BASIC FEATURES: Mechanical Lift Slings

The content included in the video and comment section is for general information only.  Equipment and individual circumstances will vary.  Always refer to and review an equipment manual for specifics on use and safety of your piece of medical equipment.  Please consult with a local Physical or Occupational Therapist regarding your specific circumstances and use of medical equipment.

In this video the caregiver will learn about the basic features of several different types of Mechanical Lift Slings.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Sling

  • Body weight 
  • Sling size- Standard size   Sized by measurement
  • Are there trunk and/or head control needs
  • Purpose of the sling (bathing, toileting, general transfers)
  • Will the sling have to stay beneath the individual for any extended length of time

3 General Styles of Slings

1. Full Body/Hammock

  •  with or without commode opening
  •  mesh or fabric 
  •  with or without head support
  •  typically 4 attachment points on the sling
  •  majority will work with 4 or 6 point cradle/sling bar/spreader bar
  •  placement- bottom edge just above the back of the knees, top edge at shoulder level or to top of head with head support

Full Body Mesh Commode Sling  https://amzn.to/2sVnS0i

Vive Patient Lift Sling  https://amzn.to/2QVIk97

2. Universal Sling U-Sling

  • used for basic transfers and commode/toilet
  • split leg design
  • mesh or fabric
  • without or without neck and/or head support
  • individual is not sitting on the sling, thus easily applied to or removed from someone in sitting, can be applied/removed in supine as well
  • can have 4 or 6 attachment points on the sling
  • check specifications on use on 4 or 6 point cradle/sling bar/spreader bar
  • Placement- bottom edge of body of the sling goes behind the individual resting at the tailbone/sacrum, each "leg" of the sling goes underneath each thigh coming up between the legs

Padded U-Sling with Head Support    https://amzn.to/2QXLkSD

3. Specialty Sling - Toileting 

  • individual should have good trunk and head control
  • low profile design of sling to aid in toileting
  • typically 4 to 6 attachment straps, can have more
  • check specifications on use on 4 or 6 point cradle/sling bar/spreader bar
  • typically fabric, may have additional safety belt
  • individual should be able to sit up on the edge of the bed
  • applied in sitting
  • Placement - place body of the sling in low to mid back area, sling legs straps go beneath each thigh and up between the legs, secure the safety belt if included

Deluxe Padded Toileting Sling - Medium   https://amzn.to/2N3XI22

General Information

When attaching the sling to the mechanical lift use color-coded loops, if available, to ensure that you are attaching head of sling at the same level side to side and bottom of sling at the same level side to side.  Mark attachnment loops with tape or ribbon, if loops are not color-coded, once you know at what level you want to attach the sling.

The closer the attachment loop to the top of the sling, the more upright the individual will sit in the sling.  

There are many different styles of slings for mechanical lifts, some for very specific use, others for a variety of uses.  Please check  specifications for each sling and consult with your medical equipment dealer and/or local physical therapist.

Take note to clarify when choosing a sling, the difference between the descriptions of the number of attachment points for the sling verses the number of attachment points on the lift cradle/sling bar/spreader bar.

"2 Point Sling" typically refers to an older style full body sling with metal attachments at the 4 corners of the sling.  Used with connected chains or straps coming up to a 2 point sling bar on the mechanical lift. **When attaching hooks through each hole, make sure to go from the inside of the sling out, in order to keep the end of the hook away from the individual in the sling.

Always make sure to check the weight capacity and condition of the sling prior to use.

Always check with a medical equipment representative and/or a local physical therapist for questions on your specific needs and circumstance.

https://aecorner.video/video/iatp/basic-lift-sling