November 3, 2025 | Terry Smith How does the TurnAid compare to other patient turning systems? Turning patients safely and comfortably is key to preventing pressure injuries and protecting carers from strain. In this short comparison article, we look at how the TurnAid system compares to other common options: the Vendlet, automated lateral tilting systems, and manual turning with slide sheets. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each option. TurnAid How it works: The TurnAid attaches to the bed and uses powered side rails with rollers to turn or reposition the user at the touch of a button. Pros: Enables safe single-carer turning Reduces strain and risk of injury Provides consistent, controlled movement Cons: Higher cost than manual options Requires installation, servicing, and training Vendlet How it works: Similar to the TurnAid, but the roller bars move up and down with the aid of an electric motor. Pros: Gentle, smooth turning Reduces manual handling with electric siderail raising/lowering Cons: Higher cost and setup compared to the TurnAid Requires installation, servicing, and training Lateral tilting systems (e.g. ToTo, KomfiTilt, Opera AutoTurn) How it works: Inflatable cells beneath the mattress tilt the person gently from side to side on an automated, timed cycle. Pros: Continuous, automated pressure relief Reduces the need for manual turns Best for clients who only require pressure relief Cons: Only provides gentle tilting (not full turning and repositioning) Continuous disruption may not suit all patients Manual turning with slide sheets How it works: Carers use low-friction sheets to reposition patients manually. Pros: Low cost and easy to implement Flexible and widely used, with little training required Cons: Much more physically demanding for carers Requires two or more trained staff for most patients Comparison table TurnAid Vendlet Lateral tilting system Slide sheets Type of system Powered roller system Powered roller system Automated air cell tilt platform Low-friction repositioning sheets Turning method Motorised rollers built into side rails move a turning sheet Motorised rollers built into side rails move a turning sheet Inflating air cells tilt mattress side-to-side Carers manually reposition using slide sheets Enables single-handed care ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes (for pressure relief, not repositioning) ❌ Needs 2+ carers Pressure relief support Good – enables frequent repositioning Good – enables frequent repositioning Excellent – continuous repositioning Dependent on manual turning frequency Comfort for the user Smooth and consistent Smooth and consistent Gentle and passive Depends on carer skill Carer effort Very low Very low None (automatic) High Installation required Yes – attaches to bed frame Yes – attaches to bed frame Yes – placed under mattress No Maintenance Annual service recommended Annual service recommended Routine pump and system checks Minimal (laundering) Training required Moderate Moderate Low Moderate Cost High High Moderate Low Best for Dependent users, single-handed care Dependent users, single-handed care Continuous pressure relief with minimal staff input Low-cost or short-term care settings Try a Patient Turning System with Felgains At Felgains, we offer both the TurnAid and Vendlet patient turning systems. To help you find the right solution, we provide a free 2-week trial or assessment so you can see the difference Get in touch Got a question or want to send us a message? Let’s talk.