Top 5 Best Looped Gait Belts 2019

Top 5 Best Looped Gait Belts 2019

Gait belts are great tools for both the caregiver and the patient in providing stability and a reduction of fall risk for those with mobility issues.  A gait belt should always be considered if 1) a caregiver can reasonably maneuver and support their customer, 2) the patient has difficulty rising, sitting, walking or transferring on their own, and 3) the patient is not too large for the benefits and safety of the gait belt (may need to consider a sling or hoyer).

Gait belts come in a variety of sizes, styles and materials.  Some are simple buckle belts while others are bands with loops.  Deciding which one to choose will depend on the patient’s needs and circumstances around its use. Buckle gait belts are the simplest and can accommodate waist sizes up to 72″.  These belts are designed for those requiring minimal transfer assistance but want the extra fall risk support of a caregiver. Belts with band and loops provide greater transfer assistance options for those needing more support during ambulation.  Gait belts are made cotton, canvas, nylon and leather and come with buckle or snap fasteners.

Caregivers need to be mindful of the type of gait belt to use for their patients.  The chosen belt must employ good body mechanics for the caregiver and not put too much strain on their legs, knees and backs.  Patients need to be able to rise, sit and ambulate on their own with minor support from the caregiver.  The caregiver should avoid “lifting” the patient rather “supporting” the patient to avoid strain and injury to both parties.

If you are unsure if a gait belt is right for your situation or have questions about your choice of belt please read our article on “Learning Proper Gait Belt Use” and consult your medical professional prior to purchase.

Let’s take a look at our Looped Gait Belt Review.

Best Looped Gait Belts 2019
Quality and Dependability

#1 – Secure Transfer Walking Gait Belt with Caregiver Hand Grips – Patient Ambulation Assist

This looped gait belt is made of durable, soft nylon material with ultra strong reinforced stitching.   It has four vertical loops and two horizontal hand grips to allow greater support options for the caregiver.  The quick-release buckle clip allows for easy on and off of the belt and can be adjusted to stay in your initially configured state. A four-inch back section allows for greater contact with the patient.  According to the vendor their products have assisted in reducing falls, infections and costs in over 7,000 nursing homes and hospitals in the U.S., Canada and Europe. (1)

The belt is washable and should be air dried or tumbled dry on low heat.  Always check patient’s skin for rashes, tears, infections or signs of irritation if the gait belt rubs the skin or detergent creates a reaction. A layer of clothing should always be worn between patient skin and gait belt.

Be careful not to over-tighten the gait belt as it could harm your patient.  A caregiver should be able to easily put two fingers between the gait belt and the patient to make sure the gait belt is properly tightened.

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 52 x 4  inches
  • Weight: 9.6 oz

Warranty Information – one year limited warranty

(1) https://www.securesafetysolutions.com/about.htm

Pros:

  • Made of soft durable and comfortable nylon material
  • Reinforced stitching for strong durability
  • Horizontal and vertical hand grips
  • Quick release buckle
  • Machine washable
  • Adjustable to many sizes to ensure proper fit
  • Fits 28″ to 48″ waists

Cons:

  • Not made in the USA
  • Size of belt may slide around on people with smaller midriffs

CHOOSE ME as we provide the sturdiest and most reliable mobility support solution for those with various disability needs.

#2 – Vive Transfer Belt with Handles

Vive Health’s mission is to put “your needs first” by uniquely designing and developing products specifically for your health needs. They believe your mobility aids should be dynamic and expressive of your need to thrive as comfortably as possible in your unique environment.

The gait belt features four padded vertical and two horizontal loops providing for a more secure and comfortable support grip.  Be careful not to over-tighten the gait belt as it could harm your patient.  A caregiver should be able to easily put two fingers between the gait belt and the patient to make sure the gait belt is properly tightened.

The belt is washable and should be air dried or tumbled dry on low heat.  Always check patient’s skin for rashes, tears, infections or signs of irritation if the gait belt rubs the skin or detergent creates a reaction.  A layer of clothing should always be worn between patient skin and gait belt.

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 4 x 55 inches
  • Weight:  12.6 oz

Warranty Information – 60 day guarantee on product

Pros:

  • 2 horizontal and 4 vertical padded loops for varied patient support
  • Durable metal buckle with gripping teeth for secure buckling
  • Durable quality stitching and design
  • Machine washable
  • Fits 28″ to 51″ waists

Cons:

  • Belt can come loose if not securely fastened with teeth
  • No quick release mechanism
  • Minimum warranty and support

CHOOSE ME as our quality design and dual direction loops are a great solution to your support needs.  

#3 – Original Physical Therapy Transfer & Walking Gait Belt with 7 Hand Grips & Easy Release Plastic Buckle

This durable looped gait belt is made of durable cotton and polyester blend with strong reinforced stitching.   It has four vertical loops and three horizontal hand grips to allow greater support options for the caregiver.  The gait belt has a quick release metal buckle that can be tightened to provide a snug fit for the patient.  (A plastic buckle is also available.) A larger back section allows for greater contact with the patient.

