Patient Transfer Slide Sheet

Low-Friction Patient Transfer Slide Sheet

The Patient Transfer Slide Sheet is a reusable low-friction repositioning aid made from lightweight nylon. Its endless tube-style construction allows one layer to glide over the other, reducing the friction between the person and the supporting surface during suitable in-bed repositioning and assisted movement.

MoveSmart currently offers three sizes — 95 x 75 cm, 135 x 75 cm and 150 x 75 cm — so the working area can be matched more closely to the intended repositioning task and user.

This type of low-friction transfer sheet is also commonly searched for as a Slippery Sam or Slippery Sam slide sheet. The name is often used conversationally for slide sheets.

How a Tube Slide Sheet Works

The sheet forms a continuous loop rather than a single flat layer. When positioned correctly, the two low-friction nylon surfaces move against each other, allowing a person to be repositioned with less drag than moving directly against the bed linen.

The slide sheet does not lift or suspend the user. Its role is to reduce friction as part of an appropriate moving-and-handling technique.

Choosing the Right Size

The three available sizes provide different amounts of working area. A smaller sheet may be easier to position for a more localised movement, while a longer sheet provides greater coverage where a larger section of the body needs to move.

The correct choice depends on the person, bed, task and technique rather than simply selecting the largest option. Excess loose material can be awkward to manage, while a sheet that is too small may not provide enough low-friction surface for the intended movement.

For Repositioning Rather Than General Transfers

Slide sheets are most commonly used to help with repositioning in bed, such as moving a person higher up the mattress or adjusting their position. They are not a substitute for a transfer board, standing aid, hoist or sling where a different type of transfer is required.

The appropriate number of carers and the movement technique depend on the user and their care plan. If manual handling is uncertain, follow relevant professional guidance rather than improvising a technique.

Reusable Lightweight Nylon

The lightweight nylon is breathable and quick drying, making the sheet practical for repeated care use. Inspect the material and seams before each use and stop using it if the fabric, stitching or low-friction surface becomes damaged.

Key Features

• Low-friction tube design.
• Slip-coated inner surfaces allow the layers to glide over each other.
• Lightweight nylon construction.
• Breathable, quick-drying fabric.
• Three current size options: 95 x 75 cm, 135 x 75 cm and 150 x 75 cm.
• Reusable care and repositioning aid.
• Suitable for use only with an appropriate transfer or repositioning technique.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the slide sheet used for?

It is used to reduce friction during suitable repositioning or assisted movement, particularly in bed.

What sizes are available?

Current variants are 95 x 75 cm, 135 x 75 cm and 150 x 75 cm.

What does tube-style mean?

The sheet forms an endless loop, allowing one nylon layer to slide over the other during movement.

What is it made from?

The current product uses lightweight nylon with low-friction inner surfaces.

Does the slide sheet lift a person?

No. It reduces friction but is not a hoist, sling or weight-bearing lifting device.

Can one person always use it alone?

No. The number of carers required depends on the person, movement and care plan. Use the appropriate manual-handling technique for the situation.

Can it be used for every type of transfer?

No. Slide sheets are primarily repositioning aids. Other transfers may require a transfer board, hoist or different equipment.

Should it be left under a person after repositioning?

Only if the relevant care procedure specifically allows it. Low-friction material can affect stability, so it is normally removed when the task is complete.

How should the correct size be chosen?

Choose a size that provides enough working area for the intended repositioning technique without creating excess loose material.

Is the nylon quick drying?

Yes. The current material is described as breathable and quick drying.

Should the sheet be inspected before use?

Yes. Do not use it if the fabric, seams or low-friction surface are damaged.

Can it be used in home care?

Yes, where the person and carer have an appropriate repositioning technique and the product suits the task.

Is the Patient Transfer Slide Sheet available for delivery across New Zealand?

Yes. All current size variants are available for delivery throughout New Zealand.

Is this transfer sheet a Slippery Sam?

“Slippery Sam” is commonly used as a search term for low-friction patient slide sheets. This product is MoveSmart’s Patient Transfer Slide Sheet, supplied in three sizes. Choose it by the required dimensions, tube-style construction and intended repositioning technique.