Conducting a Monitor Survey Among Recuperating Patients Using “Vacuum Insulated Bottles with Straws” That Allow Drinking Without Tilting the Head

Tiger Corporation (CEO: Yoshisato Kikuchi, Headquarters: Kadoma City, Osaka), a global leader in thermal control technology, conducted a monitor survey among 20 patients who had undergone upper limb (arm or hand) surgery at Saiseikai Yokohama-shi Tobu Hospital. This initiative, conducted with the cooperation of Dr. Hideki Taniguchi, aimed to verify the potential of using Vacuum Insulated Bottles with straws to support hydration and heatstroke prevention for recuperating patients.

In this monitor survey program, participants used the product for hydration during their hospitalization post-surgery and for about a week after discharge, followed by a questionnaire survey.
As a result, more than 12 out of 14 respondents (over 80%) gave a rating of “4” or “5” on a 5-point scale for the items “easy to open and close with one hand” and “easy to drink without tilting the head or bottle.”

The Vacuum Insulated Bottles with straws allow users to drink without tilting their head or the bottle significantly, and feature an Open structure (open support design) that makes it easy to open with just one hand. These results demonstrate the potential of these bottles to support the hydration needs of patients with restricted upper limb movement or reduced grip strength.

Background of the Monitor Survey

This initiative began when we noticed strong sales of Vacuum Insulated Bottles with straws at retailers in areas close to hospitals. We also received feedback from purchasers such as, “It’s easy to open even with a fractured arm,” “It’s convenient during rehabilitation because I can drink without lifting the bottle high,” and “It’s easy to drink from, even for family members with restricted physical movement or strength.”

Encouraged by these voices, we hypothesized that features like drinking without tilting the head or bottle and the Open structure (open support design) for easy one-handed opening could be highly beneficial for the hydration of hospitalized patients, those recuperating, and anyone with restricted physical movement.

Our company promotes frequent hydration using Vacuum Insulated Bottles as a measure against heatstroke. However, for individuals with impaired mobility in their arms or wrists, the act of opening, closing, or lifting a bottle can be burdensome, potentially reducing the frequency of their hydration.
Therefore, we conducted this monitor survey to verify whether Vacuum Insulated Bottles with straws could serve as an effective means of supporting hydration for those with restricted upper limb movement.

Monitor Survey Overview

• Survey Period: June 1 to September 15, 2026
• Target: Patients who underwent surgery on either upper limb (arm/hand) at Saiseikai Yokohama-shi Tobu Hospital
• Number of Subjects: 20 (Note: 14 completed questionnaires collected)
• Method: Patients were asked to use the designated water bottle, “Vacuum Insulated Bottles (Cold Storage Only) MTS-W075/W088,” for hydration after surgery.
• Evaluation Item: Participants answered the questionnaire between the time of discharge and approximately one week post-discharge.

Detailed Monitor Survey Results

1. 13 out of 14 (over 90%) rated it as “easy to open and close with one hand”
   For the item “easy to open and close with one hand,” 13 out of 14 respondents gave a rating of “4” or “5” on a 5-point scale.
   In the free-text responses, we received comments such as, “It was great being able to open it with one hand and drink while resting my finger on it,” and “It’s effortless to hold by hooking a finger into the bottle’s indentation, without needing both hands.” The ease of one-handed handling, even with restricted upper limb movement, was highly appreciated.
2. 12 out of 14 (over 80%) rated it as “easy to drink without tilting the head or bottle”
   For the item “easy to drink without tilting the head or bottle,” 12 out of 14 respondents also answered “4” or “5.”
   Some commented, “It was easier to sip through the straw than I expected,” and “It was easy to drink from, even for the elderly,” showing strong support for the ability to hydrate without requiring large bodily movements.
3. 10 out of 14 (over 70%) responded that it is “easy to handle even when in pain”
   For the item “easy to handle even while experiencing post-surgery pain,” 10 out of 14 respondents answered “4” or “5.” Furthermore, in comparison with other beverage containers, 11 out of 14 rated it “4” or “5” compared to cups, 9 out of 14 compared to PET bottles, and 11 out of 13 compared to conventional water bottles.

Looking Ahead

Through this monitor survey, we received high praise from patients with restricted upper limb movement for features such as one-handed opening and closing, and the ability to drink without tilting the head or bottle.
We will utilize the evaluations and feedback gathered to inform future product development. We remain committed to creating products that allow more people, regardless of age or physical condition, to hydrate frequently and effortlessly.

Introducing the Ideal Straw Bottle for “Quiet Hydration” | Vacuum Insulated Bottles (Cold Storage Only) MTS-W075/W088

To make a habit of “quiet hydration” (hissori hosui)—the ideal method of hydration recommended by Dr. Taniguchi—it is best to use a bottle that makes it easy to control the volume of each sip and can be kept clean for daily use. Tiger Corporation’s straw-type bottles help easily control the fluid intake per sip, naturally prompting an “ideal hydration” routine that minimizes strain on internal organs.

About Tiger Corporation

Founded in 1923, we started with the manufacture of “Tiger mark” glass vacuum bottles for the Japanese domestic market. With the goal of realizing our Vision, “To share heartwarming DANRAN around the world.”, we have continuously pursued temperature-related technologies for over 100 years. By applying our “vacuum insulation technology” and “thermal control technology,” we manufacture and sell household and commercial vacuum insulated containers (vacuum bottles) including Vacuum Insulated Bottles, cooking appliances such as rice cookers, and industrial components and products for the transportation, construction, aerospace, and medical fields across approximately 60 countries worldwide.