Be careful not to over-tighten the gait belt as it could harm your patient.  A caregiver should be able to easily put two fingers between the gait belt and the patient to make sure the gait belt is properly tightened.

The belt is washable and should be air dried or tumbled dry on low heat.  Always check patient’s skin for rashes, tears, infections or signs of irritation if the gait belt rubs the skin or detergent creates a reaction. A layer of clothing should always be worn between patient skin and gait belt.

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 56 x 5 inches
  • Weight: 10 oz

Warranty Information – unknown

Pros:

  • 7 horizontal and vertical hand grips for greater support by caregiver
  • Metal and plastic buckle options for comfort
  • Durable cotton and polyester blend for comfort
  • Washable
  • Sizable to fit a variety of waist sizes
  • Fits 31″ to 56″ waists

Cons:

  • Unknown warranty
  • No quick release option making it longer and more difficult to put on
  • May not be suitable for smaller people with tinier waists

CHOOSE ME as we provide a great reliable mobility solution for our larger sized community.

#4 – Posey Six Handle Gait Belt (Choose buckle=Quick-release Buckle)

The Posey gait belt comes with two horizontal and four vertical looped belt handles to provide caregivers with a variable position solution in assisting patients with ambulation. It is available in either a nickel plated or quick release nylon button.  The belt is unlined and may slide upwards on a patient is not snugly attached.  It is a machine washable black nylon belt with green nylon belt loops.

Be careful not to over-tighten the gait belt as it could harm your patient.  A caregiver should be able to easily put two fingers between the gait belt and the patient to make sure the gait belt is properly tightened.

The belt is washable and should be air dried or tumbled dry on low heat.  Always check patient’s skin for rashes, tears, infections or signs of irritation if the gait belt rubs the skin or detergent creates a reaction.  A layer of clothing should always be worn between patient skin and gait belt.

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 4 x 52 inches
  • Weight:  10 oz

Warranty Information – not available

Pros:

  • 2 horizontal and 4 vertical loops for different caregiver assist positions
  • Machine washable
  • Four inch width helps keep gait belt in place
  • Quick release buckle
  • Good response from satisfied customers
  • Fits 28″ to 52″ waists

Cons:

  • Warranty information not available
  • Unlined back may slide up on patient’s chest creating safety and uncomfortable situation

CHOOSE ME as our wide waist and dual direction loops provide exceptional support for your client.

#5 – Tommhanes Gait Belt

The Tommhanes gait belt has four vertical and three horizontal looped handles providing support options for caregiver and stability for patients.  The gait belt has a plastic buckle and non-slip ring with adjustable belt to achieve and keep a snug fit. It also has a reflective strip making it easier to see patients when walking at night in the outdoors. The gait belt is made of nylon and is machine washable.

Be careful not to over-tighten the gait belt as it could harm your patient.  A caregiver should be able to easily put two fingers between the gait belt and the patient to make sure the gait belt is properly tightened.

The belt is washable and should be air dried or tumbled dry on low heat.  Always check patient’s skin for rashes, tears, infections or signs of irritation if the gait belt rubs the skin or detergent creates a reaction.  A layer of clothing should always be worn between patient skin and gait belt.

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 52″ x 4.7″ inches
  • Weight: 8.5 oz

Warranty Information – not available

Pros:

  • 3 horizontal and 4 vertical loops for support options for caregivers
  • Machine washable
  • Comfortable padded wide belt
  • Reflective strip to see patients at night outdoors
  • Fits 26″ to 52″ waists

Cons:

  • Not recommended for heavier patients
  • Reports the fabric is thinner than other gait belts

CHOOSE ME as our thick padded belt and innovative transverse handles will provide great support for your mobility needs. 

Best Looped Gait Belt Review 2019
Comparison Chart

We have created a side by side comparison of the five looped gait belts highlighted above for easier comparison.

The Hall of Care product rating scores use a combination of factors to produce the overall best of five star rating.  These categories include:

  • Durability
  • Comfort
  • Safety
  • Product Size and Weight
  • Customer Service
  • Price (are you getting what you pay for)
Product
Weight & Dimensions
Fits Waists
HoC Rating
Check Price

Secure Transfer
Walking Gait Belt

9.6 oz
52 x 4  inches
28″ to 48″ waists 4.9 out of 5 stars (4.9 / 5)
Hall of Care Choice
Check Price

Vive Transfer Belt with Handles

12.6 oz
4 x 55 inches
28″ to 51″ waists 4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)
Best Value
Check Price

Original Physical
Therapy Transfer
& Walking Gait
Belt

10.0 oz
56 x 5 inches
31″ to 56″ waists 4.8 out of 5 stars (4.8 / 5) Check Price

Posey Six Handle
Gait Belt

10.0 oz
4 x 52 inches
28″ to 52″ waists 4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5) Check Price

Tommhanes
Transfer Gait Belts

8.5 oz
52 x 4.7 inches
26″ to 52″ waists 4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5) Check Price

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