Hi everyone. I wonder if anyone has had experience of fitting slings for children sleeping in a sleep system, such as the Symmetrisleep?
It seems impossible to roll to fit the sling so the only option seems to be to remove the system and replace it when putting the child back to bed. This might happen several times a night so would be too unsettling.
If anyone has any suggestions or experience I'd be most grateful,
Thank you,
Helena
Hi Helena, I agree that I would be starting with why the child is being hoisted several times a night? Sleep systems are not really designed with this in mind and generally need to be removed/partly removed (depending on what one in place) to do anything too major during the night. If for personal care, why is this not being done on the bed? I appreciate I do not know the full situation here. In-bed positioning systems, like Wendyletts, are generally not compatible with most sleep systems, but you could look at Symmslyde or just consider use of a slide sheet to attend to personal care on the bed, if this is the reason they are being hoisted out?
Hi Helena. I'm passing on a collection of feedback shared by followers of the Hub on social media. Hope it's all helpful:
Meryn: 'Worked with a kiddo (12 year old) that needed a sleep system for positioning at night. Family ended up deciding to use a combination of pillows rather than buying a sleep system because it allowed for easier repositioning throughout the night. They used a (not very high) wedge pillow to help slightly elevate head/torso, one of those big pregnancy pillows around the body to prevent rolling off the bed, sometimes a pillow under the knees, and a sciatica pillow that’s designed for between the legs. Kiddo preferred side sleeping, but would need to be repositioned at least once in the night. When kiddo woke up it was easy to roll them without too much fuss."
Natalie: "Why do they need to get up through the night? The idea is to stay there, with every joint in the most supported position."
Karin: "www.innocare.nl - this is a nice system."
Katie: "Wendylett sheets or Symmslide will solve this challenge."
Joelle: "I am guessing it’s for bowel motions overnight? Otherwise could their continence aids wait until morning? If it is bowel motions I would check that they are not having suppository or constipation treatment causing overnight bowel movements. Anyway - if personal hygiene is a must overnight I would consider changing from a formal sleep system to an informal system. An informal sleep system has varied size and shape cushions to get optimal alignment. Check out Medifab, maybe even contact them with your question: https://medifab.com/au/product/carewave-lying-positioning-system/"
Jade: "Levitex Sleep manufacture the Hugga sleep system, that has a built-in slide sheet system."
Jenn: "Prism four way glide, comes in waterproof also."
Claire: "Flat sheet/‘sling sandwich’ method works best for this, choose a pair of oversized sheets and fold neatly - not too big/small (record the depth of fold needed on the care plan to help others). Unroll underneath them gently but firmly.
I truly hated this method when training to be a manual handling trainer, but it’s probably one of the best solutions for all manner of difficult situations where you can’t/don’t want to move or disturb the person."
Mandy: "We have had success using a slide sheet - you can usually feed the slide sheet under the child then once this is in place you can feed the sling under the slide sheet, I have used this technique more for those using the likes of a stabillo as you can't remove the supports for transfers. This Is generally just to get them out of bed in the morning. Is there a reason why the person is needing to be hoisted several times during a night?"
Kayleigh: "I was also going to suggest a slide sheet, as then it is easier to take sling in and out."
Sue: "Inserting the sling between 2 slide-sheets is a technique I have observed. As to whether this would work with sleep systems, I dont know. With adult systems, the system was reset each time: this was before I saw the above technique."
Jayne: "Can you get the rep out?"
Hi Helena,
I think the starting point would be to explore why the child has to be helped out of bed several times a night and see if the frequency could be reduced.
If the child has to be moved off the bed, then manual lifting may be an option, depending on factors including their weight, tone, bone fragility and the capabilities of the person who would be lifting them. I can see on Linked in that Jo de Clercq has suggested leaving a sling in situ under the child, which is another option.
In terms of fitting a sling under the child, some sleep systems do allow space for a slide sheet to be half rolled and then pushed under the child and pulled out the other side. This would then enable the child to be rolled "on the spot" so that they remain central within the sleep system but in side lying. The sling could then also be half rolled and introduced behind and tucked under the child. The child would then be assisted to move into their original position, using the slide sheet, onto their back and the sling untucked on the other side.
Last thought is that some sleep systems are easier and quieter to remove and refit than others. Those with Velcro base sheets tend to be noisier, those without are quieter.
Hope that's helpful!
There is a technique to apply a sling and dress adults and children with compromised body shapes.
You still need to remove the system
Fit the sling between two slide sheets, then remove the slide sheet next to the body.
As someone else has said do you need to take them out of bed or reposition.
Hi Helena!
Can I ask if the child is getting out of bed and back in multiple times during the night, or just needs repositioning?
Where I work we tend to remove one side and we can roll enough to get a sling in (for most people).
If it's just repositioning up/down/left/right then we tend to unfold slip sheets underneath someone rather than rolling them, that way the sleep system can stay mostly in place 😊
Other than that I've not seen/heard of many suggestions where slings can be put in situ without rolling ☹️
Liz
Thanks for reaching out Helena. We'll bring your forum to the attention of fellow Members shortly!