The best transfer board should be sturdy above all else and designed for smooth patient transfers. MABIS DMI’s patient slide assist transfer board is just this and more with a durable tapered edge that makes transfers easy. Dual cutout handles make it easy for caregivers to get a firm hold, while rounded corners help prevent any painful pokes. Learn more about this and other transfer boards in our guide below.
Our Winner -Heavy-Duty Wood Transfer Board by MABIS DMI
The patient slide assist transfer board by MABIS DMI is able to support up to 440 lbs and at 30 inches long it a tool that any caregiver can rely on.
Buy on AmazonTransfer boards are a simple caregiving tool, but one that should be chosen carefully to find the best quality. Whether you’re looking for wood or plastic, the best transfer board should be long enough to meet your patient’s everyday needs, and strong enough to support their body weight. Some boards feature moving pieces while others have a more straightforward look. Take a look at some of the options listed below to find the perfect choice for your patients’ needs.
Our Top Picks
Our Winner
MABIS DMI
Heavy-Duty Wood Transfer Board
Professional's Pick
MABIS DMI
Heavy-Duty Plastic Transfer Board
Top Choice
Vive
Patient Slide Assist Transfer Board
The 7 Best Transfer Boards
| Product | Brand | Weight Capacity | Material | Moving Pieces | Length | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy-Duty Wood Transfer Board | MABIS DMI | 440 lbs | Wood | No | 30" |  |
| Heavy-Duty Plastic Transfer Board | MABIS DMI | 220 lbs | Plastic | No | 30" | |
| Patient Slide Assist Transfer Board | Vive | 440 lbs | Wood | No | 29" | |
| Easy Transfer System | BeasyGlyder | 400 lbs | Plastic | Yes | 32" | |
| Wooden Slide Transfer Board | Allvinda | 500 lbs | Wood | No | 30" | |
| Curved Transfer Board | Days | 336 lbs | Plastic | No | 27" | |
| Bariatric Transfer Board | Sammons Preston | 600 lbs | Wood | No | 35" | |
Our Winner: Heavy-Duty Wood Transfer Board by MABIS DMI
Buy on AmazonWhen it comes to durability, it’s hard to beat this heavy-duty wood transfer board by MABIS DMI. At 30 inches long, it’s the perfect length to transfer in and out of wheelchairs, beds, and sofas while staying maneuverable enough to be used easily. Tapered edges help patients onto and off the board, while ergonomic cutout handles simplify caregivers’ job. In short, it’s everything a transfer board should be, with quality you can count on.
Main Features
- 440 lbs weight capacity
- 30 inches
- Ergonomic cutout handles
- Sandded and sealed wood
- Smooth tapered edges for easy transfers
Pros:
- Basic design for reliable transfers
- Good for wheelchairs, beds, chairs, and sofas
- Available in six sizes and styles
- Lightweight, at just 1 lb
Cons:
- Slightly narrower design
- Grip texture on bottom of board makes it harder to remove
Professional's Pick: Heavy-Duty Plastic Transfer Board by MABIS DMI
Plastic transfer boards offer a few unique benefits of their own, including increased resistance to water and a smoother surface to simplify patient transfers. The design of this sliding board features a contoured shape, which slides easily under patients on any surface. And while it has a lower weight capacity, it has a high durability that will last for years as long as it’s used properly. It’s all good choice if need a transfer board to use in the bath or shower.
Main Features
- 220 lbs weight capacity
- 30 inch length
- More durable than wood
- Contoured plastic for easy sliding
- Lightweight design
Pros:
- Plastic better resists moisture
- FSA eligable
- Smooth surface easy to remove from under patients
- Ergonomic, comfortable design
Cons:
- No handles
- Lower weight capacity
Top Choice: Patient Slide Assist Transfer Board by Vive
Durable sealed wood helps make this patient transfer board by Vive incredibly crack and chip resistant. It’s durability equates to many years of use, as well as peace of mind for both patients and caregivers. The dual beveled handles can be gripped easily from multiple angles, and since the board is so thin and lightweight, storing it is no problem. If you want to test it’s quality for yourself, there’s nor reason to wait as the 60-day guarantee ensures no-risk buying.
