Here at Moretti, we have been creating healthcare aids and devices for over forty years.

It has always been our aim to offer a complete range of high-quality, safe and easy to use products that allow all-round care of the patient both at home or in a care home or hospital, in total safety.

The most sensitive and complex aspects of day-to-day care of an elderly or disabled person with limited autonomy of movement undoubtedly include movement and transfer.

In most cases, this requires the use of a harness and a lifter or stander. These devices must be chosen after consulting a healthcare professional and after a careful assessment process.

Choice of the right transfer solution

Choice of the right transfer solution must include specific assessment of the patient’s medical conditions and autonomy, analysis of the specific transfer operations to be performed, their frequency and the environment in which they will take place.

This process, which is essential in ensuring choice of the best transfer solution for the patient, should not then be limited simply to introducing its use. The highly specific aspects of its application mean that the conditions of the patient and the related risks in use should be re-assessed regularly.

In this article, we would like to concentrate on the characteristics and specific features that should be considered when choosing a harness, in order to guarantee a safe, dignified and comfortable transfer.

This article is intended as a brief reference guide for an informed choice, but does not, under any circumstances, replace a specific assessment by a professional, who should be consulted both for the choice and for definition of the user guidelines for an operator.

Choice of the harness

A harness is the most direct interface with the patient. It supports the patient in the delicate phases of movement and must be as comfortable as possible. What makes the difference here is not only the type of support, which can be extended to various parts of the body, but also the position of the patient and the specific characteristics of the fabric of the harness itself.

In the selection phase, it is therefore essential to assess:

The type of transfer for which the harness will be used. Harnesses may be used for transfer from the bed, and therefore from a prone position, to the wheelchair, or to pass the person from one seated position to another, for transfer onto the toilet or to take them from a sitting to a standing position, using a lifter or stander.

The medical conditions of the patient, which must be assessed taking into consideration their functional capacities, their ability to sit, hold up their head and neck, the conditions of their skin, their muscle tone, weight and height.

The patient’s comfort, which must be assessed considering their specific pathology or condition. It is also necessary to consider the areas of the body where the patient feels pain and/or the medical equipment used.

The devices with which the harness interfaces, meaning the sling and the lifter adopted when used, in order to ensure they are compatible beforehand.

The types of harness:

Mopedia harnesses by Moretti

The harnesses are designed down to the smallest detail to assist the operator in correct positioning and easy movement of the patient. They may be made of mesh fabric, which is both sturdy and breathable, necessary in the case of contact with water, or in fabric, to guarantee easy sliding. They have padding in the most sensitive points and a sturdy tape, or belt, stitched continuously around the entire perimeter of the harness. This ensures that the harness is sturdy, hard-wearing and comfortable.

There are handles on the back of the harness to assist in correct positioning and movement of the patient. Attention has been focused particularly on the movement phase and traction can be adjusted precisely in several points, namely the pelvic area and the back and, on the models with a headrest, at the head. The positioning loops are customised in different colours on each harness to assist in symmetrical attachment.

All Mopedia harnesses by Moretti are designed and manufactured in Italy and have a control label indicating the maximum patient weight (to check that the harness size is right), the UNI EN ISO 10535 reference standard, the production lot and date, the product code and washing instructions.

Please remember that only general suggestions and advice are being provided here. An operator should always seek the specific advice of a duly qualified professional before using the harnesses in the manner indicated here. Moretti SpA cannot be held liable in any circumstances.

Standard Mopedia patient lifting harnesses by Moretti

The standard harnesses can be used in all normal lifting situations, together with most fixed or mobile lifters.

The harnesses with a headrest are generally suitable for transferring the patient from the supine to the seated position and from one seated position to another, while the models without a headrest are only suitable for patients who have full control of their head and for movement from one seated position to another only.

Standard Mopedia patient containment harnesses by Moretti

The containment harnesses offer support for the entire body and have polycarbonate supports and/or belts for containment. They are made of Sliptex, a fabric with exceptional qualities in terms of resistance, easy sliding and breathability. They are suitable for use in cases of severe disability and allow easy transfer from the supine to the sitting position and from one seated position to another.

Mopedia patient containment harnesses by Moretti

These harnesses are used for lifting, transfer and personal hygiene operations. They are made of Strongtex, a fabric that is both extremely strong and highly breathable and quick-drying in the case of contact with water. They have reinforced and padded support in the underarm area. Available in a version with or without a headrest.

Mopedia lifting harness for amputees by Moretti

These harnesses are designed specifically for people who have had either one or both lower limbs amputated. They support the trunk and legs, but also allow good independent control of the patient’s neck and head. The patient remains in an erect and seated position during transfer and they are suitable for transfer from one seated position to another.

Harnesses for standers

These harnesses are designed for use with a stander. They may have only back support, to accompany the patient’s back, thanks to a belt around the abdomen and double padding on the underarm area, or also be extended to support the pelvic area. The Mopedia harnesses for standers do not slide along the back and do not place excessive pressure on the underarm area, ensuring both maximum support and total comfort for the patient.

Do you want to know more?

Consult our product catalogue or contact your nearest area agent.