Global Patient Lateral Transfer Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In 2020, Arjo acquired Airpal, a patient transfer product-focused company based in the United States. This acquisition strengthened Arjo's market position.
• In 2020, Handicare opened a stairlift manufacturing facility in the United States. The new production facility reduces lead times and gives the company a competitive advantage in the United States. Furthermore, outside of the United States, the company divested its patient-handling products to Direct Healthcare Group in 2020.

The global patient lateral transfer market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing awareness about the importance of patient safety and the rising prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare workers. Lateral transfer devices, such as slide sheets and air-assisted lateral transfer mattresses, are essential in reducing the risk of injuries that can occur during the manual handling of patients. The market's expansion is further driven by the growing elderly population and the rising number of bariatric patients, who require specialized handling to ensure their safety and comfort during transfers.

The patient lateral transfer market can be segmented into products such as air-assisted transfer devices, slide sheets, and transfer accessories. Air-assisted transfer devices dominate the market due to their superior efficacy in reducing friction and effort required during patient transfers. These devices are particularly favored in acute care settings where patient mobility is severely restricted. Slide sheets, on the other hand, are widely used in both hospital and home care settings due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of use. Transfer accessories, which include products like transfer belts and boards, also contribute significantly to the market, offering additional support and safety features during patient movement.

The market is also segmented based on end-users, primarily categorized into hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and home care settings. Hospitals constitute the largest share of the market owing to the high volume of patients requiring lateral transfers and the adoption of advanced transfer technologies to enhance patient and staff safety. Ambulatory surgical centers are also increasingly adopting lateral transfer devices to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of patients undergoing same-day surgical procedures. The home care segment is witnessing rapid growth, driven by the increasing preference for home-based healthcare services and the need for safe patient handling solutions for caregivers.

Geographically, North America holds the largest share of the global patient lateral transfer market, attributed to the advanced healthcare infrastructure, high adoption rate of innovative medical devices, and stringent regulations promoting patient and worker safety. Europe follows closely, with substantial market share driven by the region's focus on improving healthcare standards and increasing awareness about the benefits of safe patient handling. The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, fueled by the expanding healthcare sector, rising geriatric population, and growing investments in healthcare facilities. Emerging economies in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also expected to contribute to market growth, although at a comparatively slower pace due to varied levels of healthcare development and economic conditions.

Global Patient Lateral Transfer Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Patient Lateral Transfer Market has been segmented by Product, End User and Geography.

Global Patient Lateral Transfer Market, Segmentation by Product

The Global Patient Lateral Transfer Market has been segmented by Product into Sliding Sheets and Accessories.

Sliding sheets are one of the primary product segments within the Global Patient Lateral Transfer Market. These sheets are typically made from low-friction materials, allowing caregivers to slide patients with minimal effort, thereby reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries among healthcare workers. Sliding sheets come in various sizes and designs to accommodate different patient needs and settings. They are especially useful in scenarios where frequent transfers are required, such as in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. The ease of use, combined with their ability to significantly improve patient mobility and safety, makes sliding sheets a popular choice in the healthcare industry.

The accessories segment encompasses a range of products that complement sliding sheets, enhancing the overall efficacy of patient lateral transfers. These include items such as transfer belts, glide boards, and repositioning aids. Transfer belts are used to provide additional support and security during the transfer process, particularly for patients who can partially assist with their movements. Glide boards are rigid or semi-rigid devices that facilitate smoother transfers by bridging the gap between two surfaces. Repositioning aids, such as handles or grip sheets, further assist caregivers in adjusting the patient's position without excessive strain. Together, these accessories ensure that patient transfers are not only safer but also more efficient and comfortable for both patients and caregivers.

Global Patient Lateral Transfer Market, Segmentation by End User

The Global Patient Lateral Transfer Market has been segmented by End User into Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Long-Term Care Facilities, and Home Care Settings.

Hospitals stand as the dominant end user segment in the global patient lateral transfer market. The high patient influx and the diverse range of medical procedures performed in hospitals necessitate efficient transfer mechanisms to ensure patient comfort and safety. Consequently, hospitals invest significantly in advanced transfer equipment and systems to streamline patient handling processes.

Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) represent another vital end user segment in the patient lateral transfer market. These facilities specialize in performing same-day surgical procedures, where efficient patient transfer is crucial for optimizing workflow and patient throughput. ASCs prioritize transfer solutions that are not only effective but also compact and easy to maneuver within limited space constraints.

Long-term care facilities cater to patients requiring extended medical supervision, such as those with chronic illnesses or disabilities. In these settings, patient transfers are frequent, and the risk of caregiver injuries is high. Therefore, long-term care facilities prioritize transfer solutions that prioritize both patient comfort and caregiver safety, often opting for equipment that minimizes manual lifting and exertion.

Home care settings represent a growing segment in the patient lateral transfer market as more individuals opt for home-based medical care. In such environments, caregivers often lack formal medical training, necessitating transfer solutions that are user-friendly and require minimal assistance. As a result, there is a rising demand for portable and easy-to-use transfer aids tailored for home care settings.

Global Patient Lateral Transfer Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Patient Lateral Transfer Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Patient Lateral Transfer Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

North America holds a significant share of the global patient lateral transfer market, driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure, high adoption of innovative medical technologies, and a growing focus on patient safety and comfort. The United States, being the largest contributor in this region, benefits from substantial healthcare expenditure and a strong presence of key market players. Additionally, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and an increasing number of surgical procedures further fuel market growth in this region.

