A divided leg sling is a U-shaped piece of fabric available with or without head support. This sling can be used in the following ways:

• with a leg band under each leg and then crossed in the middle


• with a leg band under each leg and not crossed. This allows the legs to be kept apart for toileting and washing


• with both leg bands under both legs.

• can be put on and taken off easily in most positions: sitting, lying, on the floor etc.


• you may be able to put it on independently


• provides good access for toileting/washing


• provides a choice of leg positions


• with the leg bands in the crossed position and with the correct sized sling, it is virtually impossible to fall out


• no user cooperation is required.

• need to remove clothes for toileting before hoisting which may involve first transferring onto a bed


• leg pieces may be uncomfortable


• with both leg bands under both legs, you may, if you go into extensor spasm, slide out of the sling.

• adequate support will not be provided if the leg pieces are too narrow, or they are not positioned under the mid thighs.


• padded or lined leg pieces are less likely to crumple when used in the crossed position and will therefore be more comfortable


• some companies have a loop system which holds the leg pieces together without having to cross them over. Therefore, they will not crumple at all.

This is the newest style of sling designed to ease toileting and dressing.

Advantages

• can be put on in most positions: sitting, lying, on the floor etc


• you may be able to put it on independently


• provides good access for toileting /washing etc.

• it does not provide enough support for everyone. Those with little or no muscle tone in their legs may slip through the sling


• although it is available with head support, if you do not have head control you will rarely have the necessary trunk control and the sling will not be suitable


• the thoracic/waist band may feel restricting although it does not have to be done up tightly


• it requires your cooperation as you could slip through the sling if you raise your arms above your head.

• padded or lined leg pieces are more comfortable and do not crumple


• a loop system to keep the legs together rather than crossing over the leg pieces is more comfortable and easier for the carer


• the leg pieces should be positioned under your mid-thigh so that adequate support is provided.

• this is usually a rectangular piece of fabric, with or without a commode aperture


• you are rolled onto the sling in a lying position. If the sling is to be sat on for long periods of time, the fabric from which it is made should be considered. Polyester netting may be suitable.

• you may find them very comfortable as the bodyweight is supported over a large area of material and therefore pressure areas are unlikely to form


• your cooperation is required


• it provides very good support.

• the sling is not easy to take on and off. You usually need to be rolled onto it in a lying position


• you are not able to put the sling on independently


• provides little or no access for toileting/washing


• when a commode aperture is present, it may be difficult to line it up accurately


• if you are being transferred into a chair or wheelchair, you may have to remain sitting on the sling as it will be difficult to re-position it when the time comes to get out of the chair


• if the sling is fitted incorrectly and you go into an extensor spasm, it is possible that you could slide out of the sling


• if being used for bathing, for example, your clothes must be removed before hoisting and then you will have to return to the bed to get dressed again

• can be comfortable for people with widespread pain, such as with rheumatoid arthritis, as it provides full body support.


• if used in conjunction with coathanger spreader bars, you will be less scrunched up and therefore even more comfortable.

• these are rarely used nowadays as a wide variety of more adaptable and supportive slings are produced by the manufacturers


• band slings are usually used as a pair


• you will require good muscle tone and sitting balance and must be able to cooperate when the slings are used, otherwise you could fall through the slings.

• they provide fairly good access for toileting/washing although the legs are held tightly together


• they may allow the removal of clothes for toileting while the slings remain in place.

• require your cooperation e.g. not putting your arms up which may cause you to slip through the slings


• they offer the least amount of support of all the fabric slings available


• they are not suitable for lifting someone up from the floor as they do not provide enough support


• you could jack-knife out of the slings if you are incorrectly positioned

• when sitting with your hips and knees at a 90? angle, some people find band slings uncomfortable under the arms. This may be alleviated either by lengthening the loops/chains on the underarm sling - which will recline you very slightly causing you to take more weight through your back and less through your armpits - or by trying padded slings with cut-outs


• care should be taken when reclining someone with a neurological condition as it may increase your chance of jackknifing. It may be better to look at a different style of sling.

These slings have no choice of loops or chains, as positioning is achieved by using the moveable spreader bar which will enable positions from lying to sitting to be achieved.

• It is generally accepted to be a very comfortable hoist and sling, due to the ease of positioning.


• This type of spreader bar will not accommodate a hammock-type sling.

Amputee slings

Although many companies sell specially designed amputee slings, a one piece or hammock sling used on a conventional spreader bar may serve just as well. However, the sling may need to be supplied with extra long straps or chains at the front edge if you are to achieve an upright sitting position.

Walking harness/dressing slings

This sling is used mainly with an overhead track hoist to assist with walking, or with standing and dressing. It provides support to the trunk area of the body. The adjustable velcro straps allow a degree of adjustment. Can also be used with a mobile hoist to assist you in standing up from a chair, especially those with a deep seat.

Standing harnesses

Similar to the walking/dressing sling as it provides support around the trunk. Designed for rehabilitation and for maintenance of good health, e.g. for kidney drainage etc. However, as the attachment loops are situated at the front of the harness, it can be used with a mobile hoist to assist with standing up from a chair.

Stretcher slings

These are used to transport a person in a supine position. Some stretcher slings are made of fabric, others are solid. If they are to be used in an X-ray situation, check that they are X-ray translucent. The solid stretchers are usually composed of several components which makes it easier for transferring the person. The two halves of the frame are placed around you when lying on the bed and then joined together. The supporting slats are then slid under your body at regular intervals and clipped into place.

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