Invacare Hoyer Lift Review
Most Transparent Pricing
Hoyer lifts help take some of the strain off the backs of caregivers while providing increased independence to those with mobility challenges. If you’re unfamiliar with Hoyer lifts, background research on the types and beneficial features can help you narrow down the possibilities before you begin shopping.
It also helps when a manufacturer, such as Invacare, makes it easy for consumers to compare patient transfer lifts by including features, specifications and suggested prices in their catalog. Thanks to transparent pricing, individuals can find the lift that offers them the most features while keeping firmly within their price range.
Pros:
- Invacare sells many replacement parts for its lifts, such as hydraulic pumps and bases, that can be ordered through any dealer.
- While Invacare makes roughly fourteen sling shapes, they offer these in different sizes and materials, giving customers lots of options.
- Many lifts feature low-friction casters so they move easily and avoid strain on caregivers.
- Some lifts have low under-bed clearance and a large lifting range to lift from both the floor and high surfaces.
Cons:
- No ceiling or freestanding lift options.
Overview of Invacare
Invacare, headquartered in the United States, distributes products to countries worldwide and employs over 3,000 workers. The company sells medical equipment and home care products designed to enhance the everyday life of people dealing with health challenges. Invacare’s patient transfer product line includes lifts, slings and supporting accessories.
GHS350
RPS350-1
RPL450-1
9805P
RPL600-1
Lift Style
Manual active lift
Power active lift
Power floor lift
Manual floor lift
Power floor lift
Maximum Capacity
350lbs
350lbs
450lbs
450lbs
600lbs
Safety Features
-Non-slip footplate
-Easy sling attachment with low risk of disengagement
-Non-slip footplate
-Low battery alarm
-Easy sling attachment with low risk of disengagement
-Manual lowering back-up
-Low battery alarm
-Boom stops if meets resistance
-Pinch-protection on moving parts
-Allows 360 rotation of patient without sideways sway
Screw-in pin at mast base promotes stability
-Pinch-protection all moving parts
-Manual lowering in cases of power loss
-Boom stops if meets resistance
Price Range
$860-$1,250
$3,200-$4,000
$2,000-$3,010
$440-$950
$3,160-$3,920
Distributors
Amazon store front, dealers, and online retailers such as Walmart, Vitality Medical, and more
Amazon storefront, dealers, and online retailers such as Walmart, Spinlife, and more
Amazon storefront, dealers, and online retailers such as Walmart, Direct Supply, and more
Amazon storefront, dealers, and online retailers such as Walmart, 4MD Medical, and more
Dealers and online retailers such as RehabMart, Zoro, and more
How Much Does an Invacare Hoyer Lift Cost?
Invacare’s lift prices vary depending on the model, with its lowest-priced option costing around $830 and its most expensive model priced at just over $6,100. The large discrepancy in pricing is primarily based on each model’s lift mechanism, with hydraulic lifts costing much less than powered lifts.
Some of the higher-priced electric lifts offer multiple ergonomic adjustments and support partial weight-bearing, also known as active or stand-up lifts. Some models are available in two versions, one with a manual foot positioning base and one with a powered base. Heavy-duty models capable of lifting up to 600 pounds are the most expensive.
Full Review of Invacare’s Features
Invacare’s lift models fall into one of these categories: hydraulic, electric (battery-powered) and heavy-duty.
Hydraulic Lifts
Hydraulic lifts require manual pump action by the caregiver to build up enough pressure in the lift to raise the patient. Releasing the pressure through a valve lets the patient descend.
Electric Lifts
Electric lifts are powered by rechargeable batteries. Push buttons located on the lift mechanism control the raising and lowering of the sling.
Heavy-Duty Lifts
Lifts designed specifically for the bariatric user have higher weight limit capacities, some as much as 600 pounds.
Invacare Painted Hydraulic Lift
Model 9805P, a hydraulic patient transfer lift, is the company’s most affordable offering at $830. Its lightweight design makes it easy for caretakers to maneuver. The swivel bar can be rotated 360 degrees, and the pump attaches to either side, offering a flexible setup. This hydraulic lift is made of steel and moves on swivel, low-friction casters.
Specifications:
- Action: Manual pump
- Product weight: 68 pounds
- User capacity: 450 pounds
Invacare’s Lift Models
Invacare Get-U-Up Hydraulic Stand-Up Lift
Model GHS350 also works on hydraulic pump-action and sells for around $1,350. It offers the added benefit of allowing patients to rise to a standing position through various adjustment options. Low-friction casters simplify turning the lift, and the pump handle can be placed on any side. Slings attach to a rotating swivel bar.
