Liko™ Soft Original HighBack Sling, Mod. 26 Instructions for Use

Product Description

The Liko Soft Original HighBack Sling is a versatile and widely used sling designed for patient comfort and support. It adapts to the patient without individual adjustments, providing a slightly semi-reclined sitting posture and excellent support for the entire body. This makes it ideal for patients with reduced head and torso stability. A properly fitted sling ensures a high degree of security and comfort for the patient. The sling is suitable for all common lifting situations, and its soft, reinforced head support offers comfortable head support in both sitting and supine positions.

Fabrics

The Soft Original HighBack Sling is available in polyester, known for its durability and low friction, making it easy to apply and remove. For alternative fabrics, the Original HighBack Sling (Mod. 200/210) is recommended. This model is available in net polyester, suitable for situations where the sling may be left in a chair after transfer. A plastic-coated net version is available for bathing and showering; it is water-permeable, easy to clean, dries quickly, and prevents chilling.

The sling's lift straps are made of durable polyester for secure attachment.

Sizes

The Soft Original HighBack Sling is available in various sizes. Choosing the correct size is crucial for comfort and safety. A sling that is too large increases the risk of the patient sliding out, while one that is too small can cause discomfort by cutting into the groin. For larger sizes, using a twin bar 670 is recommended.

Leg Supports

The sling features leg supports with reinforced inserts that enhance comfort, distribute pressure, and prevent creasing under the thighs.

Suitable Lifts

This sling is compatible with all Liko overhead and mobile lifts, including LikoGuard™, Likorall™, Multirall™, Golvo™, Viking™, Uno™, and Liko™ M220/M230.

In this document, the person being lifted is referred to as the 'patient', and the person assisting is referred to as the 'caregiver'.

IMPORTANT!

Warning: Lifting and transferring patients involves risks. Always read the instructions for use for both the patient lift and lifting accessories before use. Ensure full understanding of the instructions. Equipment should only be used by trained personnel. Verify that lifting accessories are suitable for the lift being used. Exercise care and caution during use. The caregiver is responsible for the patient's safety and must assess the patient's ability to participate in the lifting process. Contact the manufacturer or supplier if anything is unclear.

Symbol Description

The following symbols may be found in this document and/or on the product:

Safety Instructions

Before lifting, consider the following:

• A responsible person should determine the number of caregivers needed for each lifting situation.
• Ensure the selected sling meets the patient's needs (model, size, fabric, design).
• The maximum load of a lift system is determined by the component with the lowest specified maximum load.
• Use individual slings for safety and hygiene.
• Plan lifting operations for maximum safety and smoothness.
• Check that the lifting accessory hangs vertically and moves freely.
• Exercise caution even with latched sling bars. Ensure straps are correctly connected to the sling bar hooks before lifting.
• Verify the patient is securely seated in the sling before transferring.
• Lift only as high as necessary to complete the transfer.
• Never leave a patient unattended during a lifting situation.
• Lock the wheels of wheelchairs, beds, or gurneys during lifting/transfer.
• Work ergonomically and utilize the patient's ability to participate.
• Store the sling away from direct sunlight when not in use.

Incorrect attachment of the sling to the sling bar may cause severe injury. Manually turning the patient in bed may cause injuries to the caregiver.

C€ Medical Device Class I Product

PATENT: www.hillrom.com/patents. This product may be covered by one or more patents. Hill-Rom companies hold European, US, and other patents and pending patent applications.

Product Changes: Liko products undergo continuous development. Product changes may be made without prior notice. Contact your Hill-Rom representative for information on product upgrades.

Design and Quality by Liko in Sweden: Liko is certified according to ISO 9001, ISO 13485 (medical devices), and ISO 14001 (environmental).

Notice to Users and/or Patients in EU: Any serious incident related to the device should be reported to the manufacturer and the competent authority of the Member State where the user and/or patient is established.

Care and Maintenance

Inspect the sling before each use for wear and damage to the fabric, straps, seams, and suspension loops. Do not use damaged lifting accessories. Contact the manufacturer or supplier if anything is unclear. Washing instructions are provided on the sling's product label and in the appendix "Care and Maintenance of Liko Slings".

Periodic Inspection

The product requires inspection at least every 6 months. More frequent inspections may be necessary based on usage and washing frequency. Refer to Liko's protocol "Periodic Inspection Liko Textile Products" or contact your Hill-Rom representative for protocols.

Expected Life Time

The product has an expected life time of 1-5 years with normal use. This can vary depending on fabric, usage frequency, washing procedures, and weight carried.

