Sling selection is especially important with the Hoyer Calibre 850. The Calibre is a high-capacity bariatric floor lift with an 850 lb safe working load and a 6-point cradle designed for compatible loop-style slings.
Not every standard Hoyer sling is appropriate for the Calibre. The sling must match the patient's measurements, transfer needs, attachment style, and required safe working load.
Calibre 6-Point Cradle
The Hoyer Calibre uses a 6-point cradle with loop-style sling attachment points.
The 6-point system allows positioning adjustments by selecting different sling loops at the shoulder, hip, and leg attachment points.
The Calibre cradle should be used only with compatible loop-style slings designed for the installed attachment system.
Joerns-Recommended Bariatric Hammock Sling
The current Joerns Calibre user manual specifically identifies the Hoyer Bariatric Hammock Sling for use with the Calibre's 6-point cradle.
This is the primary sling we recommend starting with when evaluating a bariatric sling for the Calibre because it is directly documented by Joerns for this lift.
Hoyer Bariatric Hammock Sling
The Hoyer Bariatric Hammock Sling is designed for patients who require extensive full-body support.
Key features include:
- 850 lb safe working load
- Loop-style attachment
- Designed for 6-point spreader bars and cradles
- Integral head support
- Padded leg sections
- Designed for patients with high dependency levels
- Available in bariatric sizes from XL through 5XL
Joerns describes the Bariatric Hammock Sling as a specialized sling designed to provide full protection for patients who may go into extension, have involuntary movement, or require substantial support.
Bariatric Hammock Sling Sizes
Joerns offers the Bariatric Hammock Sling in the following bariatric size range:
- XL
- 2XL
- 3XL
- 4XL
- 5XL
Do not select sling size from patient weight alone. Body shape, torso dimensions, hip width, positioning requirements, and the specific transfer should also be considered.
Can You Use a Standard 500 lb Hoyer Sling on the Calibre?
A standard Hoyer loop sling may physically use the same general attachment style, but that does not mean it is appropriate for every Calibre patient.
Many standard Hoyer loop slings are rated to 500 lb. The Calibre itself is rated to 850 lb.
If a sling is rated to 500 lb, then the complete transfer system is limited to 500 lb even though the Calibre lift has a higher capacity.
Never exceed the safe working load of the sling or any other component in the transfer system.
Quickfit Bariatric Sling
Hoyer also manufactures a bariatric Quickfit sling designed for higher-weight patients using compatible loop-style lift systems.
The Quickfit design is intended to provide a more upright seated position and uses adjustable loop attachments for positioning.
Before using any Quickfit Bariatric sling with the Calibre, verify the exact sling model, safe working load, size, and current Joerns compatibility information for the patient's transfer.
Bariatric Full Back Sling
A properly rated Hoyer Bariatric Full Back Sling may also be considered when the patient's support needs and the specific sling configuration are appropriate.
Full Back designs generally provide more body and head support than lower-support sling styles.
Always confirm the exact sling's safe working load and current Joerns compatibility before use with the Calibre.
Do Not Substitute Standard Access Slings for Bariatric Support
A standard Hoyer Access sling should not automatically be recommended for a Calibre patient simply because it uses loop attachments.
Access and toileting slings provide less body support than full-body sling designs and may also have lower safe working loads.
For bariatric toileting transfers, the patient should be assessed for the required level of trunk, head, and thigh support, and the selected sling must have an appropriate safe working load.
How to Choose a Sling for the Calibre
Sling selection should consider:
- Patient weight
- Patient height
- Hip and torso dimensions
- Body shape and weight distribution
- Head control
- Trunk control
- Level of dependency
- Transfer type
- Positioning requirements
- Sling safe working load
- Loop attachment compatibility
For higher-weight patients, correct sizing is especially important because a sling that is too small or too large can affect positioning, comfort, and attachment geometry.
Safe Working Load: Lift vs Sling
The Calibre has an 850 lb safe working load.
The Joerns Bariatric Hammock Sling is also rated to 850 lb.
