Choosing the right sling bar

Assessment of sling bar

When hoisting a person who suffers from pain - e.g., neuromuscular disorder, arthritis, or shoulder injury – the transfer can be compared to lifting an egg; we want to do it as gently, soft, and spacious as possible.  

Therefore, it is important to consider the user's size and the lifting situation when choosing a sling bar. The following will describe what to consider when choosing the right sling bar for the user and the lifting situation.

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The width of the sling bar 

When assessing for the right size, measure the shoulder width of the user; the sling bar should have approximately the same length. 

If the sling bar is too narrow the user might feel cramped and uncomfortable - and the respiration could be affected. 

On the other hand, if the sling bar is much too wide there is a risk that the user is pushed forward in the sling because the head straps of the slings are being pulled outwards. This is especially important to think about when hoisting children and small adults.   

Another aspect that can impact the lifting situation and the comfort for the user is the type of sling bar used – 4-point or 2-point.

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Benefits of a 4-point sling bar 

A 4-point sling bar may result in:  

  • A more reclined position 
  • The hip is more open  
  • The chest is expanded  
  • Leg supports are dragged away from the groin  
  • More space around or above the user’s head  
  • A short reach when attaching loops to the hooks  

  This sling bar is suitable for:  

  • Persons in pain  
  • Obese persons 
  • Persons with rheumatic or neuromuscular diseases 
  • Lifting from floor since the sling bar comes closer than a 2-point sling bar  
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Benefits of a 2-point sling bar 

A 2-point sling bar has other benefits and is recommended for these lifting situations:  

  • When the lifting height is limited 
  • If a tighter lift is safer for the person; for instance, due to low muscle tone or a sling with a wide leg support opening 
  • Easier storage in tight spaces 

 

Variants of Molift sling bars

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2-point sling bars

The Molift 2-point sling bars are available in four sizes; S (35 cm), M (45 cm), L (55 cm) and XL (65 cm).
Variants 4-point - card item block(2)

4-point sling bars

Molift's 4-point sling bars are available in four sizes; S (35 cm), M (45 cm), L (55 cm) and XL (65 cm).
Other options 4-point - Card item block(2)

4-point pigtail sling bar

The Molift 4-point pigtail sling bar results in an even more spacious lift for a bariatric user when hoisted with Molift Air 500. 
Other options 8-point - Card item block

8-point pigtail sling bar

Molift's 8-point sling bar allows a horizontal lift when combined with either the Molift Repositioning Sheet or the Molift Fabric Stretcher.

Risk assessment 

The situations mentioned above are only examples and do not in any way replace an individual risk assessment made by the carer - responsible for the user.