Main Features
- 440 lbs weight capacity
- 29 inch length
- Durable sealed wood
- Twin handles
- Smooth surface for easy sliding
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable design
- Resistant to cracking and chipping
- Smooth, beveled edges
- 60 day guarantee
Cons:
- Not ideal for showers or baths
- Some users still snag clothing on the edges
The Other Transfer Boards We Reviewed
Easy Transfer System by BeasyGlyder
The unique design of this transfer board will be an asset to caregivers looking for easy transfers. It features a movable disk which slides along the length of the board, while also rotating to help patients get on and off. It has a weight capacity of 400 lbs, meaning almost anyone can use it safely. However, while the sliding mechanism in the board has the potential to simplify transfers, it can also add an extra element of difficulty, as the caregiver needs to control the patient.
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Wooden Slide Transfer Board by Allvinda
While this board may look like a standard wood transfer board, it offers a few small advantages due to being made of hardwood. It’s more durable and has a greater weight capacity, able to transfer patients up to 500 lbs. This makes it a good choice for bariatric patients or those concerned with the product lasting for a long time. Though you should keep in mind that hard wood comes with extra weight.
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Curved Transfer Board by Days
This bright teal transfer board tries something a little different, featuring a curved shape made specifically to wrap around the arms of wheelchairs or sofas. It’s a great choice if you plan on using it for these specific purposes and can even be more maneuverable than standard transfer board designs. It does have a slightly shorter length though, and at only 27 inches might not be long enough for some.
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Bariatric Transfer Board by Sammons Preston
If you find some traditional designs a little difficult to maneuver, this bariatric transfer board may be just the solution you’re looking for. It’s handles are positioned differently than other boards, allowing caregivers to get a firm hold from the side or back. Plus, it’s made specifically for bariatric patients, and is able to support up to 600 lbs, making it the strongest board on our list. It’s only downside is that it’s bulkier size may be harder to control.
Buy on AmazonHow Do you Use a Transfer Board?
While these patient transfer assists may look simple at first glance, knowing how to use them properly is crucial. Caregivers should have formal training before moving patients or loved ones and seek guidance from professionals.
Once properly trained, remember to keep your board handy for the next time you need it. It should always be within reach when you wake up in the morning, or want to get up off the couch.
Other Helpful Transfer Devices
The truth is that there are a wide variety of patient transfer boards and devices around today, each with a different use. Learn more about some of the more common options here.
Transfer Belt
Transfer belts secure around the patient’s waist and allow caregivers to get a firm hold when raising or lowering them onto surfaces. They are used with patients who need a little extra help, but still have leg strength to assist the transfer process.
Transfer Blanket
Transfer blankets are reserved for patients with the lowest mobility, and require a team of caregivers to use. The blanket is positioned under the patient and caregivers stand at each of the four corners, holding onto a soft handle. It allows patient transfers between two horizontal surfaces.
Pivot Aids
These are mostly used by individuals who need extra help shifting into and out of wheelchiars, car seats, and chairs. It simply allows them to pivot their body, putting them in a good position to stand out of their seat.
Weighing All the Factors
In a side-by-side analysis, we found the lightweight durability of MABIS DMI’s wooden transfer board was the best option for both patients and caregivers. It’s easy to see why, with a 440 lbs weight capacity and smart tapered design. Though if you want something to use in the shower, their plastic board is a great alternative, while Vive’s patient slide assist board fills its own unique niche with a smooth and crack-resistant surface. Choose your own and let us know what you think.
Our Winner -Heavy-Duty Wood Transfer Board by MABIS DMI
The patient slide assist transfer board by MABIS DMI is able to support up to 440 lbs and at 30 inches long it a tool that any caregiver can rely on.
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