What are the alternatives to using a patient turning system?

When exploring ways to make patient repositioning safer and easier, a natural question comes up: Do I really need a patient turning system, or are there other options?

The truth is, there are some alternatives available, and depending on your care environment, patient needs, and staffing levels, one of these may be more suitable than a turning system like the TurnAid. Below, we’ll walk through the main options, along with their pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision.

Manual handling with carers

The most common alternative is still the traditional method of carers physically turning patients in bed, often using teamwork and simple equipment like sheets or pillows.

Pros

• No additional equipment investment
• Can be done immediately, without setup

Cons

• High risk of musculoskeletal injury for staff
• Labour-intensive, often requiring two or more carers
• Can compromise patient dignity and comfort
• Inconsistent repositioning frequency, especially at night
• Costly, especially in the long term, due to a larger care package required

Slide sheets

Slide sheets are low-friction sheets placed under the patient to reduce resistance and make turning easier.

Pros

• Low cost and widely available
• Simple to use once carers are trained
• Reduces strain compared to manual handling alone

Cons

• Still requires multiple carers in most cases
• Sheets need frequent repositioning and laundering
• Risk of inconsistent technique leading to strain injuries
• Doesn’t provide automation or independence for staff or patients

Air-assisted repositioning devices

Devices like the Toto Lateral Tilting System can help carers reposition patients more easily.

Pros

• Reduces manual strain significantly
• Very portable and can be used across multiple beds
• Excellent for repositioning and pressure relief

Cons

• Systems like the Toto don’t fully turn clients; they are designed to ’tilt’ clients to relieve pressure.
• Higher cost than slide sheets
• Still requires at least one or two carers to operate
• Can be noisy and disruptive during use
• Consumables (like single-use covers) add ongoing cost

Turning beds

Specialist ‘turning beds’ like the Centrobed Arctic allow the mattress platform to tilt laterally, helping shift a patient’s position without full manual handling.

Pros

• Useful for improving patient posture and comfort
• Can be combined with other aids
• Excellent for repositioning and pressure relief

Cons

• Does not achieve full side-to-side turning on its own
• Still requires carer involvement for patient turning
• Can be costly and space-intensive

Patient turning systems (for comparison)

Unlike the options above, systems like the TurnAid are designed to provide consistent turning, requiring fewer staff and less physical effort. They can turn patients to the side for care tasks or repositioning, helping to carry out care tasks and reduce the risk of pressure ulcers and musculoskeletal injuries for carers.

Which option is right for you?

The best solution depends on your priorities:

• If cost is the main concern, manual handling or slide sheets may be sufficient, but they come with higher long-term injury risks and costs.
• If you need to support patients with automated tilting for pressure relief, air-assisted devices will likely be a good fit.
• If your priority is full, consistent, and low-effort repositioning and turning, a patient turning system is likely to offer the best balance of safety, comfort, and efficiency.

At Felgains, we are experienced in helping OTs prescribe patient turning systems for clients in the community and offer a free 2-week trial before purchase. Get in touch with our team to arrange.

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