When choosing a Hoyer lift sling for patient transfers you need to consider the patient and the type of transfers you will be performing. Selecting the appropriate sling tailored to the patient’s specific needs, such as weight capacity and intended use, is crucial to ensure safe and comfortable transfers. Understanding the various sling types—Universal, Commode, each designed for specific purposes and patient needs, is essential. This guide will go into detail on the different types of slings, their uses and sizing and measurement instructions for top brands Joerns, Invacare, Probasics, Vive Health, McKesson and Medacure.

Types of Slings and Their Uses

Full Body Slings

Best For: Patients with very little mobility, severe disabilities, paralysis, or significant weakness who need full support during transfers using patient lift slings.

Challenges Addressed: Toileting sling issues and all other specific needs.

• Full support, minimizes fall risk.
• Comfortable positioning for transfers from bed to wheelchair or commode.

Material Considerations:

• Mesh: For patients at risk of skin breakdown or for use in bathing. View Hoyer Lift Sling Mesh Options in universal mesh fabric. Slings are available in various materials and styles.
• Polyester: For everyday use. Brands: Probasics, Vive Health, Medacure.
• Vinyl: Easy to clean, for patients with incontinence issues. Brands: Invacare, Vive Health. Many of these offer free shipping on Hoyer slings.

Divided Leg Slings

Best For: Patients who need precise positioning and can assist a little during transfers. The intended use of divided leg slings includes specific leg positioning tasks, such as during toileting.

Challenges Addressed:

• Easier leg positioning with a u-sling.
• For toileting.
• Flexible for various transfers.

Universal Slings

Best For: Patients with moderate mobility needs who need general support. Universal slings are one of the main Hoyer lift sling types, ideal for general transfers.

Challenges Addressed:

• Versatile support for general transfers.
• Can be used in bed, wheelchair or commode.

Commode Slings

Best For: Patients who need assistance with toileting but can sit up. Among the various sling types, a Commode Sling with a commode opening can be convenient. Provides dignity and ease for hygiene tasks. A commode opening sling is optimal for these tasks.

Challenges Addressed:

• Easy access for toileting.
• Supports patient during hygiene tasks without head support.
• Comfort and safety.
• Commode slings should be designated for a single patient to ensure hygiene and safety.

Usage Process:

1. Preparation: Place the commode sling under the patient while they are still in bed or chair.
2. Transfer to Commode: Attach the sling to the lift and transfer the patient to the commode.
3. Positioning: Make sure the patient is positioned over the commode with the sling supporting them.
4. Hygiene Tasks: Perform hygiene tasks while the patient is securely supported.
5. Transfer Back: Once toileting is complete, transfer the patient back to their bed or chair.

One-Piece Slings

Best For: Simple transfers with consistent body support. A patient lift sling, specifically a One-Piece Sling, is a type within the broader category of Hoyer lift sling types, ideal for straightforward lifts with no complex positioning needs.

Challenges Addressed:

• Full body support.
• Easy for caregivers to use, these lift slings are designed to reduce the effort needed.
• General transfers.

Bariatric Slings

Best For: Patients with higher weight requirements, often used for bariatric patients or those who need a wider support range due to their size. Bariatric Slings are a specific type within the broader category of sling types. Hoyer slings are designed to accommodate these needs. Hoyer lift slings are essential in these scenarios to ensure patient safety and comfort during transfers.

Challenges Addressed:

• More support for heavier patients.
• Wider and stronger materials for larger body sizes.
• Reinforced stitching and materials for safety during transfers.

Slings with Head Support

Best For: Patients who need extra head and neck support, often those with limited head control or severe disabilities. Slings with Head Support are a specific type within the broader category of sling types.

Challenges Addressed:

• Full body support including head, neck, and lower back.
• Aligns patient properly and reduces risk of injury during transfers.
• For patients with conditions that affect head and neck control.

Brand Specific Sizing and Measurement Guides

Measurement is key to choosing the right size sling for safety and comfort. Below are the measurement and sizing guides for each brand.

Joerns Healthcare

Measuring for Joerns Slings: (View Joerns Sling Chart)

• Height: From top of head to base of spine. A lift sling with positioning strap may provide better support.
• Weight: Patient’s weight must be within the sling’s weight capacity.
• Hip Width: Measure at the widest part of the hips.

Sizing Guide:

• Small: Up to 125 lbs.
• Medium: 125-200 lbs.
• Large: 200-300 lbs. Consider using a padded u-sling.
• Extra Large: Over 300 lbs.

Fit Check: Double-check the drive medical sling for proper placement.

• Sling should fit snug but not pinch.
• Adjust for even body support.

Visit Joerns Slings.

Invacare

Measuring for Invacare Slings: (View Invacare Slings Chart)

• Height: From top of head to base of spine.
• Weight: Patient’s weight must match the sling’s weight capacity.
• Hip Width: Measure at the widest part of the hips.

