A Hoyer lift is a patient lift — specifically, it's the brand name that became the generic term for full-body sling lifts, the same way "Kleenex" became shorthand for facial tissue. The more important distinction is between sling-based patient lifts and other lift types like floor lift chairs or stand assist devices.
When caregivers ask whether they need a "Hoyer lift" or a "patient lift," they're usually trying to figure out what category of equipment fits their situation. A sling-based patient lift — Hoyer-style — handles users with complete or partial paralysis who can't bear weight through their legs. A floor lift chair or stand assist device is built for users who still have some remaining leg strength. Matching the equipment to the user's actual mobility level is the decision that matters.
- "Hoyer lift" is a brand name for sling-based patient lifts; the term is now used generically across the category.
- Sling-based patient lifts support 100% of the user's body weight; stand assist lifts assume the user can partially weight-bear.
- MediHoist's aluminum sling patient lift is rated to 300 lbs; the foldable steel model reaches 500 lbs.
- Floor lift chairs, such as MediHoist's 440-lb-rated steel model, are designed for fall recovery — not full-body transfers.
- Sling patient lifts typically include a 360° rotating arm and emergency stop with manual lowering backup for power failures.