The Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Measuring Slings for Patient Lifts

What’s Inside

Patient lifts are a must have for caregivers and healthcare professionals to transfer patients with mobility issues safely and comfortably. Choosing the right sling for these lifts is key to patient safety and comfort. This guide will cover everything you need to know about slings for patient lifts, how to measure them and how to choose the one for you.

How Slings Work

Slings are the key part of patient lifts, they support and cradle the patient during transfers. Using the appropriate sling is crucial as it enhances safety and comfort. These slings attach to the lift device to ensure stability and safety during the transfer. With different designs to cater for different patient needs and lift types, understanding how each sling works is important.

Types of SlingsFull Body Slings

Description: Full body slings wrap around the whole body.

Use: For patients with severe mobility issues, to lift safely and comfortably.

Benefits: Maximum support and security, reduces risk of injury during transfers. Full body slings help maintain a seated position during transfers.

Divided Leg Slings

Description: Two separate leg sections, divided leg slings are flexible. Joerns slings are designed for flexibility and support.

Use: For most transfers, including toileting, they are versatile and popular.

Benefits: Easier to put on and off, comfortable and practical. Divided leg slings are designed to support patients in a sitting position during transfers.

One-Piece Slings

Description: Single piece.

Use: Similar to full body slings but lighter, easier to move.

Benefits: Easy to use and often more comfortable for caregiver and patient.

Bariatric Slings

Description: For heavier patients.

Use: Extra support and durability for bariatric patients.

Benefits: Additional safety features to transfer bariatric patients securely.

Slings with Head Support

Description: Headrest to support the patient’s head and neck, often found in padded u-sling designs.

Use: For patients with no head control.

Benefits: Neck and head support, overall comfort and safety. These slings also provide support for the lower back during transfers.

Commode Slings

Description: Cut-out area for toileting.

Use: For bathroom use, particularly in hygiene routines.

Benefits: Easy and hygienic bathroom access for patients. Commode slings are designed to allow patients to remain sitting during toileting.

Sling MaterialsMesh

Benefits: Breathable and quick drying, mesh slings are great for bathing and wet environments.

Vinyl

Benefits: Durable and easy to clean, vinyl slings are for general use and hygienic.

Padded Fabric

Benefits: Extra comfort, padded fabric slings for patients who need prolonged sitting support.

Measuring for Slings

Accurate measurements are key to patient safety and comfort when using any patient lift sling. Different brands have different guidelines but the general process is to measure height, weight and hip width for the patient lift sling. Measuring should also consider the intended use of the sling.

General Measurement Steps

1. Height: Measure from the top of the head to the base of the spine.

2. Weight: Patient’s weight must be within the sling’s capacity.

3. Hip Width: Measure at the widest part of the hips.

Brand-Specific Sizing GuidesJoerns Healthcare

• Small: Up to 125 lbs weight capacity.

• Medium: 125-200 lbs

• Large: 200-300 lbs

• Extra Large: Over 300 lbs

Invacare

• Small: 90-135 lbs

• Medium: 125-200 lbs

• Large: 175-275 lbs

• Extra Large: Over 300 lbs

Probasics

• Small: Up to 125 lbs

• Medium: 125-200 lbs

• Large: 200-275 lbs

• Extra Large: Over 275 lbs weight capacity.

Vive Health

• Small: 90-130 lbs

• Medium: 125-190 lbs

• Large: 175-260 lbs

• Extra Large: Over 260 lbs

McKesson

• Small: Up to 130 lbs

• Medium: 130-200 lbs

• Large: 200-300 lbs

• Extra Large: Over 300 lbs

Fit Check

Check fit:

• Tight Fit: The sling should be tight but not pinch. Ensuring the correct fit is crucial for both comfort and weight capacity.

• Even Support: Adjust for even support across the body.

Some slings are designed for single patient use to maintain hygiene and safety.

Sling Recommendations by Brand of LiftJoerns HealthcareHoyer Advance Manual Patient Lift

• Full Body Sling: Hoyer Full Body Mesh Sling (50023)

• Divided Leg Sling: Hoyer Divided Leg Sling (70001)

• Bariatric Sling: Hoyer Bariatric Sling (80000)

Hoyer Classic Hydraulic Patient Lift

• Full Body Sling: Hoyer Full Body Padded Sling (50002)

• Divided Leg Sling: Hoyer Divided Leg Padded Sling (70002)

• Bariatric Sling: Hoyer Full Body Bariatric Mesh Sling (80001)

McKessonMcKesson Hydraulic Patient Lift

• Full Body Sling: McKesson Full Body Sling (146-13220)

• Divided Leg Sling: McKesson Divided Leg Sling (146-13221)

• Bariatric Sling: McKesson Bariatric Full Body Sling (146-13223)

McKesson Battery-Powered Patient Lift

• Full Body Sling: McKesson Full Body Padded Sling (146-13225)

• Full Back Sling: McKesson Full Back Padded Sling (146-13227)

• Divided Leg Sling: McKesson Divided Leg Mesh Sling (146-13229)

• Bariatric Sling: McKesson Full Body Bariatric Sling (146-13231)

ProbasicsProbasics Hydraulic Patient Lift

• Full Body Sling: Probasics Full Body Sling (PB0318)

• Divided Leg Sling: Probasics Divided Leg Sling (PB0319)

• Bariatric Sling: Probasics Bariatric Sling (PB0321)

Probasics Battery-Powered Patient Lift

• Full Body Sling: Probasics Full Body Padded Sling (PB0322)

• Full Back Sling: Probasics Full Back Sling (PB0323)

• Divided Leg Sling: Probasics Divided Leg Mesh Sling (PB0324)

• Bariatric Sling: Probasics Bariatric Sling (PB0325) with enhanced weight capacity.

MedacureMedacure Hydraulic Patient Lift

• Full Body Sling: Medacure Full Body Sling (MDS81010)

• Divided Leg Sling: Medacure Divided Leg Sling (MDS81012)

• Bariatric Sling: Medacure Bariatric Sling (MDS81014)

Medacure Battery-Powered Patient Lift

• Full Body Sling: Medacure Full Body Padded Sling (MDS81016)

• Full Back Sling: Medacure Full Back Sling (MDS81018)

• Divided Leg Sling: Medacure Divided Leg Mesh Sling (MDS81020)

• Bariatric Sling: Medacure Bariatric Sling (MDS81022)

Additional InfoDurability

Mesh Slings: For long term use and frequent washing.

Comfort

Padded Slings: For patients who need to be in the sling for a long time.

Ease of Use

Divided Leg Slings: Easier to put on and off for frequent transfers.

Patient Needs

Full Body Slings: For patients with limited mobility, patient slings provide lots of support.

Divided Leg Slings: For patients who can support themselves a little, easier to maneuver.

Hoyer Lift Sling FAQsHow to put on a Hoyer Lift Sling?

1. Positioning: Place patient on their side and put the sling underneath. Use a padded u-sling for extra comfort.

2. Roll Back: Roll patient back and pull the sling through until flat.

3. Attach: Attach the sling to the lift according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

How to size a Hoyer Lift Sling?

Measure patient’s height, weight and hip width. Use the manufacturer’s sizing chart to select the correct size.

How to use a Full Body Sling for a Hoyer Lift?

1. Attach: Attach the sling to the lift.

2. Lift: Lift the patient, make sure to support evenly throughout the transfer.

What’s an alternative to a Hoyer Lift?

Our Patient Lift Transfer Chair: No sling required, operates as a chair, very convenient for transfers.