Best Bariatric Lifts

Updated: Jul 16, 2022

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Bariatric lifts make it safer and more comfortable to transfer bariatric patients. These heavy-duty patient lifts are imperative for moving those who have difficulty transferring themselves.

There are numerous bariatric lifts to choose from, so it can be challenging to narrow down the choices. However, the process of choosing the right doesn’t have to be hard. We’ve reviewed these seven bariatric lifts to help you understand what might be right for you.

How We Found the Best Bariatric Lifts

8 Reviewers
23 Products Considered
12 Hours of Research
7 Products Reviewed
3 Top Picks

Features & Specs

  • Base width open: 42 inches
  • Furniture clearance needed: 6.5 inches
  • Lifting range: 17.5 to 72 inches
  • Front caster size: Five inches
  • Base type: Manual
  • Base width closed: 22.5 inches
  • Mast height: 72 inches

Pros

  • At 50 percent power, there is an audible warning

  • The battery is removable and easy to charge

  • The mast is foldable for easy portability

Cons

  • Mobility may decrease when used on surfaces such as carpets or rugs

The Drive Medical Deluxe Hydraulic Lift can accommodate patients up to 450 pounds. It uses a six-point swivel bar for efficient transferring patients. You can rest assure that patients will be safe on this lift, due to the caster brakes and gradual hydraulic lifting. For more assurance, there are two caster options available.

Transferring is even more convenient due to the two chain connections and two sling strap options. This lift is durable because of its steel base. The base is also adjustable, making it simple to accommodate a variety of patients, allowing you to keep their personal comfort in mind. Additionally, the solid steel frame enforces durability within the unit.

Caregivers can lift patients from the floor up to 72 inches from the ground. The hydraulic system moves slowly in order to prevent injuries related to transfer.

Our Verdict

The hydraulic mechanism makes transferring patients faster and safer.

Features & Specs

  • Base width open: 42.9 inches
  • Lifting range: 25.8 to 69.1 inches
  • Front caster size: Three inches
  • Rear caster size: Four inches
  • Base type: Power
  • Base width closed: 24.9 inches
  • Base height: 4.5 inches

Pros

  • The hoist operates smoothly

  • On hard surfaces, it rolls very smoothly

  • It is easy to use

Cons

  • It might be a bit hard to move on carpeting

  • Battery charging system may be difficult for some users

The Proactive Medical Protekt Power Lift 500 accommodates up to 500 pounds. This lift is relatively easy to maneuver, and it only weighs 94 pounds. For adding the stability, the base extends almost a full two feet.

This device can lift the patient from the floor if they fall. The base opening uses hand operations, allowing for greater control and easier transportation. The dual front casters roll smoothly.

Due to the size of the device and its low base, you can use this lift with just about any furniture, and in spaces for all sizes.

The control panel is digital LCD, so it is easy to see and operate. It provides an overload warning regarding weight capacity. Lifting deactivates automatically should overloading occur to ensure patient and caregiver safety. A buzzer sounds three times if there is too much weight. This display also shows the level of battery charge.

Our Verdict

Transportation is simple due to the hand-operated base and dual front casters.

Features & Specs

  • Base width open: 46.2 inches
  • Furniture clearance needed: 4.5 inches
  • Lifting range: 23.2 to 69 inches
  • Front caster size: Three inches
  • Rear caster size: Four inches
  • Base type: Power
  • Base width closed: 27.5 inches
  • Base height: 4.5 inches

Pros

  • The two sealed batteries are rechargeable, and they are 12V 3.2Ah

  • The relatively lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver

  • User-friendly and intuitive design

Cons

  • The lack of disassembly options detract from ability for storage

  • Heavy

  • Relatively expensive

The Hoyer Heavy Duty Power Patient Lift has a weight capacity of 700 pounds. It allows for all common lifting needs due to its powered base. It fits under most furniture since it has a low base clearance. See all of the necessary service data on the Smart Monitor.

The powered base and six-point cradle are a convenient feature when using this lift. You can also can use a four-point and a six-point slings.

Ensure greater patient safety by getting their weight using the built-in scale. Open and close the legs on the base by pushing a button. This feature prevents caregivers from having to twist or bend to make the proper adjustments.

This lift can get patients from the floor. The oversized handles ensure patients are in the proper position. They also have several grip choices.

Our Verdict

This lift features a weight capacity of up to 700 pounds.

Features & Specs

  • Base width open: 46.8 inches
  • Furniture clearance needed: 6.1 inches
  • Lifting range: 25.2 to 76.4 inches
  • Front caster size: Four inches
  • Rear caster size: Five inches
  • Base type: Power
  • Base length: 59 inches

Pros

  • This lift allows for easy transport and storage because you can disassemble it

  • It is easy to maneuver due to the caster wheels

  • Caregivers can move patients without having to adjust the boom or mast

Cons

  • You cannot lift patients from the floor

The Prism Medical FGA-700 Bariatric Floor Lift can accommodate up to 700 pounds. It features a four-point carry bar. The carry bar turns at a full 360 degrees. The sling types you can use include a four-point sling.

There are three height-mounting positions, making it easy to accommodate the majority of patient needs. Use this lift to help immobile patients get around or use it for ambulation and gait training. There are support bars that allow for this training.

The turning capacity is 360 degrees, making it simple to get patients into the right position. The caregiver will find the power base and mast controls easy to operate. For additional safety, this device features emergency lowering and stop functions.

The control box allows patients and caregivers to track usage and explore various diagnostic capabilities. Users can easily secure the base and mast by using the locking handles that do not require any tools.

Our Verdict

This lift has a four-point double carry bar and a 700-pound weight capacity.

