Patient Lateral Transfer Market Size, Share, Growth & Industry Analysis, By Product Type (Air-assisted Transfer Devices, Slide Sheets, Transfer Boards & Other Products), By Usage (Single-patient Use, Multi-patient Use), By Technology, By End-User, By Weight Capacity, and Regional Analysis, 2024-2031

Patient Lateral Transfer Market Size

The global Patient Lateral Transfer Market size was valued at USD 508.9 million in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 551.1 million in 2024 to USD 979.9 million by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.57% during the forecast period. The market is expanding as healthcare facilities prioritize enhancing patient handling efficiency.

Innovations in device design, such as improved materials and ergonomic features, are driving adoption. Additionally, increasing awareness about workplace safety and patient comfort is prompting healthcare providers to invest in advanced transfer solutions. These factors are contributing to the growing demand for patient lateral transfer devices and fueling market growth.

In the scope of work, the report includes solutions offered by companies such as Arjo, Medline Industries, Inc., AliMed, HoverTech International., EZ Way Inc., Haines Medical Australia, Patient Positioning Systems, LLC., Stryker, Agiliti Health, Inc., Wy’East Medical., and others. 

The patient lateral transfer market is experiencing rapid expansion due to significant technological advancements, including automated and motorized transfer devices that enhance patient safety and comfort while reducing physical strain on healthcare workers. The rising product demand is driven by the increasing geriatric population and growing burden of chronic diseases.

• According to United Nations 2022, the global population aged 65 years or above is projected to rise from 10% in 2022 to 16% by 2050, with the number of individuals aged 65 or older expected to surpass the number of children under age 5.

This demographic shift, coupled with a increaseing prevalence of chronic conditions among the elderly, is expected to further boost the demand for patient lateral transfer devices, significantly contributing to the market growth significantly.

Patient lateral transfer refers to the process of moving a patient horizontally from one surface to another, such as from a bed to a stretcher or vice versa. This procedure is crucial in healthcare settings to ensure patient safety and comfort, as well as prevent injury during transfers.

Specialized equipment, such as transfer sheets, slide boards, and motorized devices, facilitates these movements while minimizing physical strain on healthcare workers and reducing the risk of patient falls or discomfort. Effective patient lateral transfer is essential to maintain high standards of pateint care and efficiency in patient handling practices within healthcare facilities.

Analyst’s Review

Increasing investments by organizations in training programs and ergonomic assessments are promoting proper lifting techniques and the effective use of assistive devices, which is leading to reduced injury rates among healthcare staff members.

• In 2023, Medline demonstrated its commitment to enhancing the U.S. healthcare supply chain by investing an additional USD 300 million into its Healthcare Resilience Initiative. This brings its total investment to USD 2 billion, aimed at improving distribution, manufacturing, and sustainability within the sector.

Such initiatives highlight the ongoing efforts to advance customer service and operational efficiency in the healthcare industry. Key players are leveraging investments in training and ergonomic solutions to enhance market growth by improving staff safety and operational efficiency. By committing substantial resources to initiatives like Medline's Healthcare Resilience, companies are advancing their supply chain capabilities and customer services, driving the overall market expansion.

Patient Lateral Transfer Market Growth Factors

The increasing prevalence of obesity and chronic diseases, including cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders, is significantly propelling the growth of the patient lateral transfer market.

• According to WHO data from July 2022, musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) were the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting 1.71 billion people in 2021. This significant global burden is anticipated to drive the demand for orthopedic splints, thereby contributing to the overall market growth. The prevalence of MSDs supports the increasing need for effective orthopedic solutions to address and manage these widespread conditions.

As these health disorders involve frequent and safe patient transfers for treatment, there is a rising demand for advanced transfer devices designed to accommodate heavier patients. These devices ensure safe and efficient transfers, thereby enhancing patient care and reducing the risk of injuries among healthcare providers. 

A major challenge hindering market growth is the high cost of advanced patient lateral transfer devices, which can limit their adoption in budget-constrained healthcare facilities. Additionally, the complex working of some devices may require extensive training for proper use, slowing implementation. A recent voluntary recall by Sizewise Manufacturing in January 2024 for its Bari Lift and Transfer device, due to potential injury risks, highlights the current safety concerns in this industry.

Key players are addressing these challenges by developing cost-effective solutions, enhancing device safety, and offering comprehensive training programs. These upgrades aim to facilitate easier adoption and mitigate risks, supporting overall market expansion.

Patient Lateral Transfer Market Trends

Healthcare facilities are increasingly emphasizing infection control, which is driving the demand for patient lateral transfer devices that minimize direct patient handling. These facilities are continuously adopting single-use or easily sterilizable transfer devices to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).

This trend is gaining momentum as stringent regulations and guidelines are consistently reinforcing the need for improved hygiene and safety standards. By investing in these devices, healthcare providers are enhancing patient safety in compliance with regulatory requirements, thereby propelling market growth in the patient lateral transfer market.

The ongoing advancements in patient lateral transfer technologies have resulted in the introduction of automated and motorized devices, which is significantly propelling market growth. These innovations enhance patient safety and comfort while reducing physical strain on healthcare workers, which facilitates higher product adoption within healthcare facilities.

The integration of advanced sensors and materials ensures smoother and more efficient patient transfers, aligning with the industry’s push for improved ergonomic and safety standards. As healthcare providers recognize the benefits of these sophisticated solutions, such as reduced manual handling and lower injury rates, the demand for such technologies is expected to rise. Therefore, the growing acceptance and implementation of various patient lateral transfer devices are driving the expansion of the market.

Segmentation Analysis

The global market is segmented based on product type, usage, technology, end user, and geography.

By Product Type

Based on product type, the patient lateral transfer market is categorized into air-assisted transfer devices, slide sheets, transfer boards, mechanical lateral transfer devices, and other products. The air-assisted transfer devices segment garnered the highest revenue of USD 228.4 million in 2023. It is further bifurcated into reusable, and disposable segments.

These devices utilize air cushions or inflatable systems to facilitate smooth lateral transfers, reducing friction and minimizing physical strain on healthcare workers. Their ability to enhance patient comfort and safety by providing a gentle, controlled transfer is expected to drive product adoption in various healthcare settings.

Additionally, advancements in air-assisted technology, such as high-quality materials and enhanced control mechanisms, are further fueling segment growth. As healthcare facilities prioritize ergonomic solutions and efficient patient handling, the demand for air-assisted transfer devices is expanding, contributing significantly to the overall market growth.

By Usage

Based on usage, the market is categorized into single-patient use and multi-patient use. The single-patient use segment captured the largest market share of 55.65% in 2023. Devices designed for single use help minimize the risk of cross-contamination and hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) by eliminating the need for extensive cleaning between uses.

This segment benefits from the rising emphasis on hygiene and stringent healthcare regulations. The convenience and effectiveness of single-patient use products are driving their adoption across healthcare facilities. As healthcare providers seek to enhance patient safety and comply with infection control standards, the demand for single-patient use devices is expected to grow, significantly boosting the segment growth.

By Technology

Based on technology, the market is categorized into manual transfer devices, powered transfer devices, and hybrid transfer devices. The manual transfer devices segment is expected to register the highest revenue of USD 486.7 million by 2031.

Manual transfer devices, such as transfer boards and slide sheets, are valued for their simplicity, ease of use, and ability to facilitate safe patient transfers without relying on complex technologies. The segment's growth is driven by their affordability compared to automated systems and their effectiveness in increasing the convenience of healthcare workers while ensuring patient safety.

Additionally, the increasing focus on ergonomic solutions and manual handling training in healthcare facilities supports the segment’s expansion, as these devices remain fundamental to patient handling protocols.

By End-User

Based on end-user, the market is categorized into hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, home care settings, others. The hospitals segment is expected to capture the largest patient lateral transfer market share of 40.12% by 2031. The hospitals segment has been further divided into public and private segments.

The increasing prevalence of mobility disabilities and the growing geriatric population contribute significantly to the demand for efficient patient transfer solutions. Hospitals, which are experiencing a rise in patient admissions, require reliable and safe transfer devices to manage higher patient loads effectively.

• For instance, data from the National Health Service (NHS) indicates that hospital admissions reached nearly 16 million in 2021 and 2022, reflecting a slight uptick from the previous year.

Therefore, the growing demand for hospital services drives the need for advanced lateral transfer devices, reinforcing the segment's dominance and expansion in the market.

Patient Lateral Transfer Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, MEA, and Latin America.

North America patient lateral transfer market share stood around 41.42% in 2023 in the global market, with a valuation of USD 210.8 million, mainly due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, a high prevalence of chronic diseases, and a significant aging population.

The region's emphasis on improving patient safety and reducing injuries to healthcare worker is fueling the demand for efficient transfer solutions. Additionally, stringent healthcare regulations and increasing investments in healthcare facilities drive market growth. For example, Medlin has made substantial investments in enhancing the U.S. healthcare supply chain; this indicates the region's commitment to advancing patient handling practices.

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to witness the fastest growth at a CAGR of 9.29% over the forecast period. The market growth in this region is expected to be driven by rapid healthcare infrastructure development and rising healthcare expenditure. Increasing awareness around patient safety and the adoption of advanced medical technologies are driving market growth.

The region's diverse demographic, growing elderly population, and increasing prevalence of mobility-related diseases, is contributing to the demand for efficient transfer solutions. Government initiatives and investments aimed at improving healthcare access and quality in emerging markets are further stimulating market growth.

Competitive Landscape

The global patient lateral transfer market report will provide valuable insights with an emphasis on the fragmented nature of the industry. Prominent players are focusing on several key business strategies, such as partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, product innovations, and joint ventures, to expand their product portfolio and increase their market shares across different regions.

Companies are implementing impactful strategic initiatives, such as expanding services, investing in research and development (R&D), establishing new service delivery centers, and optimizing their service delivery processes, which are likely to create new opportunities for market growth.

List of Key Companies in Patient Lateral Transfer Market

• Arjo
• Medline Industries, Inc.
• AliMed
• HoverTech International.
• EZ Way Inc.
• Haines Medical Australia
• Patient Positioning Systems, LLC.
• Stryker
• Agiliti Health, Inc.
• Wy’East Medical.

Key Industry Development

• September 2023 (Product Launch): Pelstar LLC, along with its subsidiaries McAuley Medical and Bridge Healthcare, introduced the BridgeAir Breathable Air-Assisted Lateral Transfer and Repositioning Mattress. This new product is expected to enhance patient safety and comfort during lateral transfers and repositioning.

The global patient lateral transfer market is segmented as:

By Product Type

• Air-assisted Transfer Devices
  • Reusable
  • Disposable
• Slide Sheets
  • Reusable
  • Disposable
• Transfer Boards
• Mechanical Lateral Transfer Devices
  • Electric
  • Manual
• Other Products
  • Belts and Slings
  • Transfer Chairs

By Usage

• Single-patient Use
• Multi-patient Use

By Technology

• Manual Transfer Devices
• Powered Transfer Devices
• Hybrid Transfer Devices

By End-User

• Hospitals
  • Public
  • Private
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs)
• Nursing Homes
• Rehabilitation Centers
• Home Care Settings
• Others

By Weight Capacity

• For Patients < 150 lbs
• For Patients 150-300 lbs
• For Patients > 300 lbs

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • France
  • UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • North Africa
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America