Case studies
Pillow lifts
Pillow lifts are mains or battery powered and rest on top of the mattress and under the pillow to lift you to a reclined or sitting position in bed. Sometimes the pillow is part of the equipment. They are similar to mattress inclinators but are narrower, giving less support.
Please read our FAQs if you have any questions about how to change information, what the DLF ratings means, etc.
Help and advice
Most pillow lifts do not angle under the knees to form a knee-break, therefore you'll sit with your legs extended. This means that there is a risk that you may slide down the bed. This movement may increase the risk of developing skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. If this does cause difficulty than you may wish to consider a pillow lifters with a knee break or a variable posture bed as many models have the option to raise your knees to help prevent this happening.
Pillow lifters usually lift the person forwards and away from the bedside cabinet. A few models are designed to slide back as they lift so that the cabinet is still in reach.
If there is a risk that you may slip sideways off the pillow lift, it is probably more appropriate to use a mattress inclinator or a variable posture bed.
