteady: The HandSteady cup is a specially designed drinking aid with a rotating handle, making it easier for people with tremors or weak grip to drink. This cup can be securely placed on the TableCoaster or the Coach Coaster, reducing the risk of spills while allowing for greater control when lifting the cup. The handle would need to be turned to fit the slot. Handseady also has a lid and can be used at an angle with the rotating handle when held.
- Hydrant Water Bottle Range: The Hydrant Water Bottle is a hands-free drinking solution that features a long tube, making it perfect for use with the CouchCoaster or TableCoaster. The bottle can be easily positioned next to the user, allowing them to drink independently without the need to hold the bottle itself. This is especially useful for those with limited mobility or difficulty reaching for their drink.
- Novo Cup: The Novo Cup is designed for people with swallowing difficulties. It allows the user to drink without tilting their head back, reducing the risk of spills. This cup can be placed on the TableCoaster or CouchCoaster, ensuring it remains stable while allowing for controlled, safe drinking.
These adaptive aids, when used alongside the CouchCoaster and TableCoaster, provide extra support for independent living, helping people with disabilities manage their hydration needs more effectively and with greater comfort.
How does the Muggi compare to the TableCoaster?
At the Disabilty Horizons Shop we have long been fans of the Muggi cup holder which was initially designed for yachts and boats but has since helped many disabled people. How does this new contender compare?
Comparison Table: Muggi vs. TableCoaster for Wheelchair Users and Disabled People
| Feature/Benefit | Muggi | TableCoaster | Best Option |
| Design | Tray-style, holds multiple drinks but has a bulkier, more utilitarian look. | Sleek, non-stigmatising design that blends into any setting, making it more discreet for disabled people. | TableCoaster |
| Capacity | Holds up to 4 mugs or glasses, making it great for carrying multiple drinks. | While it only holds one drink, most people only need to carry one drink at a time, especially in daily scenarios. | Muggi |
| Stability | Offers good stability, but drinks may still move around slightly when in transport. | The TableCoaster offers additional stability thanks to its tacky base and low centre of gravity, making it ideal for wheelchair users. | TableCoaster |
| Spill Prevention | Reduces spills when carrying drinks but less secure once placed down. | The TableCoaster prevents spills on desks or trays with its anti-spill design and secure placement. | TableCoaster |
| Portability | Muggi is designed to be carried around, ideal for transporting drinks. | While the TableCoaster is more stationary, it can be used on portable surfaces like the Trabasack tray or wheelchair armrests, providing versatility for those who cannot carry a tray in their hands. | Muggi, but TableCoaster is close when used with a tray. |
| Use Case | Best for carrying multiple drinks across rooms. | Ideal for those who typically need to stabilise one drink—its smaller size makes it easier to manage for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility. | TableCoaster |
| Adaptability | Can be used with accessories like the handsteady and less so, the hydrant. | The TableCoaster can be used with a handsteady, hydrant, wheelchair armrest, or Trabasack tray, making it more adaptable in daily life for wheelchair users. | TableCoaster |
Why the TableCoaster is Better for Wheelchair Users and Disabled People
The TableCoaster is a better choice for wheelchair users and disabled people due to its non-stigmatising design, making it discreet and sleek in appearance, unlike the bulkier Muggi. While the Muggi can carry multiple drinks, most people only need to stabilise or transport one drink at a time, making the TableCoaster a more practical solution for everyday use. Its tacky base offers enhanced stability, preventing spills far better than the Muggi, especially for people with hand tremors or limited dexterity.
Additionally, the TableCoaster can be used on portable trays like the Trabasack or mounted on wheelchair armrests, making it more versatile for those who are on the move, whereas the Muggi is mainly designed for carrying drinks from one place to another. Unfortunately, neither product can be used for two handled mugs due to the absence of two slots for handles.
Testimonials from Disabled People on Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars highly recommend it 🙂
i have a disability and this is great for holding my drinks, I jump alot due to my disabilty so having this is great i won’t knock over my drinks 🙂
Will Parker
5.0 out of 5 stars I preach to people about how great this thing is
I’ve had this special coaster for over a year, and I use it multiple times a day at my bedside. I knock into it fairly regularly, and I have spilled ZERO drinks that have been inside it. Not a single one, and I’ve really whacked it by accident. I usually put cans and mason jars in it, and I don’t even use the insert to make it tighter (a mason jar wouldn’t fit anyways) – still no spills. I actually get anxious sometimes when I’m not at home and have to be a normal adult and pay attention to where my elbows are in relation to my drink. Note: it is not *as* good for tall glasses, but it still works pretty well!
Two people in my life have issues with mobility and tremors, and knocking over drinks is a big issue for them. I bought it for both of them, and both have told me that it was a gamechanger for them and a huge improvement to their quality of life.
MiniDoxie Mom
5.0 out of 5 stars Must-have assist device and so much more, too!
Mom in nursing home. When she isn’t accidently spilling her water, a visitor or staff bump the bedside table and off flies the another bottle of something. Mom has Parkinson’s, yet it is super easy for her to use because it adheres so perfectly to the table. WONDERFUL adhesion, yet not too hard for me to remove for cleaning. The insert with the base ensures spill-free use for every size cup, bottle, can, or container.
And how does it magically prevent condensation from making a puddle on her table?!?! No more wet cards, notes, other items placed near her water bottle. Amazingly wonderful product. Wish I had known about it a year ago. Could have saved my mom a lot of frustration. Parkinson’s rarely warns one of imminent disaster thanks to tremors. This is one little assistive device that is “worth its weight in gold” to me because it gives mom a little more dignity and self sufficiency.
CouchCoaster and TableCoaster: The Best Cup Holders for Easy Drinking
The CouchCoaster and TableCoaster offer practical, accessible, and stylish solutions for managing drinks at home. Whether you’re looking for a way to enjoy a hot drink on the sofa without worrying about spills or need a stable anti-spill drink holder on your desk, these products provide excellent support for people with limited mobility, tremors, or other accessibility needs.
About the Author: Duncan Edwards
As someone who has spent years supporting disabled entrepreneurs and working closely with adaptive products at Disability Horizons Shop, I understand the importance of accessibility and independence in everyday life. My wife and son are both disabled and I’ve seen firsthand how small changes can make a big difference. Reviewing products like the CouchCoaster and TableCoaster aligns with my mission to find practical solutions that enhance independence for people with disabilities—whether it’s staying hydrated or avoiding spills. My experiences inspire my passion for empowering others through inclusive design.