10 EZ Way Accessories You Might Not Know About But Should

When caregivers think about safe patient handling, their minds often go to lifts, stands, ceiling lifts, and the slings that work for the majority of people, the core tools for everyday transfers. But what happens when the situation isn’t typical? Maybe a person has an arm that can’t assist, or a wound that requires gentle handling. Perhaps a person leans forward too much, or you’re trying to transport oxygen during mobility sessions.

EZ Way offers a variety of lesser-known accessories that address these specific challenges. While not as frequently discussed as the standard slings and harnesses, these tools serve important purposes in clinical and long-term care settings.

Here are ten EZ Way accessories you may not know about, along with how and when to use them effectively.

1. Hourglass Sling

The Hourglass Sling is designed for comfort and support, especially in persons with unique needs such as amputations, brittle bones, or fragile skin. It does not have individual leg straps. Instead, it uses a basket-style configuration that distributes pressure evenly across the thighs and buttocks.

This design makes it suitable for persons who cannot tolerate typical sling leg loops. It can remain under the individual while they’re in a chair or wheelchair, reducing the need for multiple transfers throughout the day. The absence of leg straps reduces the risk of skin shearing or discomfort for people with sensitive lower extremities.

The Hourglass Sling comes with head support and is available with or without a toileting hole.

Pro Tip: Use mesh spacer fabric if you plan to leave the sling underneath someone for extended periods of time. Space Mesh provides ventilation, moisture-wicking, heat dissipation, and cushioning properties for pressure ulcer prevention.

2. Limb Lifting and Turning Straps

These straps are a practical tool for wound care and hygiene. When a person needs a leg or arm cleaned, dressed, or repositioned, these straps allow caregivers to lift the limb using a floor or ceiling lift instead of doing it manually.

This not only reduces physical strain on the caregiver but also improves safety for the person by offering steady, even support. The open area around the limb allows clear access for cleaning, dressing wounds, or performing skin assessments.

Pro Tip: The Limb Lifting & Turning Strap Kit comes with carabiners that allow one end of the strap to be secured to the bed, enabling easier turning of a person without the need of a Turning and Repositioning Sheet.

3. Wrist Strap

In situations where a person has one immobile or weak arm, such as after a stroke, the Wrist Strap allows this arm to be held in a more natural position when using the stand. This strap helps maintain balance and positioning during the transfer process, enabling the person to participate in the movement.

It is not a restraint and should only be used when the caregiver confirms the opposite arm has sufficient strength to support the transfer.

Pro Tip: Consider the Padded Wrist Strap for additional comfort.

4. Chest Strap

For persons who tend to lean forward or slump during sit-to-stand use, the Chest Strap helps keep them upright and centered. It attaches to the arms of the stand and wraps around the upper body, adding postural support without restricting movement.

A secondary back strap increases the level of support. This accessory is especially useful for individuals with poor trunk control or those who fatigue quickly while standing.

The goal is not to “hold” the person up, but to gently cue and support the body to maintain a safe and efficient posture during standing or ambulation tasks.

5. Stand Support Strap

Some persons “V” while standing, meaning they collapse forward or fold at the waist instead of standing upright. The Stand Support Strap assists with vertical alignment during sit-to-stand use.

This strap is applied after the person is brought into a standing position. It wraps around the bottom and helps guide the person into a straighter, more upright posture. This is especially beneficial for progressive mobility training, physical therapy, or when upright posture is important for circulation and lung expansion.

The strap is not a substitute for the main harness but works in conjunction with it.

Pro Tip: The Stand Support Strap in our wipeable fabric is a convenient item when using it with multiple people. Simply wipe it down with a standard germicidal cleaner and its ready to use again.

6. Harness with Leg Straps

This accessory combines torso and leg support in one piece. The Harness with Leg Straps adds under-thigh support, similar to what the seat strap offers but built into the harness itself.

This makes it a good option for persons who may give out during sit-to-stand transfers or ambulation. The leg straps help catch and support the lower body, providing a sense of security without needing a separate accessory.

It simplifies the setup process while offering a greater level of assistance during partial or full weight-bearing activities.

7. Bi-Directional Turning Sling (Twin Turner)

The Twin Turner is designed for turning a person while in bed. It attaches to both the bed and the lift, allowing for smooth, controlled rotation of the upper body.

This tool reduces manual turning by caregivers and improves safety. It’s particularly helpful for cleaning, applying dressings, or redistributing pressure to prevent ulcers. When used correctly, the Twin Turner reduces friction and shearing forces while making the process more comfortable for the person in bed.

Pro Tip: The Twin Turner comes in standard or bariatric sizing.

8. Hip Sling

The Hip Sling is used when a transfer must occur without bending the hips. This may be necessary after surgeries involving the hip, spine, or abdominal cavity, or in post-mortem care where it keeps the body in a dignified, neutral position.

This sling keeps the torso in a flat, extended position but allows some flexion at the knees. Common applications include trauma settings, OR recovery rooms, or morgue transfers. It helps maintain the integrity of surgical repairs and prevents complications caused by unwanted movement.

Pro Tip: Use a pillow under the head during lifting if needed for comfort and alignment.

9. Bariatric Footplate

For facilities working with people of size, the optional bariatric aluminum footplate provides enhanced stability during sit-to-stand transfers with the 800 lb. Smart Stand. This footplate is made of durable aluminum and offers a wider, sturdier surface for foot placement.

This footplate is designed specifically for pepole of size who need a larger, more supportive base to stand securely. It’s especially helpful when a person has a wider stance, reduced balance, or difficulty maintaining foot contact with narrower platforms.

Pro Tip: Use this footplate when stability is more important than adjustability, especially in situations where a person's feet do not comfortably fit on the standard footplate.

10. Oxygen and IV Pole Holder for the Smart Stand

The Oxygen and IV Pole Holder for the Smart Stand allows these essential items to travel with the person during transfers, early mobility exercises, or ambulating, eliminating the need for separate carts or additional personnel.

This is especially helpful during ambulation training or when transferring medically complex individuals. It also enhances safety by minimizing tubing tangles and reducing trip hazards.

By consolidating the equipment into one mobile platform, it streamlines workflow for caregivers while maintaining continuity of care for persons who require medical devices during movement.

Functional Solutions to Real-World Challenges

These lesser-known accessories serve very specific and practical roles. They are not designed for every situation, but when the right one is used in the right context, the results are noticeable.

Whether supporting a person with poor trunk control, assisting wound care, or reducing transfer complications, these tools provide subtle but meaningful improvements in care delivery and safety.

Organizations can benefit from adding these accessories to their standard inventory, especially in settings with complex medical populations or higher acuity levels. Each one is backed by EZ Way’s commitment to practical, functional solutions for real-world challenges.