GUIDE to Prism Medical's Hygiene Sling (Toileting Sling)

Description

The Hygiene Sling, also known as a toileting sling, is specifically designed for toileting and hygiene functions. The Hygiene Sling features quilted material and comes with leg and shoulder straps with loops, allowing for a variety of seated positions. A wide strap across the chest, available with a Velcro or Buckle closure, provides additional upper body support. 

Due to its design, the Hygiene Slings allow the user to remove clothing while the client is supported in the sling. This can make toileting less time-consuming as it allows for a direct transfer between a bed, wheelchair, or chair to a toilet or commode.

Hygiene or toileting sling provide reduced body coverage relative to the Universal or Hammock Slings which increases its’ versatility as outlined above. As the versatility of these slings increases compared the Universal or Hammock Sling so does the risk. The client must undergo a thorough assessment by a qualified health professional prior to prescription of the Hygiene Sling. The assessment must reveal that the client:

• Has adequate trunk control and does not require more trunk support than the Hygiene Sling provides 
• Has head and neck control and does not require head support
• Has good muscular endurance (especially hip extension)
• Understands the function of the hygiene sling and is comfortable with its use
• Is Cooperative
• Is Predictable

Even, if it is determined that the Hygiene Sling is appropriate for a client for toileting, for non-hygiene/toilet transfers it is recommended that a Universal or Hammock Sling be used.

The Hygiene Slings is used in conjunction with a ceiling lift, or a floor lift, also known as a mobile or Hoyer lift.

Weight Capacity

The Hygiene Sling is rated to 1000 lbs / 453.59 kgs safe working load (SWL), for all This is true of all sizes.

Sling Options

Fabrics:

The Hygiene Sling is available in Quilted material only. Hygiene Slings have the option of a Velcro or Buckle closure for the chest belt.

Head Support:

Due to the design, the Hygiene Sling does not incorporate any head or trunk support, unless under specific custom ordering.

Clinical Applications:

Appropriate for a client who:

• Can demonstrate some level of hip extension / gluteal strength
• Has some basic core strength and head control
• Needs to complete a toileting or peri-care activity

A different sling type will best meet the needs of a client who:

• Wishes to perform transfers other than from a bed, or chair to a toilet or commode
• Lacks adequate trunk control
• Requires head and neck support
• Lacks the cognition required to be safe in this sling
• Has unilateral above-knee amputation, or Bilateral lower limb amputations

Note: Clients with unilateral below the knee amputations should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Sling Sizing Guidelines

The Hygiene Sling is available in a variety of sizes:

Determining Hygiene Sling Fit:

The sling must be sized appropriately to ensure that the sling does not shift up and into the client’s axilla where it can exert pressure, creating discomfort and increasing the risk of injury to anatomical structures. The bottom edge of the waist belt should be positioned at the top of the hips (level with the iliac crest). The waist belt should be snug.

Hygiene Sling Application

(Also, see or download the sling instruction sheet.)

The Hygiene Slings will always be applied while the client is in a seated position.

The client who has been assessed to be safe in the Hygiene Sling has adequate trunk control and endurance and will be able to maintain a seated position while the sling is applied. If the client does not have the strength and/or endurance to maintain a seated position for sling application they should not be lifted in the Hygiene Sling.

There are two options for seated application:

1. The client is seated at the edge of the bed, in a wheelchair, or in a chair
2. The client is in long sitting in a profiling/hospital bed with the head of the bed elevated.

a) Tuck the sling down behind the client’s back with the tag on the outside

b) The bottom edge should fall at the top of the hips (iliac crest)

c) Fold the waist straps across the client’s abdomen

d) Fasten the Velcro or buckle closure. Adjust as necessary to ensure a snug fit.

NOTE: The waist strap is intended for the security of the person and to keep the sling in place. It is in not intended to be weight bearing.

3. Tuck the leg bands under and between the upper thighs and crisscross the straps in the following configuration:

4. Attach the loops on the straps to the carry bar on the lift a. Make sure you use the same color loops on both sides of the sling (i.e., if you use blue on the left leg strap, use blue on the right leg strap) b. Remember short loops for Shoulders, and Long loops for Legs if you want the client to be lifted in an upright seated position.

Important note: Once you have reached the point at which there is tension on the straps but the client has not yet been lifted off of the surface, STOP THE LIFT. Make sure all straps are securely fastened to the carry bar and that the sling has not shifted position on the client’s body (i.e., it is not slipping up the client’s back and into the axilla and there no folds or wrinkles in the sling fabric). If you notice anything of concern, stop the lift, and reassess the situation.

Ordering Guidelines / Part Numbers: