Manual Hoyer Patient Lifts

Are these Hoyer lifts?

You've probably heard the term "Hoyer lift" — it's become the common name for any full-body patient lift, the way Kleenex is used for tissue. Hoyer is actually a brand name, but it's now widely used to describe an entire category of equipment. Every lift on this page is a manual hydraulic patient lift — what most people mean when they say manual Hoyer lift.

Electric vs. Manual — What's the Difference?

Both electric and manual patient lifts use a sling and spreader bar to support the patient. The difference is how the lifting happens.

A manual hydraulic lift uses a hand pump — the caregiver pumps a handle to raise the patient, similar to a floor jack. Manual lifts are lower cost and don't require charging, but they require physical effort on every transfer.

An electric lift uses a rechargeable battery and a hand pendant. Press up, the patient rises. Press down, they lower. No pumping, no physical effort. For caregivers doing multiple transfers a day, or those with back or shoulder limitations, the difference is significant.

All lifts on this page are manual hydraulic models. If you're looking for a battery-powered electric lift, see our electric Hoyer patient lifts.

Why Choose a Manual Patient Lift?

• Lower cost — manual lifts are significantly less expensive than electric models
• No charging required — no battery to charge, no downtime between transfers
• No power failure risk — fully mechanical; works anywhere, anytime
• Simple to operate — pump to raise, release valve to lower; no electronics to learn
• Medicare coverage — manual hydraulic patient lifts are covered by Medicare Part B as durable medical equipment (see details below)
• Lighter and easier to move — no battery or motor weight; easier to maneuver between rooms

How to Choose the Right Manual Patient Lift

Use the filters to narrow your choices. Here's what matters most when comparing manual lifts:

Weight Capacity

This is the most important spec. Choose a lift rated comfortably above your patient's weight — not right at the limit. Working at or near a weight limit adds wear and increases risk. Most lifts on this page handle up to 400–450 lbs. If your patient is above that range, filter for our bariatric model, which handles up to 1,000 lbs.

Base Height

The base height determines whether the lift can slide under the patient's bed. Most beds clear 5"–7" off the floor. Check the base height spec against your bed height before ordering — if the lift won't slide under, floor transfers become more complicated. Most lifts on this page have a base height between 5.5" and 7".

Sling Compatibility

All manual lifts on this page accommodate 2, 4, and 6-point slings — so sling type won't limit your choice here. What matters is choosing the right sling style for your patient's transfer needs. See our patient lift slings for full body, divided leg, commode-opening, and mesh bathing options.

Is This the Right Type of Lift?

A full-body manual patient lift is designed for patients who cannot bear any weight on their legs during a transfer. If your loved one still has some ability to stand or bear weight — even limited — a sit-to-stand lift may be a better and less expensive fit. Not sure which type is right? Call us at 1-800-956-6616 and we'll help you figure it out before you buy.

Compatible Patient Lift Slings

Every manual patient lift requires a sling — the fabric support that holds the patient during a transfer. Slings are sold separately or bundled with the lift at checkout depending on the model. The right sling depends on the transfer type: full body, divided leg, mesh bathing, and commode-opening styles are all available. Browse compatible patient lift slings here.

Does Medicare Cover Manual Hoyer Lifts?

Yes — Medicare Part B covers manual hydraulic patient lifts as durable medical equipment when prescribed as medically necessary by a physician. This is one of the meaningful advantages of a manual lift over an electric one for Medicare beneficiaries.

That said, ADHME does not bill Medicare directly. To keep our costs down and pass those savings on to you, we operate outside the Medicare billing system. What we do provide is a detailed paid invoice including the product's HCPCS code, which you can submit to Medicare or your supplemental insurer for reimbursement. Any direct Medicare billing requires the purchase to go through a Medicare-enrolled DMEPOS supplier — if that's the priority, we'd recommend going that route instead.

For private insurance, many insurers cover patient lifts when prescribed as medically necessary. Contact your insurer before ordering to confirm your coverage and any required documentation.

Patient lifts are also generally eligible expenses under HSA and FSA accounts. The paid invoice ADHME provides serves as your documentation for reimbursement.

Why Buy From American Discount Home Medical Equipment?

We've been in the home medical equipment business for over 30 years — first in a brick-and-mortar store in San Jose, now online serving customers across the country. We carry manual patient lifts from brands we've evaluated and chosen to stand behind — at every price point from entry-level to bariatric.

Every lift ships free to the contiguous U.S. with no minimum order, and we back our prices with a lowest-price guarantee. If you're not sure which lift is right for your situation, call us at 1-800-956-6616 or start a live chat. We know patient lifts, we know slings, and we'll help you make a decision you feel confident about.

Financing is available through BreadPay — quick approval, payments starting as low as $33/month.