Other slings may have lower ratings.
The maximum usable load of the transfer system is always determined by the lowest-rated component.
Inspect the Sling Before Every Transfer
Joerns recommends checking the sling regularly and particularly before every use.
Inspect for:
- Fraying
- Cuts
- Tears
- Damaged stitching
- Worn loops
- Heat or chemical damage
- Other signs of deterioration
Do not use a sling that is worn or damaged.
Use Genuine Hoyer Slings
Joerns specifically recommends using genuine Hoyer slings with Hoyer lifts.
Hoyer lifts and slings are designed and tested as systems. Do not assume that another manufacturer's sling is compatible simply because the attachment loops appear similar.
Calibre Integrated Scale
The Calibre includes an integrated digital patient scale as standard equipment.
The scale allows caregivers to obtain patient weight during the lifting process without transferring the patient to a separate scale.
This is especially useful when monitoring bariatric patients whose weight may be difficult to obtain using standard floor or chair scales.
Scale Does Not Increase Lift Capacity
The integrated scale does not increase the Calibre's 850 lb safe working load.
The safe working load of the sling and every other component must still be observed.
Powered Base
The Calibre comes with powered leg adjustment.
The powered base allows caregivers to open and close the legs using the hand control rather than manually spreading the base.
This is particularly helpful when positioning the Calibre around bariatric beds, wheelchairs, recliners, and other large transfer surfaces.
Smart Monitor
Hoyer Smart Monitor technology is standard on the Calibre.
It provides information related to:
- Lift usage
- Lift cycles
- Overload events
- Battery status
- Service reminders
These features help caregivers and service teams monitor equipment usage and preventive-maintenance needs.
Wrap-Around Caregiver Handle
The Calibre uses an extra-wide wrap-around push handle.
The design allows multiple caregivers to assist with maneuvering the lift, which is particularly important during higher-weight bariatric transfers.
Articulated Front Casters
Joerns equips the Calibre with articulated front casters to help maneuver heavier loads across uneven floors and thresholds.
Floors and travel paths should still be cleared before every transfer.
Minimum Two-Caregiver Operation
Joerns specifies a minimum of two caregivers for operation of the Calibre.
The number of caregivers required for a particular patient or transfer may be greater depending on the care plan, patient condition, environment, and facility procedures.
Calibre Accessories to Consider
Useful Calibre-related equipment can include:
- Genuine Hoyer Bariatric Hammock Sling
- Additional properly rated bariatric loop slings
- Replacement battery packs
- Off-board battery charger
- Genuine caster assemblies
- Replacement hand control
- Powered-base actuator components
- Smart Monitor/control components
- Scale service and replacement components
Always verify that a replacement part or accessory is specifically compatible with the Hoyer Calibre before ordering.
Best Sling for Maximum Calibre Capacity
For a patient whose weight requires the full capacity range of the Calibre, the sling must have a safe working load that is appropriate for that weight.
The Hoyer Bariatric Hammock Sling is rated to 850 lb and is specifically identified in the current Joerns Calibre manual.
That makes it the strongest documented starting point when selecting a sling for higher-weight Calibre transfers.
Use the Hoyer Sling Compatibility Chart
Before ordering a sling, use our Hoyer Sling Compatibility Chart to review attachment style and lift compatibility.
You can also use our Hoyer Sling Size & Compatibility Finder for additional sizing guidance.
Related Hoyer Patient Lifts
- 700 lb bariatric alternative → Hoyer HPL700
- 500 lb professional option → Hoyer Presence Pro 500
- 500 lb vertical-lift option → Hoyer Stature
- 450 lb electric option → Hoyer HPL450
Need Help Choosing a Sling for the Hoyer Calibre?
Call 877-33-HOYER or email support@myhoyerlift.com with the patient's height, weight, body measurements, transfer type, and support needs. We can help you identify the appropriate sling size, safe working load, and genuine Hoyer accessories for your Hoyer Calibre 850.