Features & Specs

  • Base width open: 49.5 inches
  • Sling types: Six-point sling
  • Lifts per charge: 80 to 100
  • Lift weight: 211 pounds
  • Base type: Power

Pros

  • Long-lasting battery

  • You can lift patients from the floor

Cons

  • Assembly may be time consuming

The Medline Powered Base Patient Lift can lift 700 pounds. The six-point cradle helps increase safety for patience during transfer. Caregivers can lift patients from the floor. This lift is also multi-purpose, as it is suitable for gait training.

The low-profile base of this device ensures that it can maneuver under most types of furniture. It is also easy to slide around to transfer patients throughout their living space.

The hand bars are ergonomic, ensuring optimal posture and safety during use. The base actuator allows you to narrow or widen the base legs without the need for a foot pedal or lever. Just push the button to operate this feature.

The lifting speed is efficient, but not too fast. The construction is solid steel, ensuring that this lift will be long-lasting. The swing-away arms make it easier to unload and load patients into the lift.

Our Verdict

The powered base can perform 80 to 100 lifts in between charges.

Features & Specs

  • Base width open: 38 inches
  • Lifting range: 37 to 81 inches
  • Front caster size: Three inches
  • Rear caster size: Four inches
  • Base type: Power
  • Base width closed: 26.75 inches
  • Base height: 4.5 inches

Pros

  • It can lift patients from the floor

  • This lift has a high maximum lifting range

  • You can use multiple sling types with this lift

Cons

  • Assembly might be challenging

The Proactive Medical Protekt Power Lift 600 HD weighs 146 pounds and has a patient weight capacity of 600 pounds. Its design ensures maneuverability and optimal patient safety for the bariatric population.

There are six sling hooks, allowing for a wide sling option range. This feature also ensures safer suspension and safer and steadier patient transfers. You can use multiple sling types, including two-point, four-point and six-point slings. This element ensures that patients are comfortable during transfers.

Close and open the base using the foot pedal. There is no lever to operate, making this lift a convenient choice. The battery is long-lasting, and you do not have to charge it frequently. It plugs in when a charge is necessary. The materials are durable, ensuring that this lift can stand up to frequent use.

Our Verdict

This lift accommodates up to 600 pounds and has advanced electronic controls.

Features & Specs

  • Base width open: 41 inches
  • Furniture clearance needed: Two inches
  • Lifting range: 27.5 to 76 inches
  • Front caster size: Three inches
  • Rear caster size: Five inches
  • Base type: Manual
  • Base width closed: 24 inches
  • Base height: 4.75 inches

Pros

  • At 50 percent power, there is an audible warning

  • The battery is removable and easy to charge

  • The mast is foldable for easy portability

Cons

  • The lift might be hard to steer

The Drive Medical Battery-Powered Lift can accommodate up to 450 pounds. The lift itself weighs 108 pounds, and it folds, making it easy to move it around. The lift has easy-to-use controls and heavy-gauge construction. The four-point cradle works with two-point and four-point slings.

The lift plugs directly into the wall when charging. You will know when there is a full charge when the “charge” button shuts off.

You can safely raise and lower patients with the help of a jumbo actuator pump. Even if the battery runs out, this feature makes it possible to transfer patients. The base is stable and wide, in an effort to ensure greater safety during use.

What to Consider When Buying a Bariatric Lift

Getting to know more about bariatric lifts is critical when deciding which lift might be most advantageous for the needs of your patient. Here are a few considerations that can help you narrow down your decision-making process.

Bariatric Patient Lift Benefits

There are several benefits associated with this type of lift:

  • It reduces the strain on the caregiver
  • The design of these lifts is specific to bariatric patients
  • They allow bariatric patients to transfer safer by reducing the risk of falls

Lift Height Range

It is crucial that the lift you choose can accommodate all of the surfaces in the patient’s living area. The maximum height should be high enough for all chairs, beds, and toilets. Being able to get patients from the floor if they experience a fall is also ideal.

Emergency Controls

Many lifts have certain emergency controls that allow you to operate them if the battery loses its power or there is a power outage. These controls include a manual override switch and emergency shut-off. When these controls are present, if something happens to cause a power loss when a patient is in the lift, you can control the device manually to get them into bed or a chair safely.

Weight Capacity

When you are looking at weight capacity, be sure to explore both the sling and device weight capacity. This is imperative for the safety of the caregiver and the patient. Should the patient’s weight exceed the limits of the device, this could cause a component to break during use, resulting in the patient falling and experiencing an injury. The caregiver might also experience an injury.

Slings

There are several sling types for you to explore. This element of a lift holds the patient, so it is crucial to make the right choice. The options include:

  • Toileting sling: This option has a hole in the bottom, so you can place the patient right onto the toilet without removing them from the lift.
  • Full-body sling: The arms go inside the straps, and this sling supports the patient’s total body.
  • U-sling: This sling option is the easiest to get the patient in and out of, and it has a U-shape.

Scale

Some lifts feature a scale for weighing patients. Using this scale, you can weigh patients anytime they are in the device, preventing them from having to get onto a traditional scale. This method could be especially helpful for patients who are at a high risk of a fall or ones that may be least partially immobile.

Lift Components

Patient lifts have many components. Knowing what these are and all their advantages will allow you to evaluate whether a lift is right or you. These components include:

  • Casters – The casters make it easier to move the lift around because they are wheels.
  • Cradle – The cradle supports the sling, ensuring that patients are secure during transfers.
  • Base – The base is what makes it possible for you to slide the lift up to various surfaces.
  • Boom – The boom does the lifting, and it is at the top of the device.

With a healthy knowledge of these functions, you should have no trouble evaluating the utility of any bariatric lift on the market.

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