When it comes to providing quality care for people of size, selecting the right equipment is essential. Let’s explore EZ Way’s bariatric equipment buyer's guide and learn how our solutions can improve patient outcomes and caregiver safety.
EZ Way’s range of equipment includes bariatric transfer devices, ceiling lifts, sit-to-stands and other essential solutions designed to support bariatric patients and their caregivers, ensuring safer and more efficient transfers.
Key Types of Bariatric Equipment from EZ Way
Mobile Lifts
EZ Way's Smart Lifts provide up to 1,000 lb. weight capacity and are designed to lift and transfer patients from beds, chairs, toilets, and even the floor. The 1,000 lb. lift can also be used to ambulate patients.
Our Smart Technology provides features such as:
A backlit LCD screen
Usage time captured
Inspection reminders
Actuator overload protection
The high weight capacity and stability provided by the Smart Lift ensures safe transfers for both patient and caregivers.
Ceiling Lifts
EZ Way's ceiling lift systems are designed to accommodate bariatric patients with a weight capacity of up to 1,000 lbs. The system is available in both portable and fixed motor options and is designed and installed by a factory-direct team to ensure the best fit for various room configurations.
Ceiling lifts can be used to transfer and reposition patients as well as provide a safe option for Early Mobility exercises and ambulation.
Sit-to-Stands
Our Smart Stands can accommodate patients up to 800 pounds and are designed for pivot transfers, ambulation and early mobility exercises. These tools are crucial for preventing deconditioning and promoting faster recovery. The 800 lb. Smart Stand features a:
Wider footplate
Wider, cushioned shin pad
Wider stance for stability
The bariatric sit-to-stand not only assists in safe patient transfers but also support patients in achieving functional independence by facilitating mobility exercises that are tailored to their specific needs. A Level 1 Trauma Center used the 800 lb. Smart Stand and reported that they were able to stand and ambulate patients of size who were bed bound prior to them receiving the Smart Stand. They concluded that:
The bariatric Smart Stand helped them to progress their patients’ mobility in a safer manner
Patients reported feeling well-supported, safer and had less fear of falling when using the device
The Smart Stand helped to reduce deconditioning, patient length of stay, healthcare cost burden, and staff injury
Bariatric Accessories
EZ Way provides a range of bariatric accessories such as transfer slings, gait training slings, harnesses, and repositioning sheets that can support up to 1,000 lbs. These accessories are customizable to meet different body styles and ensure the comfort and safety of bariatric patients. Likewise, accessories like limb lift straps can aid in the cleaning of the pannus or wounds. Many of the accessories are available up to size XXXXL.
Air-Assisted Lateral Transfer Mattress
The BridgeAIR™ mattress enhances the safety and efficiency of lateral transfers and repositioning. This air-assisted, breathable mattress reduces the physical effort required for transfers by 80-90%, thereby minimizing the risk of injuries to both patients and caregivers. In addition, The BridgeAir is designed to reduce the friction and shear forces that occur during patient movement. These forces are known to contribute to skin breakdown, especially in larger patients who are more difficult to move safely using traditional methods.
Its features include:
Advanced materials to ensure optimal breathability and comfort
A weight capacity of up to 1,200 lb.
Compatibility with radiologic and MRI environments
The BridgeAIR™ mattress is designed to support the complex requirements of bariatric care, promoting better outcomes and reducing the risk of transfer-related complications.
Showering
The 4000W Bariatric Shower Trolley is designed for safe and efficient care of bariatric patients with larger body frames. It features:
A 1000 lb. weight capacity
Extra-wide bed (42”) to accommodate larger body frames
Dual actuators allow smooth height adjustments
It facilitates secure patient transfers from bed to shower, while ensuring comfortable and hygienic care while reducing strain on caregivers and minimizing the risk of injury to both patients and staff.
EZ Way's bariatric shower chair offers sturdy construction and a wider seating area, ensuring safety and comfort during use. These chairs are designed to support heavier weights without compromising on stability.
Walkers
The EZ Way Bariatric XL Walker is an important tool for early mobility programs for bariatric patients. With its 529 lb. weight capacity and electric power rise feature, it offers stability and support, allowing patients to safely stand and ambulate. Our walker provides extra space and strength, making it ideal for patients who require additional room for gait training or ambulation.
Bariatric Buyer's Guide to Injury Risks for Bariatric Patients and Caregivers
Obesity in the U.S. has been on the rise, with 41.9% of U.S. adults classified as obese between 2017 - 2020.[1] Patients of size face several injury risks, which include:
Pressure ulcers (pressure injuries are three times more likely to develop in morbidly obese patients)[2]
Skin tears
Musculoskeletal issues due to limited mobility
Furthermore, 52% of patients reported weight as a barrier to receiving care.[3]
Caregivers, on the other hand, are at increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries from lifting and transferring heavy patients. Consider this:
Patients with a BMI greater than 35 are associated with nearly 30% of patient handling injuries.[4]
One study found that although bariatric patients accounted for less than 10% of the patient census in acute care facilities, patient-handling injuries involving them accounted for 29.8% of staff-reported injuries.
Ensuring their safety and comfort requires dedicated solutions designed to handle higher weight capacities and accommodate larger body sizes.