Sizing Guide:

• Small: 90-135 lbs.
• Medium: 125-200 lbs.
• Large: 175-275 lbs.
• Extra Large: Over 300 lbs.

Fit Check:

• Sling should provide full support with no gaps.
• Adjust straps for balanced support.

Probasics

Measuring for Probasics Slings: (View Probasics Slings Chart)

• Height: From top of head to base of spine.
• Weight: Patient weight within sling range.
• Hip Width: Across the widest part of the hips.

Sizing Guide:

• Small: Up to 125 lbs.
• Medium: 125-200 lbs.
• Large: 200-275 lbs.
• Extra Large: Over 275 lbs.

Fit Check:

• Sling fits around patient.
• Adjust straps for weight distribution.

Vive Health

Measuring for Vive Health Slings:

• Height: From top of head to base of spine.
• Weight: Check weight capacity of Hoyer lift sling against patient’s weight.
• Hip Width: Measure at the widest part of the hips.

Sizing Guide:

• Small: 90-130 lbs.
• Medium: 125-190 lbs. Ensure a padded u sling is within this weight capacity.
• Large: 175-260 lbs.
• Extra Large: Over 260 lbs. A padded u-sling or transfer sling may be particularly beneficial.

Fit Check:

• Sling fits without pinching or excess slack.
• Adjust for body support.

McKesson

Measuring for McKesson Slings:

• Height: Head to base of spine.
• Weight: Patient weight within sling capacity; check if a patient aid sling is suitable.
• Hip Width: Widest part of hips.

Sizing Guide:

• Small: Up to 130 lbs.
• Medium: 130-200 lbs.
• Large: 200-300 lbs.
• Extra Large: Over 300 lbs.

Fit Check:

• Sling supports patient evenly.
• Adjust straps for comfort and safety.

Medacure

Measuring for Medacure Slings: (View Medacure Slings Chart)

• Height: From top of head to base of spine.
• Weight: Patient weight within sling range.
• Hip Width: Measure at the widest part of the hips.

Sizing Guide:

• Small: Up to 130 lbs.
• Medium: 130-200 lbs.
• Large: 200-300 lbs.
• Extra Large: Over 300 lbs.

Fit Check:

• Sling fits around patient.
• Adjust straps for body support and weight distribution.

Sling Recommendations by Brand of Lift

Joerns Healthcare

Hoyer HML400 Manual Patient Lift: An effective hoyer patient lift solution.

• 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: Pairs well with lift sling with positioning strap for added security.

• 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)

Hoyer Advance Portable Electric Patient Lift:

• Full Body Sling: Hoyer Full Body Mesh Sling (50023)
• Divided Leg Hoyer lift Sling: Hoyer Divided Leg Sling (70001)
• Bariatric Sling: Hoyer Bariatric Sling (80000)

Hoyer Presence Lift:

• Full Body Sling: Hoyer Full Body Padded Sling (50002)
• Full Back Sling: Hoyer Full Back Padded Sling (60001)
• Divided Leg Sling: Hoyer Divided Leg Mesh Sling (70003) is designed to provide support without head support.
• Bariatric Sling: Hoyer Full Body Bariatric Sling (80002)

McKesson

McKesson 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), a highly recommended transfer sling.
• Bariatric Sling: McKesson Full Body Bariatric Sling (146-13231)

Probasics

Probasics Hydraulic Patient Lift: A reliable universal patient lift.

• Full Body Sling: Probasics Full Body Sling (PB0318)
• Divided Leg Sling: Probasics Divided Leg Sling (PB0319) without head support.
• Bariatric Sling: Probasics Bariatric Sling (PB0321). Drive Medical offers additional bariatric options and hoyer patient lift solutions.

Probasics Battery-Powered Patient Lift: Compatible with stand assist slings.

• Full Body Sling: Probasics Full Body 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)

Medacure

Medacure 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: A universal patient lift option.

• 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)

How to Put on a Hoyer Lift Sling

1. Preparation: Make sure the sling is for the patient’s size and weight.
2. Positioning: Roll the patient onto their side and put the sling underneath them, center and aligned.
3. Adjustment: Roll the patient back onto their back and adjust the sling to remove wrinkles and make sure it’s even.
4. Attachment: Attach the sling’s loops to the lift’s hooks or clips, make sure it’s secure.
5. Seated Position: Ensure the patient is in a seated position before lifting. This helps in providing back support and comfort during the transfer.
6. Lifting: Slowly lift the patient with the lift, make sure they’re comfortable and supported throughout the transfer.

How to Measure Sling Size for Hoyer Lift

To measure the Hoyer lift sling size for a Hoyer lift, measure the patient’s height from the top of the head to the base of the spine, their weight and the width of their hips at the widest point. Refer to the manufacturer’s sizing chart to match these measurements to the correct sling size.

How Do You Use a Full Body Sling for a Hoyer Lift?