Recycling Instructions

The entire product should be sorted as combustible waste. Hill-Rom provides guidance on the safe handling and disposal of devices to prevent injury. Customers must adhere to all applicable laws and regulations for the disposal of medical devices. Contact Hill-Rom Technical Support for guidance on safe disposal protocols if unsure.

Definitions

The diagram illustrates the different parts of the sling:

• 1. Serial number
• 2. Product label
• 3. Label: Periodic Inspection
• 4. Upper strap loop
• 5. Soft head support with laths
• 6. Handle
• 7. Belt (where applicable)
• 8. Center back strap / Size marking
• 9. Leg support
• 10. Shortening position
• 11. Leg support loop
• 12. Lower edge

How to Attach a Sling to Different Sling Bars

The correct attachment of sling loops to sling bar hooks is crucial for safe lifting. The following table illustrates correct and incorrect methods for various sling bars:

Incorrect attachment examples are shown with a cross symbol (❌).

How to Attach a Soft Original HighBack Sling to a Sling Bar with 4 Hooks (Twin Bars and Cross Bars)

Detailed instructions are provided with diagrams showing the step-by-step process of attaching the sling to twin bars and cross bars, ensuring correct loop connection (A and B).

Lifting from a Sitting Position

Two caregivers should assist in placing the sling ergonomically. The patient may need to be tilted forward, requiring a caregiver to stabilize them. Place the sling behind the patient's back with the product label facing outwards. Fold the lower edge of the sling to help guide it into place, ensuring the lower edge is at the level of the patient's coccyx. Correct positioning is aided if the patient leans forward.

Pull the sling's leg supports forward along the outside of the patient's thighs. Smooth the fabric and ensure it lies flat and fits snugly around the legs. The leg supports can be positioned with the patient's legs slightly raised, for example, by placing feet on footrests or a caregiver's leg.

Prepare the connection of the leg supports. The most common method is with crossed leg supports, but alternative methods are described on page 13.

Before lifting, check that all suspension loops are at an equal height. Connect the upper strap loops first, then the leg support loops, following the instructions for attaching loops to different sling bars (pages 6-7). Then, lift the patient.

Lifting to a Sitting Position

When transferring a patient to a wheelchair, ensure they are positioned correctly at the back of the chair. This can be achieved by leaning the chair backward during lowering, allowing the buttocks to slide down the backrest. Control the chair's angle with your foot. Alternatively, apply slight pressure under the patient's knees during lowering to guide the buttocks towards the backrest. Handles can be used for guidance, but do not use them for lifting, as excessive force can cause the sling to tear.

Removing the Sling in a Chair/Wheelchair

It is recommended to remove the sling after the transfer. If the sling must remain in the chair, the Original HighBack Sling Mod. 200/210 in net polyester is recommended.

Carefully remove the leg supports by pulling out the leg support loops from under the fabric part. Gently pull the sling upwards to remove it.

Lifting from the Bed

Applying the sling while the patient is lying horizontally is the easiest method. If the patient cannot lie flat, the sling can be applied with the patient sitting up. Consider your posture and the patient's comfort, utilizing the bed's height adjustment features.

Turn the patient towards you to prevent them from falling. Insert the sling's edge under the patient, aligning the lower edge with the coccyx. Fold the sling so the center back strap aligns with the patient's spine when they are turned back. Carefully pull the sling out from the other side.

Insert the leg supports under the legs, pressing the support down against the mattress while sliding it under the thigh. Ensure the fabric lies flat and fits around the leg. Leg supports can be connected in various ways (see page 13).

Raise the head end of the bed. Connect the upper strap loops first, then the leg support loops, referring to pages 6-7 for sling bar attachment. Lift the patient.

Alternative method: Raise the head end of the bed. Lay the sling on the bed with the product label facing down. Slide the sling behind the patient's back, ensuring the lower edge is level with the coccyx. Leaning the patient forward can facilitate application.

Lifting to the Bed

It is recommended to remove the sling after the transfer. If the sling must remain in the bed, the Original HighBack Sling Mod. 200/210 in net polyester is recommended. Utilize the bed's height adjustment features for optimal posture and patient comfort.

Removing the Sling when the Patient is Sitting in Bed

Position the patient above the bed. Raise the head end of the bed for comfort and lower the patient onto the bed. Remove the leg supports by pulling the loops out from under the fabric. Bending the patient's legs can facilitate this. Carefully pull the sling upwards to remove it.

Removing the Sling when the Patient is Lying in Bed

Position the patient above the bed. Raise the head end of the bed for comfort and lower the patient onto the bed. Lower the head end. Grasp the edge of the sling, push it under itself, and press it against the mattress and under the patient. Carefully turn the patient onto their side and gently remove the sling from below.

