Frequently asked questions about Lavin Lift Straps:

Are you a lift manufacturer? Do you sell patient lifters?

No, to both questions. Lavin Lift Straps™ are an accessory for patient lifters and are designed to enhance their usefulness.

Where can Lavin Lift Straps™ be used?

Our straps can be used in hospitals, long-term care institutions, private homes or any other environment where bedridden patients need cleaning or wound care.

What kind of patient lifters do you work with?

Lavin Lift Straps™ can be used with any patient lifter, portable or built-in, that incorporates T-bar technology.

How common are lifters with T-bar technology?

T-bar lifters are extremely common and are used in most health care facilities.

What are lifters used for?

Patient lifters are used primarily to transport patients from a bed to a chair, wheelchair or gurney and back. Lifter accessories are typically slings used to assist in patient transfer or transport. Lavin Lift Straps™ are not intended for use in transporting or restraining patients.

Why aren’t lifters used more often with patients?

Institutions typically have safety rules that require at least two staff members to operate a lifter and sling for patient transport. However, staffing reductions have made it difficult for two workers to be assigned to any one task. Also, some patients find sling transport disconcerting. Lavin Lift Straps™ are not used to transport patients. Instead, they’re designed to gently lift the lower half of a patient’s body, thereby making it easier for staff to clean, change and provide treatment to those in their care. Our straps are specifically intended to be used by one caregiver. When our products are introduced, institutions often find that lifters which had been gathering dust are suddenly in demand by aides, who use them for changing incontinent patients and dressing wounds.

Why is the process of using Lavin Lift Straps™ and a lifter preferable to the traditional method of rolling a patient from side to side?

With LLS, caregivers can avoid injuries that result from lifting and turning patients. One person can handle a task that might have otherwise required two or more people—especially in the case of obese, combative or unresponsive patients. This efficiency allows better deployment of staff in care facilities, resulting in cost savings and enhanced productivity. It also reduces workmen’s compensation claims and, by lightening the workload, can improve morale. In addition, patients are likely to be changed more often, thus keeping them cleaner and avoiding pressure areas. And finally, gentler handling means that patients are less exposed to friction and skin breakdown.

Are Lavin Lift Straps™ covered by Medicare?

Eligible Medicare recipients and providers should use HCPCS code number E0621-Lavin Lift Strap model #s 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 or 24 to bill Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs) for Medicare reimbursement purposes.

What is the weight limit for Lavin Lift Straps™?

The straps have a tested current tensile strength of 400 pounds per strap, which provides security for both the patient and caregiver. However, all patient lifters should have their weight limits posted, and caregivers should not exceed the patient lifter weight capacity.

What size straps should I use on my patients?

Lavin Lift Straps™ are available in a variety of adjustable sizes. Correct sizing can be determined in one of two ways: 1) Measure the circumference of the patient’s leg just above the knee joint. This will indicate the correct size strap to be used. 2) Wrap a strap around the patient’s leg. The edges of the strap should come together and/or overlap slightly.

What is the cost of Lavin Lift Straps™?

A Lavin Lift Strap™ set (2 straps) costs $160 US. Institutional kits are also available and offer both convenience and cost savings. Institutional Kit A includes sets of all 7 Lavin Lift Strap™ sizes, from size 12 to 24 inches. Institutional Kit B features 5 sets of our most popular sizes, from 16 to 24 inches. Please visit our Ordering page for more information.

Where are Lavin Lift Straps™ made?

Lavin Lift Straps are made at manufacturing facilities in Michigan and Indiana.

How do I clean Lavin Lift Straps™?

The straps may be wiped down with isopropyl alcohol, disinfectant wipes or spray, and can also be machine washed.

What if I need a bigger strap set or one in a different fabric?

Lavin, Inc. can accommodate some custom orders, depending on quantity and time available for strength and quality testing. For details, call 888-545-5438.

What if I have more questions?

Call 888-545-5438, fax your question to 734-697-0957, or e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .