What Is a Hoyer Lift? Purpose, Types & How It Works

A Hoyer lift is a patient lift: a device that uses a fabric sling to lift a person who can't stand or bear weight and move them between a bed, chair, wheelchair, commode or the floor. Hoyer is a brand name from Joerns Healthcare, but many caregivers and nurses use "Hoyer lift" for any patient lift, the same way people say "Kleenex" for tissues.

Hoyer patient lift used for a bed to chair transfer

What is the purpose of a Hoyer lift?

A Hoyer lift does the lifting so the caregiver doesn't have to. It is used when a person can't safely stand or pivot for a transfer, for example after a stroke, with advanced dementia, with a spinal cord injury, or after surgery. The main purposes are:

  • Safer transfers. The person is supported in a sling instead of being lifted by hand.
  • Less strain on caregivers. Manual lifting is a common cause of back injuries for family caregivers and nursing staff.
  • Everyday care. Moving between bed and chair, onto a commode or toilet, into a bath or shower chair, and lifting someone up after a fall.
  • Dignity and comfort. A well-fitted sling makes transfers smoother and less stressful for the person being moved.

Types of Hoyer lifts

  • Manual (hydraulic) lifts are raised with a pump handle, like the Hoyer HML400.
  • Electric (battery) lifts raise and lower at the push of a button, like the HPL402 and the folding Hoyer Advance.
  • Bariatric lifts are built for heavier patients, like the HPL700 (700 lbs) and Calibre (850 lbs).
  • Sit-to-stand lifts help a person who can bear some weight rise from sitting to standing, like the Hoyer Up, Journey and Elevate.
  • Ceiling lifts run on a track overhead instead of rolling on the floor. See our ceiling lifts.

Hoyer lifts we carry

Lift Type Capacity
Hoyer Advance Electric, folding 340 lbs
Hoyer HML400 Hydraulic 400 lbs
Hoyer HPL402 Electric 400 lbs
Hoyer HPL450 Electric 450 lbs
Hoyer Presence / Stature Electric, professional 500 lbs
Hoyer HPL700 Electric, bariatric 700 lbs
Hoyer Calibre Electric, bariatric 850 lbs

See every model on our Hoyer lifts and slings page.

How a Hoyer lift works

Every lift is different, so always follow the manufacturer's instructions and your care team's training for your specific lift and sling. In general, a transfer looks like this:

  1. Check the equipment. Make sure the lift is charged or the hydraulics work, and that the sling is the right size and in good condition.
  2. Position the sling. Place the sling under the person, usually by rolling them side to side in bed, without twists.
  3. Attach the sling. Connect the sling's straps or clips to the lift's spreader bar, matching the same loops on both sides.
  4. Lift slowly. Raise the person just high enough to clear the surface, and check the sling and the person before moving.
  5. Move and lower. Roll the lift to the chair, bed or commode, lower gently, and remove the sling once the person is settled.

Many facilities require two caregivers for every Hoyer transfer. Read why two people are often recommended and whether one person can operate a Hoyer lift.

Choosing a sling

The sling matters as much as the lift. It needs to fit the person's size and the lift's spreader bar. Padded slings are for comfort, mesh slings are for bathing, and toileting slings leave an opening for hygiene. See our guide to choosing a Hoyer sling or shop patient lift slings.

More Hoyer lift questions

Not sure which lift or sling you need? Call our team at 888-307-1839 or send us a question. Tell us the person's height and weight and where the transfers happen, and we'll recommend the right equipment.