There are many types of bariatric lift apparatuses. Some of the present designs are inherently unstable in nature because of their basic design philosophy. Others are extremely large and bulky and can not be used effectively in the bariatric patients living quarters. In others there is inability to transfer bariatric patients from certain type of beds or other furniture items because the devices contain certain obstacles which are inherent to their design. One of the functions of the apparatus is to provide controlled unassisted transfer from the bed to the apparatus. The inability of some bariatric patients to provide any self induced lifting in a normal manner is a major limiting feature of present-day gurney and/or lift chair designs. As the obesity rate climbs nationwide, obese and morbidly obese patients will continue to pose special lifting challenges to the healthcare industry.
