Understanding EZ Way Sling Fabrics
- Rick Finch
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
Sling fabric selection is more than a comfort decision, it directly impacts wound care, pressure injury prevention, and workflow efficiency. In safe patient handling programs, choosing the right material ensures alignment with clinical goals, patient needs, and operational realities.
EZ Way offers a variety of sling fabrics, each designed for specific use cases across hospitals, nursing homes, and rehab settings. This quick guide breaks down the benefits of each fabric type to help care teams and procurement leaders make smart, evidence-based decisions.
Washable Polyester
This comfortable, durable polyester fabric is used with most EZ Way accessories and is designed for laundering.
Best For: Routine patient transfers in facilities with access to consistent laundering services.
Description: A strong, reusable synthetic fabric that can be laundered.
Key Benefits:
Durable and cost-effective over time.
Withstands frequent washing cycles.
Versatile for multiple sling styles and transfer types.
Recommended For:
Facilities prioritizing reusable accessories to reduce per-use costs.
Care Tip: Launder according to EZ Way’s care instructions to maintain structural integrity for up to two years of use.
Wipeable (Sure-Chek® Fabric)
Our wipeable fabric is made with Herculite Sure-Chek material and was designed for healthcare settings. It is stain resistant, flame resistant, fluid and moisture resistant, and has an antimicrobial protection system which lasts for the life of the fabric. It has been tested and approved with most standard germicidal cleaners.
Best For: Facilities without dedicated laundry systems or departments with high patient turnover.
Description: A healthcare-grade, stain-resistant fabric with built-in antimicrobial protection. Can be wiped down with germicidal cleaner.
Key Benefits:
Quick cleaning between uses; ideal for high-volume settings.
Antimicrobial protection.
Resists stains from medications, oils, and fluids.
Compliant with most disinfectants used in acute care.
Recommended For:
Physical and Occupational Therapy departments and areas where patient volume is high.
Health systems with limited or no laundry access.
Facilities aiming to reduce laundering while maintaining hygiene.
Operational Insight: Wipeable slings help maintain workflow efficiency and infection control without reliance on central laundry.
Mesh
Our mesh fabric wicks away moisture and allows air flow, making it ideal for bathing purposes. It is an
excellent choice for people with wounds, as the airflow supports healing. Available in white or black fabric.
Best For: Bathing, toileting, or patients with wounds.
Description: Lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking. Allows water drainage and air flow.
Key Benefits:
Dries quickly making it ideal for bathing.
Promotes skin integrity through enhanced breathability.
Supports wound healing by reducing moisture buildup through consistent air flow.
Recommended For:
Shower transfers and toileting.
People prone to skin breakdown or incontinence issues.
Note: Can be laundered like standard polyester slings.
Spacer Mesh
This three-layer premium fabric provides moisture release, airflow, heat dissipation, and four-way stretch. Naturally ventilating properties that take moisture away from the skin, and soft, cushioning characteristics work to reduce force. Shown in studies to be the most effective in reducing peak pressures, and more likely to reduce the risk of pressure ulcer development if left under the patient. Available in white or black fabric.
Best For: Pressure injury prevention and long-term use.
Description: A high-performance fabric designed for comfort and skin protection. Shown in studies to reduce peak pressure points.
Key Benefits:
Clinically proven to help reduce pressure injury risk.
Maintains a dry, cool skin environment.
Comfortable for extended periods under the patient.
Recommended For:
Long-term care residents and wheelchair users.
Use with Hourglass Slings or repositioning sheets.
Study Insight: A 2017 Journal of Tissue Viability study confirmed this material significantly reduces interface pressure in seated positions.
Antimicrobial (DAF Tricot Polyester)
Designed for healthcare environments, this DAF Tricot Polyester fabric is treated to resist bacterial growth, mildew, rot, and dust mites. It has been tested using the AATCC 147-2011 method for antibacterial textile performance.
Best For: Areas where hygiene, durability, and microbial control are priorities.
Description: Antibacterial-treated polyester fabric that offers added protection and reusability.
Key Benefits:
Inhibits bacterial and fungal growth.
Tested using AATCC 147-2011 standards.
Launderable and reusable.
Recommended For:
Areas where hygiene and durability are critical.
Extended care environments.
Single-Patient Use Fabric
Made from 100% breathable polyester, this fabric is designed for one patient and helps prevent cross-contamination. It can be reused with the same patient until the item becomes soiled or the patient is discharged. Not intended for laundering.
Best For: Isolation rooms and infection control.
Description: Made from breathable, disposable polyester intended for use with a single patient and disposed of at discharge or if it becomes heavily soiled.
Key Benefits:
Reduces cross-contamination risk.
Reduces laundering burden.
Enables quick turnover in busy care settings.
Recommended For:
Isolation rooms and contagious patients.
Facilities with limited laundering capacity.
Operational Benefit: Supports infection control protocols and laundering issues.
Choosing the Right Fabric: Key Considerations
When selecting a sling fabric, facilities should evaluate:
Patient skin condition: Fragile, wounded, or high-risk for pressure injuries?
Care setting
Infection risk level
Cleaning/laundering resources
Transfer type (bathing, toileting, repositioning, etc.)
EZ Way’s sling options are designed to integrate across our lift lines.
Match Fabric to Function
Choosing the right sling fabric goes beyond comfort, it affects patient safety, quality of care, and workflow efficiency. EZ Way’s fabric options help care teams align material selection with specific clinical needs, from infection control and pressure injury prevention to everyday transfer support, driving better outcomes across the continuum of care.
Next Steps:
Explore sling checklist or request a consultation with your EZ Way rep.
Review your current sling inventory to ensure fabric types align with patient or resident populations.
Comments