Sip and Puff Switch
Last verified June 20, 2026 · classified June 9, 2026
What it is
Summary
AI-generated from vendor-published content · June 9, 2026
This sip-and-puff switch lets someone control two separate devices using breath input — one device activates on an inhale, the other on an exhale — requiring no hand or finger movement at all. It's designed for people with very limited or no reliable upper limb movement who can control their breath, such as someone with high-level spinal cord injury, ALS, or severe motor impairments. The switch mounts via a three-way clamp (wheelchair, table, bedrail) and positions with a 19-inch flexible gooseneck, connecting to compatible devices via standard 3.5mm mono cables — it needs no batteries and powers entirely from the user's breath pressure. This is a switch only, not a complete solution: it requires compatible switch-accessible devices to plug into, and getting the sensitivity, positioning, and device pairing right typically takes input from an OT or ATP. Each user should have their own switch since it contacts the mouth, and replacement straws and filters are available separately.
Quick Facts Catalog facts · auto-generated
- AT Act lending
- Medicaid waiver
- Out of pocket
- Vocational rehab
What Setup Looks Like
- Out of the box
- Attach the three-way clamp to a wheelchair armrest, table edge, or bedrail.
- Adjust the gooseneck so the straw reaches the user's mouth comfortably.
- Connect the two output cables to compatible switch-accessible devices.
- User sips to activate one device, puffs to activate the other — no power source needed.
- With professional help
- An occupational therapist (OT) or assistive technology professional (ATP) should assess breath control ability and determine whether sip-and-puff is the appropriate access method.
- The OT/ATP configures device pairing, adjusts gooseneck positioning for optimal posture and fatigue management, and trains the user on consistent activation technique.
- Expect 1-3 sessions to establish reliable use and integrate with the user's full AT setup. See manufacturer support resources for detailed instructions.
Getting it
Try Before You Buy
Devices like this are often available to borrow through your state's AT Act program — typically free or low-cost — so you can try it before buying or pursuing funding.
Where to Get It
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How to Fund This
Equipment like this is often pursued through official state programs. These are common starting points — each program decides its own eligibility and what it covers, so the first step is always a phone call.
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Sources & fine print
Vendor facts (name, price, platforms, vendor link) sourced from Enabling Devices — view on vendor site; last verified June 20, 2026.
Classification & description AI-generated from vendor-published content on June 9, 2026 · confidence: high. Vendor specs may lag; verify before relying on details in a clinical or funding artifact.