PRODUCT FAQs

Which is better: a long or short neck?

Try keeping the neck as short as your application will allow. A short modular neck will also minimize "neck-sag" and keep the assembly from bumping into obstacles.

The shorter the neck, the less suction will be needed to reach the liquid. In cases with a 'Tower' system, the less suction will be needed for the initial priming of the drinking tube.

Can I run the bottles through the dishwasher?

Some components are dishwasher safe, such as the Tritan plastic bottle and the lids. Most components, however, will need to be hand-washed. We offer a silicone bottle brush here .

I'd like to keep a spare bottle in the fridge/freezer. Is this okay?

While keeping a backup in the fridge is a great idea, we do not suggest storing a spare in the freezer. Water expansion can lead to severe bottle damage. Never freeze a backup with drinking tubes or bite/check valves submerged.

Can I put hot drinks in my Giraffe Bottle system? Iced drinks?

While we do not recommend our plastic bottle for warm beverages because it could be “hot to the touch” like any coffee mug… the stainless steel bottle is the perfect option for hot drinks and will keep heat contained for hours.

Both our plastic and stainless steel bottles work great for cold drinks. The insulated stainless bottle keeps drinks cold for hours when iced.

Be aware of the maximum operating temperature of 185°F / 85°C on all systems.

Are any of the components microwave safe?

No, NONE of the Giraffe Bottle components are microwave safe.

How long does the tube reach?

We offer various neck sizes! Our Tower and Tower XL necks range from 15 to 36 inches. Our Journey neck reaches 36 inches, but can be cut to a specific length, if desired!

When do I need to clean the system?

Please clean your Giraffe Bottle drinking system before every use.

I have a modular neck assembly (Tower/Tower XL). How do I clean it?

Because the neck assembly houses the drinking tube and does not come in contact with liquids, it does not need to be rigorously cleaned. Simply wipe the assembly down with a damp cloth and leave to dry.

We do not recommend submerging the neck assembly or soaking it to clean, as it will require an extended period to dry. Make sure your modular neck assembly is dry before use.

How often should I clean the inner tubing on my bottle?

We recommend daily cleaning for all drinking tubes but we understand that's not always convenient. Liquid type matters! If you're drinking liquids other than water (like coffee or herbal tea) it's important to know that leaving milky coffee or sugary tea in that tube for too long can unintentionally create a breeding ground for bacteria.

Must do: You have to flush the line with hot water immediately after you finish your coffee, tea or liquids other than water. Do not let it sit overnight, or your morning brew will eventually have "texture" (and nobody wants chewy coffee).

If you flush it well every day, you can get away with a proper scrub with the brush and soap every 2-3 days. If the clear tubing starts looking cloudy or opaque, it’s not "seasoned" like a cast-iron skillet—it's dirty! Swap it out or scrub it down.

For coffee drinkers: If after cleaning, the drinking tube still has discoloration or cloudiness, it may be because the coffee has penetrated the plastic. Coffee will discolor any plastic tube even if it’s clean. You can purchase a replacement tube and valve here.

What kind of liquids can I put in a Giraffe Bottle system?

All Giraffe Bottle systems are primarily recommended for water and other non-viscous liquids. Avoid juices with pulp, smoothies, and thick shakes.

We recommend avoiding:
-Juices with pulp
-Ice-blended beverages (Smoothies, ICEEs, Frappuccino, etc)
-Viscous drinks/foods - such as yogurt
-Partially Gelatinated Non-Dairy Gum-Based Beverages
-Shakes

Tower System

Water and other non-viscous liquids work best with the Tower System. Remove the check valve when enjoying other types of beverages. Keep in mind that the thicker the beverage, the harder it will be to create suction - especially on longer-necked Giraffe Bottles.

The check valve may become permanently damaged if used with carbonated drinks, or the previously list of drinks to avoid.

Journey/Tower XL Systems

The bite valve featured in the Journey/Tower XL system is primarily designed for thin drinks such as water or soda. Thicker beverages could clog the bite valve opening, stopping it from being watertight.

Can I use a Giraffe Bottle neck on other water bottles?

Giraffe Bottle Necks were specifically designed for their intended water bottles.Users may find compatible bottles if they are the same dimensions as existing lids and spouts, though there is no manufacturer that we can officially recommend

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The Drinking Tube has an unusual taste. What can I do?

The Giraffe Bottle drinking tube is made out of a high purity, inert medical-grade elastomer that doesn't contain BPA or phthalates, and is taste-free for most people after being initially washed. However, if the chemical-like taste is still present after a good wash, it may be that you have a sensitivity to tasting this particular material. (For any plastic tubing material, a small percentage of people have a particular sensitivity to tasting it.)

For these cases we do have an alternate drinking tube made out of a different material that you can try - it's also BPA and phthalates free, and most people who have a sensitivity to the standard Giraffe Bottle drinking tube don't have a sensitivity to the alternate material.

What is a 'Check Valve' and what does it do?

When buying a new Giraffe Bottle Tower system, the check valve is included, pre-installed, at the base of the drinking tube.

The check valve keeps liquids in the drinking tube by restricting downward flow back into the bottle. With regular use, we recommend replacing your check valve once a month.

How can I get the liquid flow started without sucking it all the way up?

You can prime liquid in the drinking tube with the help of an optional suction bulb. his is a great help for users with limited lung function, who have trouble getting liquid started on their own.

Oh no, my Tower system is leaking!

The most common cause of leaks is due to the bottle being positioned/mounted too high. Be sure that the liquid content in the bottle is never higher than the tip of the straw. When the straw tip is lower than the bottle's liquid level it will create a siphon effect that pulls liquids up and out.

Keep your straw tip positioned at an upward angle, and replace integral parts of your system periodically to maintain optimal function.

Keep the bottle low, and you're good-to-go!

II don't think my bite valve has a way to release liquid. Is it broken?

The bite valve may look like it doesn't have a slit, since it's cut from the inside— and sometimes it's not cut quite all the way through. If you press firmly repeatedly (mimicking biting it) it should open fully.

How much suction strength does it take to get water to the end of the straw and into the mouth?

It depends on how high the end of the straw is compared to the bottle. It takes a noticeable amount of sucking strength if the straw is close to vertical (making it about 3 feet tall). But when it's closer to being level, say two feet or less vertically, it is easy to suck, really not much harder than a normal straw. (Any horizontal distance doesn't make it more difficult to suck; the only thing that matters is the vertical height.)

How does the 'Bite Valve' work?

Pressing the bite valve between 2 surfaces (biting motion) allows the valve to open. Combined with suction, you can control the flow of your drink and know it won't leak outside of use.

If the bite valve isn't necessary for your application, simply remove it.

Since the bite valve is removeable, it can present a choking hazard for young children and individuals without strong mouth function. Please use caution when using the bite valve.