Lifting from the Floor

Lifting from the floor using Liko's Golvo™ mobile lift is described. The technique is suitable for other Liko mobile and stationary lifts. Always read the specific lift's instructions for use.

Turn the patient onto their side and place the sling's edge under them, aligning the lower edge with the coccyx. Fold the sling so the center back strap aligns with the spine when the patient is turned back. Carefully pull the sling out from the other side.

Ensure the sling lies symmetrically under the patient, adjusting as needed. Insert the leg supports under the legs.

Smooth the leg supports under the patient's legs. Connect the upper strap loops first, then the leg support loops, following sling bar attachment instructions (pages 6-7). Keep leg supports away from the groin to prevent discomfort. Bending the patient's legs can help. Note: The mobile lift should be locked when lifting with the patient's head against the lift.

Lift the patient from the floor. The patient can be rotated slightly to prevent their head from getting too close to the lift's mast.

Lifting to the Floor

When lifting to the floor, the lift's wheels should not be locked. As the patient touches the floor, pull the lift backward to create space for the head. If lifting onto a thin gym mat, the lift can be pushed underneath it so the mat acts as protection between the lift and the patient. For sling removal, refer to "Removing the Sling when the Patient is Lying in Bed" on page 11.

Fitting Advice

Different Sitting Positions

The Soft Original HighBack Sling in a two-point suspension provides a slightly reclined sitting posture with good head support and approximately a 90-degree hip joint angle.

Using the sling with a twin bar 670 offers greater width at the shoulders compared to the leg supports, which is beneficial for larger patients or those sensitive to shoulder pressure.

• A. In combination with a Liko Cross-bar, a slightly more reclined posture and a larger hip joint angle are achieved.
• B. In combination with SideBars, a slightly more reclined posture and increased shoulder width relative to leg support width are provided, suitable for patients sensitive to shoulder pressure.

Different Ways of Connecting Leg Supports

An individual assessment should be conducted before choosing a connection method to anticipate potential risks.

Crossed-over leg supports:

This is the most common method. One leg support loop is passed through the other before connecting to the sling bar.

Overlapped under both thighs:

This method may be suitable for patients with amputated legs. To prevent an overly reclined sitting posture, Extension Loops can be attached to the leg support loops.

Each leg support connected separately to the sling bar:

This method can be appropriate for patients with sensitive genitals. Note: This may increase the risk of sliding out.

The Patient does not Sit Well in the Sling - Why is This?

• A. Risk of sliding out: The buttocks may be hanging down, or the sling might be too large. Ensure the sling is pulled down sufficiently in the back. Before lifting, check that the lower edge is stretched and the fabric fits properly around the legs.
• B. Sling too small: A sling that is too small can cause leg supports to cut into the groin, leading to discomfort. It may also position the sling bar too close to the face or provide insufficient back support.

Ensure the lower edge of the sling is level with the coccyx and the leg supports are correctly positioned under the legs.

Shortening Position

In some cases, shortening the leg support loop can improve the patient's sitting posture in the sling. The shortening position can be used for temporary testing of the correct length; however, extended use may damage the bartacks. For long-term shortening, tie a knot in the outer leg support loop, shortening it by approximately 10 cm (4 in).

Accessories

Available accessories include Extension Loops in various lengths and colors:

• Extension Loop, green, 12 cm (5 in) - Prod. No. 3691102
• Extension Loop, green, 22 cm (9 in) - Prod. No. 3691103
• Extension Loop, grey, 12 cm (5 in) - Prod. No. 3691302
• Extension Loop, grey, 22 cm (9 in) - Prod. No. 3691303

Overview Liko™ Soft Original HighBack Sling, Mod 26

¹ The indicated patient weight is a guideline only; deviations may occur.
² To maintain maximum load, lift/accessories intended for the same load or more are required.

Material

Soft Original HighBack Sling is made of polyester.

Recommended Combinations

Recommended combinations of the Liko Soft Original HighBack Sling and Liko's sling bars are detailed in the table below, indicating suitability:

Explanation: 1=Recommended, 2=May work, 3=Not advised, 4=Inappropriate

¹ Sling bar 450 refers to Universal SlingBar 450 (Prod. No. 3156075, 3156085, 3156095) and SlingGuard 450 (Prod. No. 3308020, 3308520).
² Twin bar 670 refers to Universal TwinBar 670 (Prod. No 3156077, 3156087) and SlingGuard 670 Twin (Prod. No. 3308040, 3308540).
³ Sling bar 350 refers to Universal SlingBar 350 (Prod. No. 3156074, 3156084, 3156094).
⁴ Sling bar 600 refers to Universal SlingBar 600 (Prod. No. 3156076, 3156086).

Other Combinations

Using accessory/product combinations not recommended by Liko may pose risks to patient safety.