The term “thick water,” or pre-thickened liquid, is a hydration product created for individuals diagnosed with dysphagia, a condition causing difficulty swallowing. This modification is designed to decrease the risk of aspiration, where thin liquids enter the airway and lungs instead of the stomach. By increasing the viscosity, the liquid moves more slowly through the mouth and throat, allowing the person more time and control to complete a safe swallow.
Understanding Thickness Levels Before Purchasing
Before procuring any pre-thickened water, it is important to understand the specific consistency level required, which is determined by a speech-language pathologist or physician. Liquid thickness is standardized globally by the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) using a five-level framework. These levels range from Level 1 (Slightly Thick) up to Level 4 (Extremely Thick), with Level 0 being thin liquid like regular water.
The most common pre-thickened waters fall into Level 2 (Mildly Thick), previously called “nectar-thick,” or Level 3 (Moderately Thick), known as “honey-thick.” Level 2 liquids flow more slowly than thin water but can still be sipped, while Level 3 liquids drip from a spoon in dollops. Selecting the correct, prescribed thickness is a safety measure to prevent liquids from being misdirected into the respiratory system.
Physical Retail Locations and Pharmacies
For immediate needs, many pharmacy chains stock pre-thickened water, although inventory can be inconsistent, especially for less common thickness levels. Retailers like CVS and Walgreens carry ready-to-drink options from leading brands, such as Thick-It, in Mildly Thick (nectar) or Moderately Thick (honey) consistencies. This allows for convenient, same-day procurement if a supply runs low unexpectedly.
It is recommended to call the specific pharmacy location ahead of a visit to confirm they have the exact thickness level and brand in stock. Local, independent medical supply stores and home health care providers are also excellent brick-and-mortar sources. These specialized vendors frequently carry a wider variety of brands, including those thickened with xanthan gum, which maintain consistency better than starch-based products. They may also be equipped to handle requests for larger case quantities than a typical drugstore.
Specialized Online Vendors and Subscription Services
The most comprehensive selection of pre-thickened water is found through online retailers, including e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Walmart. Online shopping offers the advantage of comparing prices across multiple brands and purchasing in bulk, which is necessary for managing dysphagia. These platforms frequently offer a wider range of sizes, from small single-serve bottles to large, multi-gallon containers.
Specialized medical nutrition and durable medical equipment websites, such as Carewell or Dysphagia-Diet, focus exclusively on products for chronic health needs. These vendors often provide case pricing that results in significant savings compared to buying individual bottles in a store. Many of these online stores offer auto-shipment or subscription services, which are particularly valuable for an ongoing necessity like thick water.
Subscription services ensure a consistent supply is delivered on a set schedule, eliminating the worry of running out. Since pre-thickened water is a heavy product, online shoppers should carefully check shipping costs and delivery times when placing a large order. Utilizing a “Subscribe & Save” feature on platforms like Amazon can mitigate shipping expenses and ensure the product arrives before the current supply is depleted.