The size and type of spreader bar will influence your comfort whilst you are being lifted.

The following features of the spreader bar should be considered:

• points of suspension: the number and the spacing of the points of suspension on a spreader bar will effect your comfort. Coat hanger shaped spreader bars basically have two points of contact, even though there may be two or more hooks at each end. This can lead to you feeling scrunched up. However, some companies can provide 'side hangers' which will convert the spreader bar to four points of suspension. Wishbone or Y-shaped spreader bars basically have three points of suspension which provides a more supportive hammock effect.
• width: a narrow spreader bar encourages a flexed posture that is useful for controlling spasm; a wide bar allows greater comfort for the user.
• style of hook: an open hook on the end of the spreader bar is easier to use especially; a self closing/keyhole hook is more difficult to align, but once locked in place is very safe.
• tilting spreader bars: this is possible on 'wishbone or Y-shaped' spreader bars which have sling attachment points near the end of the three 'prongs'. A positioning handle, can be used to tilt or angle it so that the sling can be put on more easily and you are held in a more upright position, so that you can sit, for example, in a chair or on a toilet, or lie back in a reclined position
• padded spreader bars: can be especially important if the spreader bar will be brought in close to your face.

Most companies have a good range of standard sling types and sizes which may include:

• divided leg slings


• hammock slings


• toileting/access/ independence slings


• band slings (should be used with caution)


• amputee slings


• walking/dressing slings


• stretcher slings. Most companies will produce slings to meet specific requirements, or alternatively, some companies make made-to-measure slings for most types of hoist.

The choice of hoist sling will depend on:

• the amount of support required


• tasks which need to be undertaken


• your comfort


• your ability, especially if you are moving independently


• the ability of the carer.

• sizes: slings always come in a range of sizes, but beware, corresponding sizes will vary from one company to another, in the way that shoe sizes often vary. It is very important you always use the correct size of sling, even if this means changing it if you gain or lose weight
• colour coding of slings: although many manufacturer's colour code their slings for size, at the moment there is no consistency between the companies which can prove very confusing
• loops and chains on the slings: these are for positioning you correctly in the sling, not for trying to make a sling that is too big or too small to fit. It may take several attempts to successfully position the person so that you are comfortable. Once this has been achieved, it is worth marking the loops or chains that have been used to avoid wasting time in the future. Many people do not like slings with chains on as they are noisy and look clumsy. Most companies have now phased these out
• amount of fabric: the more fabric there is in a sling, the more support it will offer and the larger the area over which the your weight will be spread. Hence, hammock slings, which have more fabric, cause less pressure and are therefore usually more comfortable than band slings. This is particularly important if you are susceptible to pain
• points of suspension: the more points of suspension for the sling on the spreader bar, the less scrunched up you will be. Two points of suspension are standard, although some have three. Others can be converted to four using coathanger attachments. Again, this is an important consideration if you are susceptible to pain
• sling fabrics and linings: a range of different sling fabrics and linings is available. Padded and lined leg pieces tend to be more comfortable and easier to put on, mesh slings are easier for use in the bath
• compatibility of slings: some manufacturers stipulate that only their own slings can be used on their hoists. This is because of liability in the case of an accident. However, some companies are happy for their slings to be used on other companies' hoists. It is advisable to get written permission from both the hoist and sling company
• specials: the majority of manufacturers will adapt and produce special slings to accommodate your specific needs and some companies produce made-to-measure slings for most makes of hoist. However, a sling can take up to eight weeks to make and can be expensive. In addition, there is no guarantee that it will solve the problem as there is no way of trying it before it is made. Always ensure that there isn?t an 'off-the-shelf' sling available that would be suitable before ordering a special. Try out different styles and sizes. When putting on slings in bed, try to raise the height of the bed to a position that is comfortable for the carer to work at.

  When putting on slings in a wheelchair, commode or armchair, remember the following:

• leave the leg/foot rests on the chair as this makes it easier to get the slings under your thighs
• to get the slings under your thighs, the carer should squat in front of the chair and put your foot on their thigh so that there is enough room under it to manoeuvre the sling, your leg is supported and the carer's back is in a good position. The carer should not stand up and bend over to lift one or both of your legs to position the sling underneath. Remember that when trying out new slings, it may take a few attempts to find the most comfortable position, and that the first sling that is tried may not be the correct size and/or shape.

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