Progressive Mobility and the Bariatric Patient
Progressive and Early Mobility programs are essential for bariatric patients due to their higher risk of immobility-related complications, such as:
Pressure ulcers
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Pulmonary embolism (PE)
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)
These programs aim to engage bariatric patients in gradual physical activity as soon as possible, which helps maintain muscle strength, improve cardiovascular function, and enhance respiratory capacity. Early mobilization reduces the length of hospital stays and accelerates recovery, contributing to better overall health outcomes. For bariatric patients, who often face additional challenges due to their size and weight, these programs are crucial in preventing the deterioration of physical function, reducing the likelihood of complications associated with prolonged immobility, and improving the quality of life post-hospitalization.
The safe patient handling equipment in our Bariatric Equipment Buyer's Guide is a cornerstone of effective Progressive and Early Mobility programs for bariatric patients. EZ Way offers a range of bariatric solutions that make it easier to implement these plans. For instance, our Smart Lifts and Ceiling Lifts with a 1000-lb. capacity allows caregivers to transfer and mobilize patients safely, whether they are transitioning from bed to chair or engaging in ambulation exercises.
In addition to lifts, our Smart Stand enables bariatric patients to participate in early mobility exercises, helping them stand, perform exercises, and ambulate safely. These devices enhance circulation and build muscle strength, key components in reducing the risks of prolonged immobility. Furthermore, EZ Way's air-assisted lateral transfer mattresses like the BridgeAIR™ significantly reduce the physical effort required for repositioning, minimizing injury risks for both patients and caregivers during mobility transitions.
By incorporating EZ Way equipment into progressive mobility programs, healthcare facilities can ensure safer, more efficient mobilization of bariatric patients, leading to better recovery outcomes and improved quality of life.
What To Consider?
Healthcare providers must consider several factors when implementing Progressive and Early Mobility programs for bariatric patients.
1. The patient's physical limitations and comorbidities, such as respiratory issues or cardiovascular conditions, must be assessed to tailor the mobility plan appropriately. Body type and distribution of weight must be considered as well. This will also determine which equipment is best to use.
2. The physical environment must be equipped with the necessary bariatric-friendly tools, including wider doorways and sufficient space for maneuvering equipment.
3. Providers need to be trained in the sensitivity and psychological aspects of caring for bariatric patients, recognizing that weight-related stigma can affect patient engagement and willingness to participate in mobility activities.
4. Providers should adopt a multidisciplinary approach, involving physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and physicians, to ensure a holistic and coordinated care plan that optimizes patient outcomes while maintaining safety and dignity.
Fall prevention must be balanced with the need to mobilize patients. Patients need to ambulate to re-build and maintain their strength and need to be repositioned and turned to avoid complications of bed rest. The use of safe patient handling equipment should be included as part of universal fall precaution protocols that are applicable for every patient, but especially the obese patient who may be at risk for falls simply because of their body weight distribution.[5]
Planning for Bariatric Equipment
Plan for the Future
When creating a bariatric SPHM plan, plan for more patients than are currently served. Recognize the growth of this patient population and forecast the percentage of bariatric patients expected at least 5 years beyond the anticipated completion dates of any planned renovations.
Assessment Protocols
Again, keep in mind that body type and distribution of weight must be considered as well. Some people may not fit the weight definition of obese, but their height and weight distribution may warrant the use of bariatric equipment. Have assessment protocols in place.
Departmental Planning
When planning for bariatric patients, equipment needs should be defined by department, so every department is ready when a bariatric patient arrives. This should be a programmatic approach that analyses needs, technology solutions, policies and procedures, and training. Evaluation forms to determine safe patient handling needs and recommended technology are available from several online sources, or your safe patient handling representative can perform a Safe Patient Handling Evaluation to help guide your planning process.
Storage
Easy access to storage space for larger, complex bariatric equipment must be included in the facility design process. The easier the access to the equipment the more likely it will be used.[6]
The Importance of Safe Patient Handling Equipment
Investing in safe patient handling equipment enhances the quality of care and the well-being of both patients and caregivers. EZ Way’s range of bariatric equipment offers reliable and effective solutions tailored to the needs of caring for patients of size.
Our bariatric equipment and accessories are designed to accommodate different body styles and ensure a safe, dignified, and comfortable transfer of the patient. Understanding the specific needs of bariatric patients and the importance of specialized equipment can make a significant difference in the quality of care provided. With EZ Way’s reliable and effective solutions, facilities are well-equipped to meet these challenges head-on.
[1] Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.
Warren, Molly, West, Madison, and Beck, Stacy. The State of Obesity: Better Policies for A Healthier America, 2023., Issue Report. Trust for America’s Health. September 2023
[2] Veterans Health Administration Center for Engineering & Occupational Safety and Health. Bariatric Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Guidebook: A Resource Guide for Care of Persons of Size. St. Louis, MO: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, July 2015.
[3] IBID
[4] Randall SB, Pories WJ, Pearson A, Drake DJ. Expanded Occupational Safety and Health Administration 300 log as metric for bariatric patient-handling staff injuries. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2009 Jul-Aug;5(4):463-8. doi: 10.1016/j.soard.2009.01.002. Epub 2009 Jan 15. PMID: 19359222.
[5] Gallagher, S. M. (2009). Patient transferring. Bariatric Times, 6(4), 12-18
[6] Gabel, L. & Musheno, E. (2010). Understanding the Special Needs of the Bariatric Population: Design, Innovation, and Respect.
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