Can Hoyer Lifts Be Used for Bathtubs? — The Truth About Safe Bath Transfer and Feasible Solutions

Giving a bath to a family member with disabilities is one of the most anxiety-inducing and tiring daily tasks for many home caregivers. Slippery floors, narrow spaces, and the weight of the body—every bath feels like a high-risk operation. Thus, a natural question arises: "Can we use the home Hoyer lift to get someone into the bathtub?"

The answer needs to be understood in two parts:

✅ Yes, but only with waterproof transfer equipment specifically designed for bathing purposes;

❌ Never use a standard home Hoyer lift directly in the bathroom.

This article will help you clarify misunderstandings, explain in detail the transfer solutions truly suitable for bathtub environments, and provide safe and feasible home bathing care strategies.

I. Why Can’t Ordinary Hoyer Lifts Be Used for Bathtubs?

Common floor-standing Hoyer lifts (such as Drive Elite, Hoyer Advance, etc.) are reliable in bedrooms, but they pose serious safety hazards in bathroom environments:

Non-waterproof electrical systems: The batteries, motors, and remote controls of electric models are prone to short circuits when exposed to water, and may even cause electric shocks;

Rust-prone metal components: Hydraulic rods, screws, and bases oxidize rapidly in humid environments, leading to loose or failed structures;

Unstable on slippery floors: Swivel wheels easily slip on tiles or bathtub edges, and the lift may tip over during lifting or lowering;

Non-water-resistant sling materials: Ordinary fabric slings become heavy, moldy, and bacteria-ridden after absorbing water, and are difficult to dry thoroughly;

Insufficient space for operation: There is usually less than a 1-meter operating radius around a standard bathtub, making it impossible to extend the lift boom.

⚠️ Important Warning: Using a non-waterproof Hoyer lift in the bathroom is a high-risk behavior that may result in falls, drowning, or equipment failure.

II. True "Bathing Hoyer Lifts": Three Core Elements of Waterproof Transfer Systems

To safely transfer a patient into a bathtub, waterproof transfer equipment specifically designed for bathing environments must be used, with the following core features:

1. Fully Waterproof Main Unit

The body is made of stainless steel or engineering plastic, with no exposed metal;

The electric system has an ingress protection (IP) rating of IPX6 or higher (able to withstand powerful water sprays);

Charging ports are equipped with waterproof covers, and battery compartments are completely sealed;

Manual models adopt an all-stainless steel hydraulic system with no electronic components.

2. Dedicated Waterproof Slings

Made of PVC-coated nylon, silicone, or quick-drying antibacterial fabric;

Smooth surface with no raised stitching to avoid skin friction in water;

Can be directly washed, dries quickly, and supports frequent disinfection.

3. Stable Base Design

The base is widened and weighted, and some models are equipped with non-slip rubber pads or suction cup feet;

Sliding legs are adjustable to fit different bathtub widths;

Some high-end models support foldable storage to save bathroom space.