Device Description
The ARK’s Z-Vibe is a vibrating oral motor tool for speech therapy,
feeding therapy, and sensory stimulation.
This device provides tactile oral
cues to stimulate the mouth, increases oral awareness, decreases oral
defensiveness, strengthens oral muscles, and provides sensory regulation to
decrease overstuffing the mouth and drooling.
The handle of the tool measures
6.5 inches in length and less than one inch in diameter. The blue handle is
textured with a twisting on/off switch, located at the bottom of the tool. The
battery compartment is in the handlebar. It is important to note that the
battery can only be replaced with Z-Vibe specific replacement batteries.
The ARK’s Z-Vibe comes with five
attachment pieces and a travel case. The attachment pieces are variance tips
and spoons that provide different functions and features. The ARK's Probe tip and the Mini tip are the most
versatile tip attachments for the Z-Vibe. They have a rectangular shape and
features three different surfaces: bumpy, smooth, and striated – meaning it has
parallel lines or groves on its surface. The Mini tip is a smaller size of the
Probe tip, which is perfect for infants and toddlers. These versatile tips
provide various sensory inputs.
The Preefer tip
is a cylinder design with long ridges along its circumference great for a
“rolling” oral stimulation.
The last attachments in the kit are
two feeding spoons. The spoons are big enough to hold an appropriate amount of
food, but small enough to prevent the spoon from being overloaded. These spoons
are two different material strengths: The yellow spoon is ribbed and hard like
a regular spoon. The blue spoon is a softer?material recommended for
individuals with a strong bite reflex.
To sanitize The ARK’s Z-Vibe requires a couple of
steps. The handlebar can be disinfected with a disinfecting spray or a wipe.
The tips can then be removed and sanitized by scrubbing with mild soap and hot
water; tips can be sanitized in the dishwasher as long as they are away from
the heating element. Another option is to submerge the tip attachments in
boiling water for a few minutes, but it is recommended to wait a few hours
before using the tip again.