1. Positioning: Put the full body sling under the patient while they’re flat.
2. Securing: Attach the sling’s straps to the Hoyer lift, make sure each strap is secure. The padded u-sling ensures this process is both safe and comfortable.
3. Sitting Position: Ensure the patient is in a sitting position before lifting to maintain safety and comfort.
4. Lifting: Slowly lift the patient with the Hoyer patient lift, making sure they’re balanced and comfortable.
5. Transferring: Move the patient to their desired location, bed, chair or commode.
6. Lowering: Carefully lower the patient and detach the sling once they’re in place. Using a padded u-sling can enhance patient comfort during this process.

What’s the Alternative to a Hoyer Lift?

Yes, there’s an alternative to a Hoyer lift. One is a patient transfer lift chair, like the Top Medical Patient Transfer Lift Chair. This type of lift doesn’t need a Hoyer lift sling and is a chair so it’s super convenient for patient transfers.

How Do I Choose Sling Size?

Choosing a sling size is measuring the patient’s height, weight and hip width and matching those to the manufacturer’s sizing chart. Make sure it’s snug but comfortable without pinching or too much slack for safety and effectiveness.

What to Consider When Choosing a Sling for a Lift?

When choosing a sling for a lift consider:

• Patient’s Mobility: How mobile is the patient and what level of support do they need, possibly using a toileting sling.
• Transfer Type: What type of transfer is required (e.g. bed to wheelchair, toileting).
  • Ensure the sling allows the patient to remain sitting during transfers for added comfort and safety.
• Material: What material does the patient need (e.g. mesh for bathing, vinyl for incontinence).
• Sling Size: Is the sling the correct size for the patient’s measurements.
• Durability: How often will the sling need to be washed. Nylon slings often offer increased durability.

How Do I Decide What Type of Sling to Use?

To decide what type of sling to use, it is essential to understand the different sling types available: Universal, Commode, Stand Assist, and Disposable. Evaluate the patient’s specific needs and the type of transfers they’ll be doing. Consider using a lift sling with positioning strap for better accuracy. Consider:

• Mobility Level: Full body slings for total support, divided leg slings for precise positioning, commode slings for toileting assistance.
• Special Requirements: Bariatric slings for bigger patients, slings with head support for patients who need neck support.
• Material Needs: Mesh for frequent washing, polyester for everyday use, vinyl for easy cleaning, and specialized mesh fabric options.

What’s the Alternative to a Hoyer Lift?

Instead of a Hoyer lift you can use a patient transfer lift chair, like the Top Medical Patient Transfer Lift Chair. This type of lift is a chair and doesn’t need a sling so it’s super convenient for patient transfers, unlike traditional Hoyer slings.

General Tips for All Brands

• Double Check Measurements: Always check the patient’s measurements with the brand’s sizing chart to ensure accuracy.
• Match Sling to Patient: Choose a sling that matches the patient’s needs and the type of transfer.
• Regular Inspections: Inspect slings regularly for wear and tear for safety.
• Follow Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for washing and maintenance to extend the life of the sling.

Sling Selection

Durability and Longevity

• Mesh Slings: These slings are very durable and can be washed frequently so are great for patients who need to be bathed regularly or are at risk of skin breakdown. Check out Hoyer Lift Sling Mesh, which functions as a transfer Hoyer lift sling. Slings are available for different patient needs.
• Polyester Slings: Known for their durability and comfort these slings can be used daily and washed frequently so are good for any transfer need. Suitable for use with sit to stand aids.
• Vinyl Slings: While these slings are easy to clean and maintain they may not be as breathable as mesh or polyester slings. They’re good for patients with incontinence issues.

Washing and Maintenance

• Frequent Washing: Mesh and polyester slings can be washed frequently. Always follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions to keep the sling in good condition, especially for mesh fabric options.
• Easy Cleaning: Vinyl slings are easy to wipe down and clean so are good for patients who need frequent hygiene maintenance.

Specific Recommendations

• Long Lasting Use: For everyday use and longevity polyester slings from Probasics, Vive Health and Medacure are great.
• Hygiene Focus: For patients who need to be washed frequently or are at risk of skin breakdown mesh slings from Joerns Healthcare or Invacare are recommended.
• Incontinence Needs: Vinyl slings from Invacare and Vive Health for easy maintenance and hygiene management.

Summary

Choosing the right Hoyer lift sling for a patient lift requires considering the patient’s needs, the type of transfer and precise measurement to get the right fit. A padded u sling may offer additional comfort. By understanding the different types of slings and following the measurement guidelines, such as those for a padded u-sling, you can make an informed decision to increase safety, comfort, and efficiency of patient transfers. For all types of slings including full body slings and more visit Med Mobility Homecare, where you'll find options like the universal mesh.

This guide has given you all you need to know to make your decision. For more information on specific slings and brands check out Sling for Hoyer Lift, offering a range of hoyer patient lift slings.