Patient Lifts and Slings: Buying Guide

Quick answer: a patient lift moves a person who cannot bear weight between a bed, chair, wheelchair or commode. Manual hydraulic lifts are pumped by hand and cost less. Battery-powered lifts raise and lower at the push of a button, which is easier and smoother for the caregiver. Every lift needs a compatible sling in the right size.

Lift types compared

Type	How it lifts	Capacity in our catalog	Best for
Manual hydraulic floor lift	Hand pump	450 to 500 lb	Occasional transfers, lower budget
Battery-powered floor lift	Electric actuator, hand control	450 to 500 lb	Daily transfers, caregiver comfort
Bariatric powered lift	Heavy-duty actuator	600 lb	Larger users
Sit-to-stand lift	Assists from sitting to standing	Model dependent	Users with some leg strength

How to choose a patient lift

Capacity: choose a rating above the user's weight. Options range from the McKesson Manual Hydraulic Lift (450 lb) and the LEVANTAR floor lift (500 lb) to the Drive Bariatric Battery-Powered Lift (600 lb).
Manual or powered: if transfers happen several times a day, a powered lift such as the Protekt High-Performance Electric Lift (500 lb) or the Drive Battery-Powered Lift (450 lb) reduces caregiver effort.
Clearance: the lift's legs must roll under the bed. Measure the space under the bed frame. Adjustable (spreading) bases open around wide chairs and commodes.
Space to turn: floor lifts need room to roll and pivot. Check doorway widths along the transfer route.
Cradle and sling attachment: the lift's spreader bar or cradle determines which slings fit (chain, loop or clip style, and the number of attachment points).

Sling types

Full body sling: supports the whole body; the most common for dependent transfers. See the Drive Full Body Sling (600 lb, mesh and solid).
U-sling (split leg): easy to place and remove while the user is seated. The Drive Padded U-Sling with Head Support comes in 4 sizes.
Commode-opening sling: allows toileting while in the sling, like the ProBasics Full Body Sling with Commode Opening.
Stand-up sling: for sit-to-stand lifts, such as the Drive Stand-Up Sling.
Mesh vs solid: mesh drains water and dries faster for bathing; solid fabric is common for everyday transfers.

Sling size matters: too large and the user can slip; too small and it can dig in. Follow the manufacturer's sizing chart and check that the sling is approved for your lift.

Safety basics

Lock the wheels of the bed or chair you transfer to and from, and follow the lift's instructions on whether its own casters should be locked.
Inspect sling seams, straps and clips before every use.
Many facilities use two caregivers for lift transfers. Get hands-on training from a nurse or therapist before the first transfer at home.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Hoyer lift the same as a patient lift?

"Hoyer" is a brand name often used for any floor-based patient lift.

Can one person use a patient lift?

Some lifts are designed for one caregiver, but the safest approach depends on the user and the setting. Ask the care team and follow the lift's instructions.

Do slings work with any lift?

No. The sling's attachment style and size must match the lift's cradle. Check compatibility on the product page.

Browse all patient lifts and slings, or call 1-800-494-5750.

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Updated October 2026.