Slings for Patient Lifts

Slings for Patient Lifts: A Guide to Choosing the Right One 

If you are a caregiver or a patient who needs assistance with transferring, standing, bathing, or toileting and have been using the patient lifts in the healthcare facility or at home to assist with daily living. The patient transfer slings are used with the patient lift to safely transfer the user. Slings can reduce the risk of injury and strain for both patients and caregivers and improve the quality of care and comfort. But how do you choose the right sling for your needs? There are many factors to consider, such as the type and the brand of the patient lift, the level of mobility, the size and weight of the patient, the type of transfers, and personal preferences. 

Popular Brands of Slings for Patient Lifts

Medicaleshop is an authorized dealer of top-quality brands for patient transfer lifts & slings. Here are the popular brands listed:

• Hoyer: Hoyer is a brand name that belongs to Joerns Healthcare, a company that specializes in patient handling and wound care products. Hoyer is one of the most popular and trusted brands of patient lifts and slings in the market. Hoyer lifts are devices that help caregivers lift and transfer patients with limited mobility. Hoyer lifts come in different models and styles, such as power lifts, manual lifts, stand-up lifts, ceiling lifts and bariatric lifts. Each model has its own features and benefits, such as easy maneuverability, ergonomic design, adjustable legs, folding capabilities and high weight capacity.
• Arjo: Arjo is a global leader in medical equipment and solutions for people with reduced mobility. They offer a wide range of patient transfer slings for different types of lifts, such as ceiling lifts, floor lifts, and sit-to-stand lifts. Arjo's slings are designed to provide comfort, safety, and dignity for patients. Arjo is the most popular brand used in healthcare facilities because of its durability & product quality. 
• Human Care: Human Care is a Swedish company that specializes in lifting solutions for people with limited mobility. They offer slings that are compatible with power patient lifts, and standup patient lifts & can be used with 2 & 4-point hanger bars. Their slings are made of durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain. human care patient slings feature reinforced straps and high-strength nylon webbing around the sling to make them strong enough to resist even the most active use.
• Prism Medical: Prism Medical is a Canadian company that provides safe patient-handling solutions. They offer slings that can be used with ceiling lifts, floor lifts, and sit-to-stand aids. Handicare's Prism sling line is recognized by healthcare professionals across the USA for exceptional fit and durability. Prism Medical sling styles and sizes will accommodate virtually any lift, positioning, and transfer requirement. 
• Silvalea: Silvalea is a UK-based company that manufactures innovative slings for patient transfers. Silvalea offers slings that can be used with any type of hoist or lift system. Silvalea patient transfer slings offer a variety of features that make them stand out from other products on the market, such as The sureClip system for secure attachment, travel sling, and In-Situ slings made from 100% polyester spacer fabric, which provides superior comfort over standard sling fabrics.
• Savaria: Savaria is a Canadian company that offers accessibility solutions for home and commercial use. They offer slings that can be used with their ceiling lifts or mobile floor lifters. Their slings are designed to support different levels of mobility and body shapes.
• Molift: Molift offers smart lifting solutions for people with reduced mobility. Easy-to-use transfer and repositioning solutions for various needs and care settings to enable safe, comfortable, and dignified transfers for both the caregiver and the patient/resident. Molift RgoSlings are all-around slings that fit most users and lifting situations in homecare and institutional environments.

Types of Slings for Patient Lifts

There are many types of slings available for different purposes and preferences. Some common types include:

• Net Slings: Net slings have mesh fabric that allows water to drain through during bathing or showering transfers. They also provide good ventilation and prevent overheating during prolonged use. - Molift RgoSling Net Sling, Human Care Toileting Sling, Hoyer Full Back Net Sling
• Mesh Slings: Mesh slings have small holes in the fabric that allow air circulation and water drainage. They are suitable for bathing or showering transfers, as well as for patients who sweat a lot or have skin issues. Prism Medical Universal Mesh Sling With Head Support, Arjo Mesh Extended Legs Clip Sling For 4-Point Patient Lift, Protekt Full Body Mesh Slings For Patient Lifts
• Padded Slings: Padded slings have extra cushioning on the edges or on certain areas of the sling to provide more comfort and protection for patients. They are ideal for patients who have sensitive skin, bruises, pressure ulcers, or pain. Arjo Standard Padded Loop Sling Without Head Support For 2-Point Patient Lift, Silvalea High Easy Sling
• Universal Slings: Universal slings are square-shaped slings that support the entire body, with the patient’s arms inside the sling straps. They usually have a high back that provides head support. They are compatible with most types of lifts and transfers and can be used with a commode. Universal Sling For Patient Lifts, Span America Universal Sling With Head Support, Universal Sling With Head Support
• Divided Leg Slings: Split leg slings have wide straps that loop through the legs, gently separating them and distributing the weight evenly. They prevent the knees from knocking or being pressed together and provide a comfortable transport position for patients. They can be used with any type of patient lift. Protekt Standard Divided Leg Patient Sling, Protekt Padded Divided Leg Slings
• U-Shape Slings: U-shape slings cross under the patient’s legs and do not go under the patient’s bottom. They are easy to apply and remove and allow access for toileting and hygiene purposes. Hoyer 4-Point Padded U-Sling
• Standing Slings: Standing slings are designed for sit-to-stand patient lifts that help patients go from a seated to a standing position. They wrap around the patient’s waist and thighs, leaving their arms free. They are ideal for patients who can bear half or more of their own weight and have sufficient head and neck control. Human Care belt Loop Sling, Arjo Deluxe Standing Sling,