Specifications:
- Action: Manual pump
- Product weight: 88 pounds
- User capacity: 350 pounds
Invacare Reliant 450 Lifts
Invacare’s lowest-priced electric model, RPL450—1, sells for just over $3,300. Adding the power base increases the cost to around $4,200. The lift uses a 24-volt rechargeable battery to provide power to the lift mechanism. Two batteries are included in the purchase price, along with a wall charger, so you can be assured of replaceable power. The durable steel lift can be rolled into position and safely locked into place.
Two versions are available:
- RPL450-1 Manual base – Manual adjustment of foot positioning
- RPL450-2 Power base – Push-button control to change foot positioning
Specifications:
- Action: Battery powered
- Product weight: 106 pounds for Model -1 and 109 pounds for Model -2
- User capacity: 450 pounds
Invacare Reliant 350 Stand-Up Lift
The Reliant 350 active lift costs between $5,100 and $5,700. The lift can be adjusted to fit and support the patient, regardless of body type or size, as long as they’re within the weight capacity limit. Locking casters offer maneuverability and safety. A 24-volt battery provides lift power, and two batteries and a charger are provided with the unit. Movement action is initiated by push buttons.
Two versions are available:
- RPS350-1 Manual base – Manual adjustment of foot positioning
- RPS350-2 Power base – Push-button control to change foot positioning
Specifications:
- Action: Battery powered
- Product weight: 108 pounds
- User capacity: 350 pounds
Invacare Reliant 600 Heavy-Duty
Bariatric users who need a weight capacity greater than 450 pounds can choose between Invacare’s two Reliant 600 models. Although the heavy-duty lifts weigh less than 120 pounds, they can easily manage transfers up to 600 pounds via push-button operation. Two removable 24-volt battery packs are shipped with the lifts, along with a wall-mounting charging station. The lifts roll easily into place and stay put, thanks to locking, low-friction casters.
Two versions are available:
- RPL600-1 Manual base – Manual adjustment of foot positioning
- RPL600-2 Power base – Push-button control to change foot positioning
Specifications:
- Action: Battery powered
- Product weight: 108 pounds for Model -1 and 115 pounds for Model -2
- User capacity: 600 pounds
Additional Invacare Hoyer Lift Models
For users with special needs, Invacare offers the following selections:
- ISA XPlus Stand-Up Lift: This premium active lift supports up to 450 pounds with extreme adjustability and costs approximately $6,600.
- Roze Stand-Up Lift: This stand-up lift is ideal for weight-bearing and rehabilitation users, supporting up to 450 pounds. It costs about $7,100.
- ISA Compact Stand-Up Lift: This compact lift offers a smaller footprint when space is a concern yet still supports up to 350 pounds. It sells for around $5,500.
Who Should Consider Invacare’s Hoyer Lifts?
Caregivers
Hoyer lifts can help prevent injuries to caregivers from improper lifting techniques and repetitive body movements, making them beneficial for the following individuals:
- Visiting caregivers and those working in facilities who frequently move patients
- Seniors attempting to care for an injured or physically challenged spouse at home
- Anyone who regularly has to assist someone who has difficulty moving from the bed to a chair or toilet facilities
People with Mobility Issues
Invacare’s Hoyer lifts benefit anyone with mobility challenges, regardless of their age or living arrangements. When used correctly, they help ensure safety during transfers and provide increased independence for the user.
What Are People Saying About Invacare Hoyer Lifts?
Most reviews for Invacare lifts are positive, with many customers rating them four or more stars out of five. Several of the positive reviews attested to the long-term use of the product. Children taking care of elderly parents and seniors taking care of their spouses made up the majority of the users. The most frequent praises concerned simplicity of use and reducing physical demands on the caregiver.
Most of the complaints dealt with shipping damage and problems with the retailer, not Invacare. One customer who purchased the stand-up model warned that the person being lifted needs adequate arm motility and strength to use the lift properly. Another cautioned that the lifts take time, so urgent bathroom visits are impractical.
FAQs
Prices for Hoyer lifts vary. The lowest Invacare models start in the low-$800 range, and the heavy-duty or premium models cost over $7,000. Consider which features are most important to your needs and compare products before purchasing. Click here for our full answer to this question.
Medicare will pay for a Hoyer lift if the patient meets all Medicare’s requirements and has documentation from their doctor. In addition, the lift must be purchased from a Medicare-approved supplier. Click here for our full answer to this question.
When choosing the best Hoyer lift for your home, think about budget, spacing, weight capacity and the strength and mobility of the patient and caregiver. Invacare’s large product selection makes it easy to find a match. Click here for our full answer to this question.
If you need a Hoyer lift for short-term use, it may be possible to rent one by the day, week or month. Check with a local medical equipment supplier to compare the ongoing price of rentals vs. purchasing one outright. Click here for our full answer to this question.
A Hoyer lift can be operated by one person, depending on the patient’s physical challenges, the caregiver’s strength and know-how and whether the lift is in a home, facility or hospital. Many institutions have policies requiring two operators to avoid legal problems. Click here for our full answer to this question.