LOSCHEN Tubular Slide Sheet
A tubular sheet that slides on itself, so a person can be moved up the bed or turned with far less friction and strain on the carer.
Slide Sheets for Patients: Types and How to Use
A slide sheet is a low-friction fabric sheet, often a tube, that lets a carer move someone up the bed, turn them or reposition them without lifting or dragging their skin across the mattress. It is one of the most useful and least expensive handling aids, and the right one depends on the move, the bed and how often it is needed.
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What Are Slide Sheets for Patients Used For?
Most people slide down the bed over time, especially when the head end is raised. Pulling them back up by the arms or under the armpits hurts both the person and the carer. A sheet placed under the person reduces the friction so they can be moved up the bed, turned on to their side for washing or changing, or shifted across the bed with far less effort. Many people who can help a little can also use a sheet to move themselves.
Which Type of Sheet Do You Need?
| Type | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Tubular sheet | A closed tube of slippery fabric that slides on itself | Moving up the bed and turning, the most common choice |
| Flat sheet pair | Two flat sheets used together, one on top of the other | Larger moves and bariatric users |
| Sheet with handles | Tube or flat sheet with loops along the edges | Gives carers a better grip without bending as far |
| In-bed system | Sheet that stays on the bed with a fixed base layer | Frequent repositioning in long-term care |
How to Use a Slide Sheet
- Explain the move and lower the bed head flat if it is safe to do so.
- Raise the bed to a comfortable working height for the carers.
- Roll the person slightly to one side and tuck the rolled sheet underneath, then roll them back and unroll it.
- Check the sheet sits under the shoulders and hips.
- With a carer on each side, use small shifts of body weight to slide the person in the right direction, rather than pulling with the arms.
- Remove the sheet afterwards by pulling the bottom layer out from underneath.
Do not leave a sheet under a person unless it is a type designed to stay in place, because it can make them slide down the bed. Training from an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or district nurse is strongly advised before using one at home.
How Big Should the Sheet Be?
Sheets come in different widths and lengths. A sheet wide enough to reach from shoulder to hip suits most moves up the bed, while longer sheets help when turning someone or moving them across a wide bed. Larger users need bariatric versions. Check the dimensions on each listing and compare them with the person and the bed.
Using Sheets with Transfer Boards
A sheet can also make a board transfer easier by reducing friction between the person and the board. Some boards come with a sheet. For lifting someone who cannot help at all, a hoist is the right tool; our transfer aids guide explains where each piece of equipment fits.
When Would a Slide Sheet Help?
If a carer regularly hauls someone up the bed, if the person winces when moved or if skin on the heels, elbows or back looks red after repositioning, a sheet is likely to help. It also helps when one carer is much smaller than the person they support, or when a relative is doing the caring alone between visits. Sheets are inexpensive and often supplied free by community nursing teams, so ask before buying. If moving the person still takes a lot of effort even with a sheet, ask for a reassessment, as a profiling bed, a different mattress or a hoist may be needed.
Choosing a Sheet for Home Use
For most homes, a medium tubular sheet is the best starting point. Choose one with handles if carers have back or wrist problems, as handles reduce the need to bend over the bed. A second, larger sheet is useful for turning. Bright colours make the sheet easy to spot in a pile of laundry, and a label showing which way the fabric slides helps new carers.
Washing and Care
Most sheets are machine washable, but check the label, because high temperatures and fabric conditioner can spoil the slippery coating. Dry them flat or on a line rather than in a hot tumble dryer. Keep them clean and replace any sheet that has holes, worn patches or broken handles. Having two sheets means one can be washed while the other is in use.
Skin and Comfort
Sliding rather than dragging is gentler on the skin, which matters for people who spend long periods in bed. Pair good handling with a suitable mattress and regular position changes, and ask the district nurse about a pressure care plan if the person is at risk of skin damage. The NHS pressure ulcers page explains the warning signs to watch for.
The sheets below were in stock when we checked each listing, and they include tubular, flat and handled designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can One Carer Manage Alone?
Some moves can be done by one carer, but many care plans need two. Follow the advice from your assessment.
Should the Sheet Stay Under the Person?
Only if it is designed to. Standard sheets should be removed after each move to stop the person slipping.
Can Someone Move Themselves with One?
Yes, some people use one to move themselves up the bed by pushing with their heels and elbows.
Is a Slide Sheet the Same as a Turning Sheet?
The terms overlap. Turning sheet usually means a sheet with handles used to roll someone on to their side.
Can One Carer Use a Slide Sheet Alone?
Some small moves, such as helping someone shuffle back in a chair, can be done by one carer. Moving an adult up the bed or turning them usually needs two people, one on each side. Follow the moving and handling plan from the nurse or therapist, and never lift the person with the sheet.
Slide Sheets to Compare
Slideezi Tubular Roller Slide Sheet
Small 40 cm by 60 cm roller sheet, handy for shuffling back in a chair or turning the legs in bed. Washable and cheap to keep as a spare.
Agatige Extra Large Tubular Slide Sheet
At 140 cm by 68 cm it covers the body from shoulders to hips, which suits taller adults and full moves up the bed.
Blue Tubular Slide Sheet
Low-friction tubular sheet for repositioning that can go in the wash between uses.
Interweave Reusable Tubular Slide Sheet
Reusable sheet sold in several lengths, for moves in bed and helping someone shift in a chair.
Interweave Flat Slide Sheets Pack of Two
Two large flat sheets of 140 cm by 200 cm, used as a pair for full-length moves. The flat style suits lateral transfers between beds.
ANBANREY Waterproof Slide Sheet
Waterproof sheet of about 120 cm by 90 cm, useful where continence is a concern and the sheet stays on the bed.
NurtureCare Slide Sheet with Handles
Eight handles give carers something firm to hold, so they keep their backs straight during the move.