Difference between Loop Slings for Patient Lifts & Clip Slings for Patient Lifts
.Loop slings have multiple loops on the sling that allow caregivers to fine-tune the fit. Loops are chosen for the best fit and position, then attached to the hooks on the spreader bar. Clip-style slings have a clip that attaches over a post on the lift. Using slings to help mobilize a patient usually involves lifting equipment. It may be an overhead ceiling lift, a portable floor lift, & a sit-to-stand lift. It’s important to identify how the sling connects to the carry bar on the lift. In general, there are two styles of carry bar and sling connections: loop slings and clip slings.
Attachment Option

Tips on How to Select and Use Slings for Patient Lifts

Choosing the right sling for your needs can make a big difference in your comfort, safety, and quality of life. Here are some tips to help you select and use slings for patient lifts:

• Consider your level of mobility: Different types of slings are designed for different levels of mobility & and go along with different patient lifts. For example, if you have poor head and trunk stability, you may need a full-body sling with head support with power patient lifts; if you can partially support your own weight, you may prefer a u-shape sling or a standing sling for a sit-to-stand patient lift.
• Consider your size and weight: Slings come in different sizes to fit different body shapes and weights. You should measure your height, weight, chest circumference, and thigh circumference before choosing a sling size. 
• Always ensure the compatibility of your patient slings & patient lifts for safe transfers with the help of certified medical professionals.
• Consider your personal preference: Slings come in different materials, colors, and patterns to suit your personal preference. You may prefer a sling that is soft, breathable, durable, easy to clean, or stylish. You may also prefer a sling that has extra features such as clips, handles, or loops.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Slings should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper application, removal, and maintenance. You should also check the sling regularly for signs of wear and tear and replace it when needed.

FAQ'S

Why is choosing the right sling important?

Choosing the right sling is crucial for several reasons. It ensures the comfort and well-being of the individual being lifted, enhances safety during transfers, and simplifies the lifting process for caregivers. Contact Medicaleshop's expert customer support for guidance in patient transfer sling selection.
 

How do I determine the right sling size?

To find the correct sling size, refer to the sizing charts provided by the manufacturer. A well-fitted sling should provide a snug fit without being too tight or too loose. Every patient transfer sling has measurement guide listed on Medicaleshop. 

Can I use the same sling for different patients?

No, each individual has unique needs and body structures. It is essential to use the appropriate sling for each person to ensure their safety and comfort during transfers.

How do I clean and maintain patient lift slings?

Cleaning and maintenance instructions vary depending on the sling's material. Many slings are machine-washable, but it's essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines to prolong the sling's life and maintain hygiene.

Can I use a sling with a damaged strap or tear?

No, using a sling with damaged straps or tears is unsafe and should be avoided. Always inspect the sling before each use and replace any worn-out components promptly.

Are there slings designed for specific medical conditions, such as pressure ulcers or post-surgery recovery?

Yes, there are specialized slings designed to cater to specific medical conditions. These may include slings with extra padding for pressure ulcer prevention or post-surgery recovery slings for added support. Some of the best padded full body slings are: 

1. Molift RgoSling padded
2. Hoyer professional comfort padded sling
3. Arjo padded clip sling with extended leg

Can I use the same sling for both sit-to-stand and full lifting transfers?

It's best to use different slings for sit-to-stand and full lifting transfers, as the lifting mechanisms and support requirements are different. Using the appropriate sling for each type of transfer ensures safety and effectiveness. The most purchased slings for sit-to-stand lifts are:

1. Arjo Universal Transfer Sling For Stand Up Patient Lifts
2. Hoyer Deluxe Stand Aid Transport Sling
3. Prism Medical Stand Aid Sling
4. Protekt Sit To Stand Sling

Can I use a patient lift sling without any training?

While patient lift slings are designed for ease of use, it's crucial to receive proper training on how to operate the patient lift and use the sling correctly. Caregivers should be familiar with the equipment and proper lifting techniques to ensure safety.

Conclusion

Slings for patient lifts are essential tools that can help you or your loved one with transferring, standing, bathing, or toileting. They can improve your comfort, safety, and quality of life. However, choosing the right sling can be challenging due to the variety of brands and types available. If you have any questions or need more assistance, please feel free to contact us.