The Pat Saunders one-way straw is a reusable plastic drinking straw with a one-way valve in the barrel, supplied by Care Quip in packs of ten. The valve holds liquid in the straw once it has been drawn up, so the straw stays filled even after it is taken away from the lips and the next mouthful does not have to be drawn all the way from the bottom of the cup again. The same valve reduces the amount of air taken in while drinking. A clip holds the straw against the side of a glass or cup so that it does not slide down or move out of reach. The straws are supplied in two lengths, 18.5 cm and 26 cm, to suit different cup and bottle heights. A cup is not included.

For someone who tires quickly or struggles to maintain suction, the valve removes most of the repeated effort of drawing liquid the full height of the straw, which can make the difference between finishing a drink independently and needing help. Reduced air intake makes drinking more comfortable, and the clip holds the straw in a usable position without a carer repositioning it.