Europe stands as another prominent market for patient lateral transfer devices, supported by well-established healthcare systems and a heightened awareness of workplace safety in medical settings. Countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and France are at the forefront due to robust healthcare policies and extensive investments in healthcare technology. The European market also benefits from stringent regulations regarding patient handling and a proactive approach towards minimizing musculoskeletal injuries among healthcare workers.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth in the patient lateral transfer market, attributed to rapid advancements in healthcare infrastructure, increasing healthcare expenditure, and a growing aging population. Emerging economies like China and India are leading this growth due to their large patient base and improving healthcare facilities. Additionally, the increasing awareness about the benefits of lateral transfer devices and a rising number of healthcare initiatives are propelling the market in this region.

The Middle East and Africa region is experiencing a steady growth in the patient lateral transfer market, driven by improving healthcare facilities and increasing investments in the healthcare sector. Countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and South Africa are showing significant progress due to government initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare services and infrastructure. However, market growth in this region is somewhat hampered by economic constraints and limited access to advanced healthcare technologies in certain areas.

Latin America represents a developing market for patient lateral transfer devices, with countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina contributing to market growth. The region's market is bolstered by increasing healthcare awareness, improving medical infrastructure, and rising investments in the healthcare sector. Nonetheless, economic instability and disparities in healthcare access across different countries may pose challenges to the market's expansion. However, ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare systems and increase patient safety are expected to drive gradual growth in this region.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Patient Lateral Transfer Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers:

• Growing focus on patient safety
• Increasing prevalence of obesity
• Rising geriatric population globally
• Technological advancements in transfer devices

• Healthcare infrastructure development: The global patient lateral transfer market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for safe and efficient patient handling solutions. Lateral transfer devices, which include air-assisted lateral transfer mattresses, slide sheets, and transfer boards, are essential in minimizing the risk of injury to both patients and healthcare workers during patient transfers. The rise in musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare professionals due to manual patient handling has prompted healthcare facilities to adopt these devices. Technological advancements, such as the development of motorized and automated transfer devices, are also contributing to the market's expansion. Moreover, the growing awareness of patient safety and the implementation of strict regulations and guidelines for manual handling in healthcare settings are fueling the demand for advanced lateral transfer solutions.

  Healthcare infrastructure development plays a crucial role in the growth of the patient lateral transfer market. Investments in healthcare infrastructure, especially in developing regions, are leading to the establishment of new hospitals and healthcare facilities equipped with modern patient handling equipment. Government initiatives and funding for improving healthcare services, along with the rising healthcare expenditure, are further driving the market. Additionally, the increasing adoption of advanced medical technologies and the expansion of private healthcare providers are enhancing the capacity and quality of healthcare services, thereby boosting the demand for efficient patient transfer solutions. As healthcare infrastructure continues to evolve, the patient lateral transfer market is expected to witness sustained growth, ensuring better patient care and safety.

Restraints:

• High cost of equipment
• Lack of awareness among professionals
• Limited reimbursement policies
• Equipment maintenance challenges

• Complexity of device usage: The global patient lateral transfer market, which focuses on devices that assist in moving patients from one surface to another, has experienced significant growth driven by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, increasing geriatric population, and the need to enhance patient safety and comfort during transfers. These devices, including slide sheets, air-assisted transfer devices, and transfer boards, are crucial in reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries among healthcare workers. However, the complexity of device usage can be a significant barrier to widespread adoption.

  The complexity of using patient lateral transfer devices can pose challenges in both training and practical application. Healthcare professionals need adequate training to handle these devices efficiently to ensure patient safety and avoid any potential injuries. For instance, air-assisted transfer devices, which are highly effective, require proper handling and inflation techniques. Misuse or improper technique can lead to patient discomfort or even injury, negating the benefits of these devices. Furthermore, integrating these devices into the workflow of busy healthcare settings can be challenging. Staff may find it difficult to adapt to new equipment amidst their routine, which can lead to reluctance in using these devices consistently. This underscores the need for user-friendly designs and comprehensive training programs to ensure that the benefits of patient lateral transfer devices are fully realized.

Opportunities:

• Emerging markets expansion
• Innovations in transfer technologies
• Government initiatives and funding
• Training programs for caregivers

• Integration with smart healthcare systems: The global patient lateral transfer market is witnessing a significant surge in demand, largely driven by the integration of smart healthcare systems. These systems are revolutionizing patient care by leveraging technologies like IoT, AI, and big data analytics to enhance efficiency and improve outcomes. Integration with smart healthcare systems allows for seamless data exchange between patient transfer devices and hospital networks, enabling real-time monitoring of patient movements, vital signs, and other critical information. As a result, healthcare providers can make more informed decisions, streamline workflows, and ultimately deliver better quality care to patients.

  The integration of patient lateral transfer systems with smart healthcare platforms enables predictive analytics and proactive interventions. By analyzing data patterns and historical trends, these systems can anticipate patient transfer needs, prevent adverse events such as falls or pressure ulcers, and optimize resource allocation. Furthermore, interoperability with electronic health records (EHRs) ensures continuity of care and facilitates communication among healthcare teams, leading to enhanced coordination and collaboration. Overall, the integration of patient lateral transfer solutions with smart healthcare systems represents a paradigm shift in patient care delivery, promising improved safety, efficiency, and patient outcomes across the healthcare continuum.

Key players in Global Patient Lateral Transfer Market include:

• Stryker Corporation
• Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc
• Arjo
• Getinge AB
• HoverTech International
• EZ Way, Inc
• Airpal, Inc
• Samarit Medical AG
• Handicare Group AB
• Patient Positioning Systems LLC

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis