Transfer Boards: Tips, Types, and Top Brands

Transferring between surfaces can be a challenging task for people with significant leg weakness.  Popover, lateral transfers, or squat pivot techniques are often used for people who cannot stand on their feet to pivot. A potentially safer alternative, however, involves the use of a slide board — also known as a transfer board. Throughout the post, we’ll use the two terms interchangeably. These boards are designed to bridge the gap between different surfaces, allowing for smoother, safer transfers with less effort. They provide the support needed to move from one location to another without relying solely on arm strength or having to lift the body. This reduces strain on the arms and minimizes the risk of falls, offering greater peace of mind for both individuals and caregivers. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at how transfer/slide boards work, key safety tips, important features to consider, and how to choose the best board for your specific needs.

1. Typical Slide Board Users

Transfer boards are often used by people with conditions that significantly affect leg strength. This includes people with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, lower extremity amputations, and other related diagnoses. Typical characteristics include:

• Users often have good upper body strength and the ability to assist with their arms while seated.
• Transfer boards are especially helpful for those who cannot stand independently but can perform seated transfers.
• Users may have conditions that prevent weight bearing onto the legs.

2. How Slide Boards Work: Key Tips

Using a slide board safely requires practice, coordination, and awareness of some important techniques:

• Level Surfaces Are Key: Ensure that both surfaces, like the wheelchair and bed, or wheelchair and car seat, are at similar height levels whenever possible. This minimizes the effort required and enhances safety.

• Rule of Thirds: Follow the “one-third rule” by placing one-third of the board on the starting surface, one-third on the destination, and leaving the remaining third bridging the gap.

• Head-Hips Relationship: The head-hips relationship is a helpful principle to remember when using a slide board. By moving the head in the direction opposite of the transfer, the hips naturally follow and slide smoothly. This technique helps reduce effort, making the transfer safer and more efficient.

• Skin Protection: Bare skin against a transfer board can stick or cause shearing, increasing the risk of friction burns and skin tears. To prevent injury, wear clothing that covers the contact areas or place a fabric cover over the slide board for added protection.

• Assistance is Helpful: While some people can use transfer boards independently, having a caregiver or support person nearby can enhance safety and provide added stability during the transfer. This is especially important for new slide board users. 

3. Important Features to Consider When Choosing a Transfer Board

Choosing the right transfer board is essential for ensuring comfort and safety. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

• Material: Most transfer boards come in wood, plastic, or composite materials. Some materials offer greater stability, while others are lightweight and easier to maneuver.

• Length: The board should be long enough to create a stable surface between two surfaces. Consider dimensions based on the user’s needs. For example, a longer board may be needed for car transfers while a shorter board may be indicated for wheelchair to commode or toilet. 

• Shape: Transfer boards come in several shapes, including straight, curved, or  with notches and cutouts. Curved boards can help users navigate around obstacles like wheelchair wheels or furniture, while straight boards are ideal for simpler, more direct transfers. Consider notches for wheelchair wheels or shapes designed to fit around the rim of a toilet or commode for added safety.

• Surface Texture: Most boards have a smooth surface for easier sliding, while others have a textured surface on the bottom of the to prevent slipping. 

• Weight Capacity: Always check the weight capacity of the transfer board to ensure it suits the user’s body weight. 

4. Top Transfer Board Brands

Stealth ADI Transfer Boards

• Durable Construction:  ADI Transfer Boards are made from strong, high-quality wood for reliable support.
• Non-Skid Backing: Features a section of non-slip backing to keep the board securely in place.
• Available Lengths: 21″, 24″, and 29″.
• Hand Hold Options: Vertical, horizontal, or no handles.
• Weight Capacity: Supports up to 200 lbs

Therafin Transfer Boards

• Wide Selection: Therafin offers the most transfer board models on the market, ensuring a perfect fit for individual needs.
• Customizable Options: Available in unique configurations through a custom transfer board order form.
• Material Choices: Available in durable wood or lightweight plastic models.
• Hand Hole Variations: Models differ based on the orientation of hand holes for easier grip.
• Specialized Designs: Some models feature notches or shapes compatible with commodes and wheelchair wheels.
• Length Options: Available in lengths ranging from 18 to 32 inches.
• Weight Capacity: Most models are stress tested to 250 pounds, while some are up to 400 and 650 pounds. 

Beasy Premium Transfer Systems

• No-Lift Transfer: BeasyTrans Systems provide smooth, gliding transfers without lifting, reducing strain on both patients and caregivers.
• Durable Construction: Made from the highest quality engineered plastic material, supporting up to 400 lbs for safe, reliable use.
• Injury Prevention: The unique rotating seat glides along the board, preventing shoulder, back, and arm strain while protecting skin from friction and pressure points.
• 360-Degree Rotation: The seat spins fully while sliding along the base, ensuring smooth repositioning without caregiver assistance.
• Multiple Transfer System Models: Available in 28″, 32″, and 40″ lengths, with options for short in-home transfers, longer distances (like car transfers), and wheelchairs with non-removable arms. 
• Versatile Use: Ideal for safe transfers between wheelchairs, cars, beds, baths, commodes, and more, simplifying daily mobility.
• Other Models from The Brand: Beasy also offers a standard plastic transfer board and a specialized bathroom transfer system shaped to the toilet seat.

Etac E-Board with Flap

• Foldable with Flap: Features a side flap for added stability and protection, particularly useful for wheelchair users to prevent contact with wheels.
• Lightweight & Flexible: Easy to carry and maneuver due to its folding design, making it ideal for independent users who need a portable solution.
• Ergonomic Handles: Built-in grips enhance control and positioning for safer, more secure use.

Curved Banana Transfer Board

• Curved Design: Phillips Safety Products Inc. Curved Banana Transfer Board Allows for flexible positioning and supports a natural sweeping motion during transfers.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for transfers between surfaces of similar or slightly different heights, including beds, cars, wheelchairs, and toilets.
• Durable Material: Made of semi-rigid polyethylene for strength, easy cleaning, and infection control.
• Smooth Surface & Flared Ends: Provides a stable platform with a low-friction top for easier sliding.
• Lightweight & Strong: Weighs only 2.6 lbs yet supports up to 250 lbs.

Drive Medical Bariatric Transfer Board

• Enhanced Maneuverability: Drive Medical Bariatric Transfer Board features two cut-out handles provide grip and control during transfers.
• Durable Construction: Made from sturdy Baltic birch with a smooth, clear lacquer finish for lasting use.
• User-Friendly Design: Tapered ends, rounded corners, and beveled edges ensure safer, more comfortable transfers.
• High Weight Capacity: Supports up to 600 lbs, offering reliable strength for various users.
• Generous Size: Measures 35″ long and 8″ wide, providing ample surface area for safe movement.

Slide Boards Conclusion