What Kind of Sling Do I Need for a Patient Lift – Med Mart

Choosing the right sling for your patient lift is just as important as the lift itself. The right sling makes transfers safer, more comfortable, and easier for both the caregiver and the person being moved.

So—what kind of sling do you need? The answer depends on the person’s physical needs and how you’ll be using the lift.

It’s Smart to Have More Than One Sling

We recommend keeping at least two types of slings on hand for everyday care, and two of each for convenience and hygiene. Why?

If one gets dirty or wet, you’ll have a clean spare ready to use
Different tasks (like bathing vs. transferring to bed) often require different styles of slings
Over time, rotating slings helps them last longer

1. Toileting, Hygiene & Bathing Slings

These slings are designed to make bathroom use and personal care easier and more dignified. They typically have:

An open design to allow access for toileting or bathing
Less fabric in the lower area to simplify clothing removal
Quick-drying materials (for bath slings)

We suggest having two hygiene slings: one in use, one as backup.

2. General Purpose Slings for Daily Transfers

These are used for everyday tasks like moving someone:

From bed to chair
From chair to commode
Or from recliner to wheelchair

Look for features like:

Full body support or divided leg straps
Optional head support, depending on the user’s strength and posture
Padded fabric for comfort

We recommend having two general-use slings for day-to-day transfers.

3. Does the User Need Head Support?

This is a key question when choosing a sling. If the person has:

Limited neck strength
Poor balance
Or a condition affecting upper body control

Then choose a sling with head support to keep them safe and properly positioned during transfers.

If the person has good upper body strength and head control, you may be fine with a standard sling.

Still Not Sure What to Choose?

Give us a call at 888-413-8994. Our product experts can walk you through your options and help match the right sling to your lift and your specific needs.

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