In the fields of long-term care, rehabilitation medicine, and home-based elderly care, "Hoyer Lift" has almost become a synonym for patient transfer equipment. Whether in hospital wards, nursing homes, or an increasing number of family living rooms, this lifting device—with its simple structure and reliable operation—often undertakes the triple mission of ensuring safety, preserving dignity, and enhancing care efficiency.

However, "Hoyer" is not just a product name; it is a professional company with nearly a century of history, continuously driving innovations in transfer technology. This article will take you on a deep dive into the origin, development, product philosophy of the Hoyer Group, and its unique position in the global assistive device market.

I. From a Swedish Garage to a Global Care Standard: The Birth of Hoyer

The story of Hoyer began in Sweden in the 1930s. The founder, Gustav Zander Hoyer, was not originally a medical device engineer but a physiotherapist concerned about workers' health. During his clinical practice, he discovered that a remarkably high percentage of caregivers suffered from back injuries due to frequent lifting of patients—yet there were no safe, labor-saving mechanical aids available at the time.

In 1940, he designed the first manual hydraulic patient lift in his own garage—a prototype of the modern Hoyer Lift. Its core philosophy remains unchanged to this day: using a simple and reliable mechanical structure to protect caregivers and respect those receiving care.

In the 1950s, this device was promoted in Nordic hospitals and quickly gained recognition under the name "Hoyer Lift." In the 1970s, Hoyer was officially established with its headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, initiating systematic R&D and production.

II. Acquisition by Arjo: A Powerful Alliance Focused on Human-Centered Care

In 2007, Hoyer was fully acquired by Arjo—a global leader in medical and care solutions. Also headquartered in Sweden, Arjo specializes in four core areas: patient mobility, fall prevention, pressure injury prevention, and hygiene care.

This integration did not weaken the "Hoyer" brand; instead, it empowered it to:

Secure greater R&D investment;

Share Arjo’s global supply chain and clinical data;

Accelerate electrification and intelligent upgrades while preserving its classic design.

Today, as a core sub-brand under Arjo, "Hoyer" continues to operate with an independent product line. Its iconic blue boom and sliding base design have become one of the most recognizable visual symbols in the industry.

III. Core Features of Hoyer Products

1. Human-Centered Design Philosophy

All product development is based on research into real-world care scenarios;

Emphasis on "single-person operability," even in home environments with limited resources;

Sling systems prioritize skin protection and psychological comfort (e.g., pressure-free stitching, soft color schemes).

2. Modularity and Compatibility

Components such as slings, bases, and booms are highly standardized;

Strong accessory compatibility across new and old models, reducing user replacement costs;

Supports smooth upgrades from manual to electric systems, and from home-use to ceiling track systems.

3. Safety-First Engineering Standards

All products comply with ISO 10535 (the international standard for patient transfer equipment);

Load-bearing tests far exceed the rated capacity (typically with a 150% safety margin);

Emergency lowering systems come as standard, ensuring safe descent even in power outages.

4. Representative Product Lines

Hoyer Advance: Classic sliding-base manual/electric models, the first choice for home use;

Hoyer Classic: Durable and robust, widely used in elderly care facilities;

Hoyer Journey: Lightweight and portable, suitable for travel or temporary use;

Hoyer Pro: Integrated with intelligent sensors, supporting data logging (for professional care assessment).

IV. Hoyer vs. Other Major Brands: What Sets It Apart?

Brand Country Features Positioning

Hoyer (Arjo) Sweden Classic design, universal accessories, well-validated clinically Mid-to-high end, professional and reliable

Drive Medical USA High cost-effectiveness, diverse models, extensive distribution channels Mass market, mainstream for home use

Invacare USA Mature technology, strong focus on bariatric models Balanced for medical and home use

Medline USA Strong supply chain, often sold with care kits Primarily for institutional procurement

Yuwell / Hubang China Affordable pricing, fast local service response Preferred for domestic alternatives

✅ Hoyer’s Advantages: It remains the industry’s gold standard in terms of safety, ergonomics, and long-term reliability.

⚠️ Note: Authentic Hoyer equipment in China is mainly sold through Arjo’s official channels or authorized distributors. Be vigilant against counterfeit products.

V. Hoyer’s Service Network in China and Globally

Global Coverage: Products are sold in over 100 countries, with regional technical support centers;

China Operations: Arjo China has offices in Shanghai and Beijing, providing equipment sales, training, and after-sales services;

Professional Training: Offers free operation training courses for hospitals and nursing homes, emphasizing that "proper use is more important than the equipment itself."

VI. Conclusion: More Than Just Machines—A Reflection of Care Civilization

Hoyer Group’s nearly century-long commitment,

Is not about creating more complex machines,

But about making a simple transfer,

No longer a burden for caregivers,

No longer a fear for patients.

From a garage in Sweden,

To millions of homes and hospital wards worldwide,

What Hoyer conveys,

Is a belief:

Care should be safe;

Transfers should be dignified.

Choosing Hoyer,

Is not just choosing a piece of equipment,

But choosing a respect for people, for professionalism, and for details.

May this humanistic care originating from Northern Europe,

Continue to support more bodies in need,

And protect more hands that give silently.