Different Types Of Slings For Hoists: A Full Guide
01/08/25
Key Takeaways
There are five main types of slings for hoists that care homes utilise:
Universal slings
All-purpose slings
Standing/transfer slings
Toileting slings
In-situ slings.
Spearhead Healthcare offers different types of slings that are built for different purposes. The slings are categorised based on how they help care providers to carry out specific types of patient transfers or aid users to carry out day-to-day tasks.
The design elements featured on the different types of slings have been implemented with a consideration for comfort, usability, and operational safety.
For example, there are slings for hoists that are designed to be used in the bedroom space, as well as slings specifically made for bathroom use.
Different Types Of Slings For Hoists
Slings play a vital role in ensuring the secure transfer of individuals with limited mobility, whether they are being moved from bed to chair, bathroom to bedroom, or anywhere in between.
With over 30 years of experience in the care industry, we’ve seen firsthand how important it is for care home management to choose a sling that suits both the needs of residents and the spatial demands of the care environment. The right choice can make a meaningful difference for both patients and staff.
In this expert guide, we explore the different types of slings for hoists, how they’re used, and which applications they suit best. Whether you're a care provider looking to upgrade your equipment or a healthcare professional sourcing for a specific resident's needs, this guide will help you make informed choices and guarantee patient satisfaction.
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Our team of specialists are available to discuss your requirements and recommend the best slings for hoists. Give us a quick call or contact us online today for a chat, and we can give advice and produce you a quick quote.
What Are the Different Types of Hoist Slings?
There are many categories of slings for hoists, each serving specific functions. Here are the most common types used in care homes and other care environments:
1. Universal Slings
These slings are designed to be used for general patient transfers. They are well-suited to a range of transferring and handling scenarios around the care home space, as their design features offer full-body support and make them versatile for most lifting needs.
Universal slings are suitable for patients who have little or no body control. Commonly used in both seated and recumbent positions, they’re ideal for general transfers from bed to wheelchair and vice versa.
Continental Rigid Low Back Sling
Continental Rigid High Back Sling
2. Toileting Slings
Our toileting slings are specially designed to support the toileting process, providing easy access to clothing for staff to aid users in using the toilet, whilst maintaining the user’s dignity.
Also known as hygiene slings, the main purpose of these purpose-built slings is to allow easy access for toileting without having to remove the sling. They usually offer less back support than full-body slings but provide convenience for when users need to use the bathroom.
Deluxe Toileting Sling with Head Support
Looking to upgrade your bathroom facilities?
Check out our purpose-made bath hoists, perfect for transferring patients safely to and from the bath. Our compact ceiling track hoist is designed for loop slings, meaning it’s compatible with a majority range.
3. Standing Slings
Used with active hoists, standing slings support users who have some weight-bearing ability. They are often used for repositioning or moving users to a standing position for transfer or toileting, or in some specialised cases, to provide a walking aid in physiotherapy sessions.
Ours Slings for Care Homes
Choosing the correct sling ensures that transfers are safe, efficient, and comfortable for the user. The right solution can reduce the risk of injury for both caregivers and patients, and help maintain user dignity in day-to-day activities.
Spearhead Healthcare offers a comprehensive selection of slings and hoists for care environments, all selected for their comfort, usability, and safety.
Browse Spearhead’s Full Range of Slings for Hoists
Our Range of Slings for Care Homes
Why Choosing the Right Hoist Sling Matters
If you work in care or help manage equipment for a care home, you’ll know how important it is to make every transfer safe, comfortable, and dignified for the people you support.
Slings might seem secondary compared to the hoist itself, but they do a lot of the heavy lifting - literally and figuratively. The right sling can make all the difference, not just for the resident being moved, but for the staff doing the job. A good fit can reduce the risk of discomfort or injury and help moves feel calm and controlled.
That’s why it’s worth taking the time to find a sling that works well with your existing hoists and suits the needs of the people in your care. Try before you buy if you can, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about build quality or design. A bit of extra care at the start can save time, money, and stress down the line, for everyone involved.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Sling
Each resident’s requirements will differ. When choosing slings for hoists, it’s crucial to evaluate:
Mobility level of the user
Purpose of the transfer (repositioning, toileting, bathing)
Sling compatibility with your hoist system
Fabric type (mesh for bathing or padded for comfort)
Head, neck, and leg support needs
Cleaning and infection control considerations
Spearhead’s advisors are here to help you assess your specific needs.
Using Slings With Hoists
Knowing how to properly use a hoist and sling is essential for safe handling. Incorrect sling use is one of the most common causes of injury during transfers. Make sure your care team is trained and confident in correct attachment, lifting, and patient monitoring procedures.
Need some initial guidance? Explore our helpful article: How To Use A Hoist.
Remember Other Important Moving & Handling Equipment
At Spearhead, we support the full moving and handling process. To provide a complete functioning care environment, it is recommended that you invest in all key items of Moving & Handling Equipment:
Slings - Our complete range of hoist-compatible slings.
Transfer Aids - Ideal for independent or assisted transfers.
Bath Hoists - Safe bathing support for residents.
Sling Belts - A great alternative for short-distance transfers or repositioning.
We work closely with care home teams to help them choose the right configuration of solutions for their space and resident needs.
Why Choose Spearhead for Your Sling Needs?
We Listen | We Understand | We Deliver.
We’ve been working alongside care providers for over 30 years. We understand that it’s not just about selling products, it’s about delivering solutions that improve quality of life.
Whether you're running a new facility, upgrading old equipment, or responding to resident-specific needs, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Discover why so many care homes choose Spearhead.
Want to Test Slings for Hoists? Visit Our Showroom
Want to see the different types of slings for hoists before making a decision?
Come to our fully equipped showroom and get hands-on with our most popular products.
Our team will walk you through demonstrations, comparisons, and recommendations tailored to your specific requirements.
Plan your visit to the Spearhead Showroom:
Spearhead Help You Make Informed Sling Choices for Better Care
With so many sling types and options available, it’s important to choose the right equipment for the people you care for. From full-body support to task-specific designs, understanding the different types of slings for hoists empowers care teams to provide safer, more dignified, and more efficient care.
Explore our complete selection of Slings for Hoists, or speak with our product experts to get tailored advice.
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